Samwel Jairosy Kayinga, age 21

Samwel is from Vwawa and lives with his grandmother when school is not in session. Both parents are deceased. He was one of the first students to receive a Tutaweza scholarship, and he completed Form IV at Hasaga Boys School in 2009. Because of his high score on the final exams, Samwel was invited to continue in Forms V and VI at a special government school for bright students. Therefore, he is currently enrolled at Ilboru High School in Arusha, with an emphasis on Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. His dream is to eventually get a university education and perhaps become a physiologist.

to read an excerpt from Samwel's essay called 'Building the Future,' click here

Hilda Wisdom Kapusi, age 19

Hilda Wisdom Kapusi is from Ilembo Village in Mbozi District. She has one brother and two sisters and has lived with her maternal grandmother since the death of both parents. She attended James Sangu Secondary School, with assistance from Tutaweza, and completed Form IV in 2011. Hilda dreams of one day becoming a leader in her community, so she decided to pursue a career in education. She is currently attending Lutheran Teachers College in Mbeya. Her favorite passtimes include singing and listening to news on the radio .

to read an excerpt from Hilda's letter on friendship, click here

Grace Queen Nzunda, age 19

Grace is the first born of three children. Both parents died early in her life and she was able to stay with her grandparents, who enrolled her in James Sangu school. Unfortunately, they were unable to continue paying her school fees, so she began receiving a Tutaweza sponsorship in 2007. Grace successfully completed Form IV in 2011, and is pursuing a vocational education at the Tanzania Institute of Accountancy (TIA) in Mbeya.

to read a selection from Grace's most recent letter, click here

Eliud David Silindu, age 20

Eliud is the first born of three children of David Silindu (who died in 1997) and Roida Nzunda (who died in 2001). After the death of his parents, he moved in with his grandfather, Jamson Nzunda. He was unable to begin his education in Vwawa until age 10, and he completed primary school in 2007. With Tutaweza's help, Eliud is now attending Hasaga Boy's Secondary School and hopes to eventually become a doctor in order to serve the people of Tanzania. In his spare time, he enjoys hiking, watching TV programs, playing soccer, and participating in debates.

To read a selection from Eliud's essay on deforestation, click here.

Joseph Kaselema Marambugi, age 19

Joseph is the first born of three children of Sista Edward Njejo and Kaselema Marambugi. His father died before Joseph was old enough to know him and his mother died of HIV in 2003. Currently, he is living with his maternal grandmother, Eliza Kibona. Joseph dreams of becoming a pilot or a priest and he wants to help his younger brother and sister as well. During his spare time, he plays football and sings at church.

Lamson Songa, age 22

Lamson is the third born of seven children. His father died in 1994, and his mother has remarried. Lamson currently lives with his aunt in Ichenjezya, Vwawa. His ambition is to become a policeman, a pilot, or politician, and to somehow help others from poor families. He believes that by participating in government, and being involved in the decision-making process, Tanzania's future can be improved. During his spare time, he plays soccer and watches the news or soccer games on TV.

To read about Lamson's plans after Form 4, click here.

Willy John Mgogo, age 21

Willy is the only child of John Mgogo, who died in 1990. His mother, Helen Kibona, died in 1995, and since that time he has been living with his paternal grandmother. He was unable to begin his primary education until age 11. Tutaweza offered Willy a scholarship after he enrolled at Hasanga Boys’ School in 2008. He is considering several career possibilities: becoming a soldier or a teacher of political science, or pursuing a degree in marine engineering. His hobbies are soccer and drama, but he also likes traveling and simply conversing with friends.

To read a selection from Willy's essay on democracy, click here.

Amos Beston Mbembela, age 18

Amos was the second born in a family of two boys. Both of his parents died when he was very young. He lived with his paternal grandmother until her death in 1999. Since then, Amos has lived with his maternal grandmother. He likes reading books and playing football. His future plans are to become a doctor or teacher, so that he can serve people and encourage them to love each other.

To read a selection from Amos' essay on the traits of a good world leader, click here.

Anastasia Roberth Mngulu, age 15

Anastasia is the only child of Martha Paulo Kabenga. She is from Vwawa town, near Ilembo village in Mbozi district. She never has known her father. Since early childhood she has been living with her maternal grandmother. Anastasia received a Tutaweza scholarship and entered Form I in 2010. Her favorite subjects are English and mathematics. During her spare time she likes singing and drama. She is considering a career in business, perhaps as a manager or an accountant.

Baraka Herekwa Mwampashe, age 21

Baraka is the seventh born child of Eva Mdolo and Herekwa Mwampashe. When he was 5 years old, his parents divorced and Baraka, along with his younger brother, lived with their father and stepmother. Due to difficulties in the relationship with his stepmother, Baraka moved out. His father refused to cover school costs. Despite this hardship, he was able to work part-time and complete Form IV with a score that qualified him to receive a Tutaweza scholarship and enroll at Lutheran Teachers College in Mbeya.

Faraja Anyimike Kayinga, age 15

Faraja is the only child of Sophia Kibona, a single mother. She has never known her father. Faraja has expressed a desire to help improve her mother’s standard of living by getting an education and a good job. She was successful in passing the entry exams at James Sangu Girls School and is thinking about becoming an accountant or a nurse.

Mariam Nestory Mgaya, age 14

Mariam is the youngest of five children. The oldest three were unable to attend secondary school and, unfortunately, her older sister was married at a very young age. Due to her mother’s ill-health, the village government helped Mariam with basic school supplies during primary school. Since government support isn't available for secondary school, Mariam took the national exam and then received a Tutaweza scholarship. She is enrolled at Oswe Girls’ School and planning to study Economics so that she can one day help solve her country’s financial problems.

Martha Nestory Lulambo, age 15

Martha Nestory Lulambo was born in 1996 at Lunguya village. She has four siblings. After her father’s death, the children were distributed to different relatives and Martha began work as a maid far away from home. Through friends she heard about Tutaweza and applied for a scholarship. She is now successfully enrolled at Oswe Girls’ School.

Pascal Yohana Kyando, age 15

Pascal is the youngest of four children. Money is very tight and it has been difficult for his family to send the children to school. Pascal sat for Hasanga Boys’ School entry exams and passed with a very good score! He has so far shown himself to be a particularly good student. His dream is to be a pilot or a doctor.

To read a selection from Pascal's recent letter to Tutaweza, click here.