Cecilia Thornton is the Sponsorship Director for TEC, Tanzania Education Community. In this role, she oversees 95 students across three schools and ten teachers under the TEC umbrella. Cecilia handles and organizes all financial reporting, infield projects, and wholesale purchasing. She holds a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in English from Georgia State University (GSU) and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Management at John Hopkins University.
Cecilia began her career by volunteering in her local community. Throughout high school and college, she actively participated in various community projects across the state, including reading programs, homeless health initiatives, youth outreach fairs, and international leadership programs.
After college, she joined the Peace Corps and volunteered abroad for two years. This experience significantly broadened her horizons and helped refine her career objectives. The achievement of her goals resulted from her dedication and hard work. She finds inspiration in trying new things and pushing herself beyond her comfort zone.
It is difficult for me to have a specific achievement in mind when starting an unfamiliar project; however, matching my actions to aid/support the project/people I am overseeing as the focus produces favorable results every time. – Cecilia Thornton
Curiosity. It may present as a flimsy foundation, but it is that simple!
Curiosity about traveling and pushing her boundaries are her primary motivations. She’s curious about the people she meet and the resources she can provide to further their goals. Her curiosity has been the driving force behind her journey, leading her to places she never could have imagined.
Her journey has been short, and she has much to do in the future. She has worked through college to find a job she might like to do in the future. Then, she decided to commit to the love of traveling that constantly plagued her mind after becoming interested in the history of how specific areas developed in conjunction with other places, along with the people who lived there.
We asked Cecilia, “What advice would she give someone looking to follow in her footsteps or explore a similar career path?”.
It may seem daunting at first, but it gets easier. Once you start looking for opportunities, they will appear everywhere. It’s up to you how far you take it, but there is no lack of areas needing help, aid, or your specific expertise.
Please share with us your story and the passion that drives it.
The passion behind my current journey is based on my experience as a dyslexic child. I was more than often discounted and written off by my teachers and peers that I could not do more than their understanding of my learning disability. However, their words never matched the adventurous and ambitious notions that consumed my thoughts. Early on, I thought I should take my word for my life’s adventures and encourage others in similar situations to do the same. I became a teacher to be a resource to students who have been told similar notions or need an ally on their discouraged adventures.
After some time as a teacher in the United States, I decided I could expand my ideals and services abroad, eventually leading to different non-profit organizations and leadership. My passion to be a support and partner for anyone needing information will continue well into my future endeavors.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
An open no judgmental mindset has been my biggest asset in times of uncomfortable challenges.
About Tanzania Education Corp (TEC)
Tanzania Education Corp (TEC) is dedicated to enhancing education opportunities in Tanzania through various impactful initiatives and partnerships with the Tumaini Schools. Starting with just 17 students in 2004, Tumaini Schools now educate over 1,100 students across three campuses, including primary and secondary levels, focusing significantly on English-medium instruction to prepare students for higher education and global opportunities.
TEC has significantly expanded its educational facilities over the years, constructing more than 30 classrooms and establishing comprehensive libraries stocked with a wide range of books, mainly focusing on African authors, to foster student literacy and learning. These efforts have placed Tumaini Schools among the top-performing institutions in Tanzania.
One of the standout features of TEC’s programming is its sponsorship system, which has successfully paired sponsors with students in need, covering costs like tuition, uniforms, and school supplies. This initiative not only supports students financially but also builds connections between sponsors and students through exchanges of letters, photos, and updates.
In addition to standard curricula, TEC emphasizes STEM education and Project-Based Learning (PBL), offering courses ranging from website design to economic development, encouraging students to engage in real-world problem-solving. Notably, TEC has been proactive in promoting STEM among female students, supporting initiatives like developing apps to address social issues such as domestic violence.
For more detailed information about their programs and how they’re making a difference, you can read about their Impact and visit their main website .
