At Umoja we believe that education is a vital tool in the fight against poverty. Our mission is not just to give our students a year of free education – but to see them move on to ‘the next step’. This next step could be secondary education, college, vocational education (such as ‘on-the-job’ training or career specific studies) or meaningful employment/self-employment.
We achieve this goal through mentoring and support both during the course and after the students graduate. This takes the form of careers education and advice, business studies and ‘post-course’ mentoring (such as book-keeping and business planning lessons and interview coaching); as well as financial support (this can range from paying school fees and buying uniforms and equipment to providing small business loans) and other things as simple as giving our graduates access to our IT facilities or giving them a lift to an interview!
Far from breeding dependence, we feel that our activities nurture independence and give our graduates a much needed ‘foot-up’ into continued education or employment.
Without the kind and continued support of our sponsors our out-placement scheme could not be so successful, or even possible! We would like to extend our heart-felt appreciation to our existing sponsors and urge anyone who is considering joining our Youth Sponsorship Programme to get involved – simply click this link!
Here are just some of our fantastic success stories –
Pascalina Mmari
Pascalina is the latest addition to Umoja's staff. Chosen because of her great attitude, hard work and high results whilst a student, Pascalina is taking on some of Gerry's responsibilities (to enable him to concentrate more time on IT) as well as providing assistance to Caroline our Programme Manager with book-keeping and paper-work.
Nineteen Students back in state school!
We are delighted to report that we now have a total of 19 students back in state school. We would like to take this opportunity to say a massive thank you to all thoses who have provided continuing commitment and support to our school-returners (including gifting school-fees, equipment and other fees and expenses). THANK YOU!
Mwajuma Mganyo
Mwajuma already had tailoring experience before starting at Umoja and had been doing piecemeal work during her time at the centre. She was encouraged in both Careers and Business Studies to exploit her talents.
Having analyzed her opportunities and come up with a business plan we are delighted to report that she is now self-employed with a small but flourishing tailoring business, catering to locals and tourists alike. With guidance from the centre in book-keeping and other business essentials we foresee a well-deserved, bright future for Mwajuma!
Festo Martin
Similar to Mwajuma, Festo already had some experience in his preferred line of work – carpentry. During his time at Umoja we equipped him with the necessary skills for self-employment and pushed him to crystallise his plans. We are continuing to mentor Festo providing business advice as well as quite a few jobs (he has recently installed new shelves in the library and volunteer kitchen as well as a new volunteer bed!)
We are extremely happy to relate the great news that Festo’s business is thriving and that he is literally worked off his feet – with his order book constantly full and his reputation rapidly growing in the local community.
James Sagilo and Miriam Faustine
Two of our highest academically achieving students we are really pleased that we are able to provide James and Miriam ongoing support as they continue their journey through education in a state school – Sekei Secondary. James is working toward a career in tourism and Miriam is aiming to become a lawyer.
We would like to express our deepest gratitude to their sponsors for kindly agreeing to help with their school fees and equipment costs.
Filebin 1exec-Gerald Mk UC Gerry Mkemangwa
Gerry has wanted to work as a safari guide for as long as he can remember. Unfortunately this is a dream he shares with many, many other Tanzanians. The English skills, general knowledge and self-confidence that Gerry has acquired at Umoja will see him in good stead when he is old enough to break into this fiercely competitive arena.
In the meantime, due to constant dedication to his studies as well as an unfailing commitment to the centre’s ethics and rules, Umoja has offered Gerry work as a General Assistant. Replacing James Sagilo as the centre’s librarian as well as taking on numerous administrative and other tasks, he has quickly become an indispensable member of staff!
UPDATE - Gerry has recently attended an IT course to build on his computer skills and knowledge and he will now be helping with the delivery of our IT curriculum. We are extremely pleased with the way Gerry is growing in his role!
Ibrahim Haled, Johnson Maira, Ramadhani Ally, and Enock Siara
Ibra, Johnson, Rama and Enock had all set their sights on work in the IT sector. We were pleased to be able to find them placements in a work-training scheme through ACTT Computing, based in nearby Moshi, doing on-the-job training. They are all doing really well and the IT maintenance skills that they are learning will give them a real head-start in the labour market in this rapidly modernising area of East Africa.
UPDATE - Ibrahim and Rama have now gained jobs in the IT sector - well done to both of them!
Juma Selemani and Benjamin John
Juma and Benjamin both expressed a passion for cars and mechanics during their time with us so we arranged for them to attend the ABC Vocational Training Centre in Arusha to train as car-mechanics. Both are extremely happy and progressing well.
Zablon Loy
Our first graduate to leave us, Zablon Loy, was accepted on a 10 months hospitality course which will hopefully result in him fulfilling his dreams of becoming a chef. The programme covers all areas of hospitality including front of house, house keeping and cooking; ensuring that he will have a varied and full experience. Zablon successfully passed two rounds of interviews to be accepted on this free course with Jobortunity.
UPDATE - Zablon has just graduated from Jobortunity and is leaving Tanzania to do a job as a chef in Dubai! Thank you to all at Jobortunity and well done to Zablon for making us proud!
