I remember the first time I met Methodius.
It was the first week of term at Crown City Academy, one of the best schools in Zanzibar.
The sun was already unforgiving by 9 a.m., and the morning buzz of children filling the yard was full of laughter, dust, and hope.
Methodius, about eight years old, stood quietly by the school gate, wearing a faded Manchester United t-shirt that was three sizes too big and rubber slippers worn so thin that they looked like they were held together by prayer.
He had no backpack.
No lunchbox.
No water bottle.
Just a small piece of chalk in his hand—probably something he picked up on the road.
He didn’t speak much at first, but smiled politely and nodded at everything.
That day, I found out he wasn’t actually enrolled in the school.
He had been watching from a distance for weeks. “I just want to learn, swim and speak good English like these kids studying here”, he said.
The Courage to Show Up Empty-Handed
Methodius’s story isn’t rare in Zanzibar—but it’s still heartbreaking.
His parents had pulled him out of a small local private school months earlier because they simply couldn’t afford the fees, uniforms, or supplies.
His previous school is close to Crown City Academy, and he would pass there every school day.
Knowing how kids enjoyed learning at Crown City Academy, he decided, every morning, he got dressed, walked across the street, and stood outside the school gate.
He would see how kids were playing, swimming and speaking fluent English and many more languages.
We reached out to his parents and partners, who were ready to help.
He was officially welcomed to his new school.
He absorbed everything like a sponge.
Learning Isn’t About Luxury—It’s About Access
People often assume quality education requires shiny tech, sleek furniture, and expensive programs.
But Methogius reminded us that education is first and foremost about access.
He needed just one thing: a chance.
And once he had it, he ran with it.
Within a few months, he was reading above grade level.
He could speak English with confidence.
He raised his hand in class—and his eyes lit up every time he got the answer right.
We didn’t give him much in material terms—but we gave him dignity.
And it changed his life.
Methodius now attends school every day thanks to one of the scholarships funded by Cambridge Charter Academy Inc..
That scholarship didn’t just cover school fees—it bought his first school bag, a pair of real shoes, and the textbook he carries like a treasure.
There are dozens more children like him.
Children who are willing to learn but are being left out simply because of money.
With donor support, we:
- Provide scholarships to children in need
- Buy school supplies like books, shoes, and uniforms
- Equip classrooms with desks, mats, and chairs
- Train teachers to identify and support children with learning differences
Every donation turns into something real—something a child can touch, feel, and grow with.
A Note to Donors, Sponsors & Volunteers
When you give, you don’t just give money.
You give dignity.
You give a child like Methodius a place to sit, a voice to speak, and a future to hope for.
Volunteers who have worked with us often say the biggest reward isn’t what they brought—but what they left with: a deeper appreciation for joy, resilience, and community.
Sponsors, your generosity goes further than you think. One small act can shift the direction of a child’s life forever.
We Need You to Help Us Say Yes More Often
When a child like Methodius knocks, we want to say yes.
Not just sometimes.
Every time.
We want to stop turning kids away because we don’t have enough scholarships.
We want to stop squeezing six children onto one desk in public schools.
We want to build more classrooms, train more teachers, and buy more learning tools.
Will you help us say yes to the next Methodius?
👉 Donate Now
👉 Sponsor a Student
👉 Volunteer With Us
From Maryland, with gratitude—
Unkonda Sawyer
Founder, Cambridge Charter Academy.
