Behind the Scenes: The SEGA Girls’ School Selection Process
At the SEGA Girls’ School, every girl admitted embarks on a journey of empowerment, education, and personal growth. But how are these girls chosen? Behind every selection is a meticulous, thoughtful process designed to enable bright, motivated girls in Tanzania to transform their futures. Here are the key steps involved in this in-depth process:
Preselection – Laying the Groundwork (April/May)
The selection process begins several months before students arrive on campus to participate in SEGA’s intensive English Fluency Program. The objective is to find girls who are bright and highly motivated to stay in school but who are at risk of dropping out due to their poverty level. While there are public schools they could attend, their parents would still need to pay for uniforms and books, and they may be very far from the nearest school, creating additional barriers to attaining an education. SEGA’s team meets to determine which geographic regions to focus on—typically areas within a day’s drive of the school. The goal is to reach communities where girls most need educational opportunities.
A small team (made up of some of SEGA’s teachers and administrators) with vital information about SEGA's mission embarks on a two—to three-day trip to visit local government authorities in the chosen areas. This outreach is essential as it allows SEGA to build partnerships with local leaders who provide insights and suggestions for schools to include in the selection process. Once relationships are established, SEGA sets a return date and targets around 100 girls for interview day.
This preselection stage isn’t just about logistics—it’s about creating a network of support within the community. Local heads of schools play a critical role by helping identify girls who meet the criteria and assisting SEGA in organizing recruitment efforts. These connections lay the foundation for a smooth selection process later on.
Selection Day – Assessing Potential (June /July, Depending on the Academic Semester calendar)
Selection Day officially occurs in June or July, depending on the academic semester calendar. In planning for this, SEGA ensures all logistics are in place. The team estimates the number of people attending—100 girls plus 100 guardians—and provides a clear plan for transportation, staff roles, and even meals for the day.
Once the girls and their guardians arrive at the examination site, each pair is assigned a unique ID number, which helps SEGA track their progress throughout the selection process. Photos are taken to match each girl with her guardian, a critical step to verify accurate identification.
The day is divided into two main parts: exams for the girls and interviews for both the guardians and the girls, conducted separately to ensure honesty and accuracy. While the girls take their exams, SEGA staff interviews the guardians to gather crucial information about their backgrounds, living conditions, and the support available at home. Once the exams are completed, one-on-one interviews are conducted with the girls.
The girls' exams are then graded, and SEGA compares the results with the information collected from the interviews.
The Shortlist – Narrowing Down the Candidates
SEGA holds a selection committee meeting once the exams are graded and the interviews are reviewed. Each girl's application is discussed individually, and decisions are made based on her academic potential and personal circumstances.
This holistic approach guarantees that SEGA is not just looking for the brightest students but also those who need the opportunities SEGA offers most. At-risk girls, such as those living with one or no parents, are prioritized over others who may have more family support. Exceptions can be made for those who show high potential despite academic challenges.
After careful consideration, 38 girls are shortlisted for home visits. An additional ten students are identified as potential backups if any original selections need to be adjusted.
Home Visits – A Final Check
Home visits are the most crucial step in the selection process. These visits, often conducted as surprise drop-ins, allow SEGA staff to see each girl's living conditions firsthand.
During the home visits, a second photo is taken of each girl in her home with her family. This visual record, interview sheets, and exam results help SEGA verify whether the girls' challenges reflect those outlined in their applications.
Teams of SEGA staff, split into roles like interviewer and photographer, travel to various communities to complete this final phase. The home visit verifies the student’s level of economic need and is a chance for SEGA to inform families about the next steps, including school start dates and how the girls will travel to SEGA’s campus.
Post-Selection – Welcome to SEGA!
Once the selection process is complete, all documentation is carefully recorded, and the SEGA team begins facilitating the next steps for the girls. Equipped with acceptance letters and joining instructions, they prepare to start their education at SEGA, where they will gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence to break free from the cycle of poverty.
SEGA’s selection process is as rigorous as it is compassionate. Each stage assures that the selected girls benefit most from SEGA’s unique, supportive environment. Combining academic potential with a deep understanding of each girl’s situation, SEGA opens the door to a brighter future for Tanzania’s most at-risk girls.
This thoughtful approach to selecting students is what sets SEGA apart, and it’s why so many SEGA graduates lead successful, impactful lives.
By becoming a Student Scholarship Supporter, you can help bright, deserving girls access the education they need to succeed. For more information on how to support SEGA’s newest students, email info@nurturingmindsinafrica.org