By Rachel Merisheki, CG, Gem Legacy
Gem Legacy, a nonprofit organization dedicated to uplifting East African artisanal gem mining communities, has embarked on an ambitious initiative—the Gem Legacy Campus. This project aims to provide vocational education and housing for students pursuing careers in the gemstone industry and other professional fields. Through this initiative, Gem Legacy is fostering long-term socioeconomic development and creating generational change – increased by 400% annually each year!
A Vision for Sustainable Education and Growth
Since its inception in 2018, Gem Legacy has significantly impacted artisanal gem mining communities by providing vocational training, scholarships, and essential resources. With over 64 graduates in gem faceting and 14+ college scholarship graduates, the organization has demonstrated its commitment to fostering economic opportunities. However, limitations such as inadequate student capacity, inconsistent educational quality, and lack of access to housing have prompted the need for a more robust solution.
The Gem Legacy Campus will address these challenges by establishing a self-operated gem faceting school and college dormitories in Arusha, Tanzania. This will allow students from various regions to receive high-quality training and accommodations, eliminating financial and logistical barriers that often prevent access to education.
The Impact of the Gem Faceting School
A cornerstone of the Gem Legacy Campus is its Gem Faceting School. Previously, Gem Legacy provided scholarships for students to attend a local faceting school. However, these programs faced several issues, including inconsistent power supply, high student-to-teacher ratios, and low employment retention due to inadequate training.
By establishing its own institution, Gem Legacy will expand its course offerings to include additional skills such as cabochon cutting, jewelry making, and wire wrapping. The school’s improved facilities, enhanced teacher oversight, and increased capacity will ensure that students receive comprehensive training, leading to higher employment rates in the gemstone industry.
College Scholarships and Student Housing
Beyond vocational training, the campus will house students in the College Scholarship Program, which supports youth from mining communities in pursuing higher education. Previously, students faced significant financial strain due to high housing costs, transportation expenses, and limited support services. The new dormitories will provide a stable and secure environment where students can focus on their studies while benefiting from mentorship, tutoring, and career development programs.
The expanded scholarship program will increase the number of beneficiaries from seven to 34 annually, enabling more students to pursue careers in fields such as hospitality, mechanics, teaching, and accounting.
Building a Lasting Legacy
The Gem Legacy Campus is a testament to the organization’s mission to empower mining communities through education and economic opportunities. With an estimated annual operating budget of $56,640, just minimally more than the annual budget would be with the initiatives operated as is, the project relies on donor support to sustain its impact. By investing in this initiative, sponsors and donors are not just funding education; they are shaping the future of an entire generation.
Through this groundbreaking project, Gem Legacy is ensuring that young individuals in gem mining communities have the skills, knowledge, and opportunities necessary to build prosperous futures. The ripple effect of this initiative will be felt for years to come, solidifying Gem Legacy’s commitment to creating a lasting impact in East Africa.
How You Can Join Us
While we are thrilled to announce that we are 88% funded, we are looking for partners to join us in sponsoring:
- $5,600: dorm rooms
- $75: bedding per bed x 60 beds
- $300: cooking pots and pans
- $2,000: stove and other appliances
- $400: per dining tables and chairs x 8 tables
- $500: dishes and eating utensils
- $2,500: furniture for the house mother’s home
- $900: office desks and chairs
- $50: flagpole
You can contribute at gemlegacy.org by marking your donation for “Campus Fund” or contact [email protected] for sponsorship opportunities and recognition.
