High schools are fee-based in Tanzania, so many promising students simply can’t afford an education.  A Tutaweza scholarship provides tuition, supplies, and in many cases room and board to deserving young scholars at a Tanzanian-run school.  We’re proud of our scholars, and each one has a unique story.  Please take a minute to get to know some of them below.

Current Scholarship Students

Anualite Jackson Mwaduso

Anualite Jackson Mwaduso

No one in Anualite’s family, which includes four older brothers, has been able to attend secondary school. Her parents are subsistence farmers and she knew they could not afford tuition and fees. However, Anualite was confident enough to take the Form I entrance examination at James Sangu Secondary Girls’ School last fall. She was thrilled to receive passing marks and be accepted into Form I, so her search for funding began in earnest. Tutaweza is proud to be able to sponsor this motivated young woman and help her reach her long-range goal of becoming a lawyer. When Anualite is not studying, she enjoys playing netball and participating in drama activities at her school. She also thinks honesty is one the most important character traits anyone can have!
Suzzo Emilian Willynelly

Suzzo Emilian Willynelly

Suzzo is the youngest of four children and the only one in the family who has been able to pursue an education. His father became disabled after falling off a building several years ago. Suzzo was fortunate to be able to attend Forms I-IV in secondary school and graduated with high marks. School fees to continue in Form V (high school) were impossible for the family to manage, so he worked as a servant for a year and realized he wanted to become a nurse. However, his savings weren’t sufficient to cover all fees. Following a meeting with the principal of Peramiho Nursing School, Tutaweza offered him a scholarship. Now, Suzzo is on the way to realizing his dream. When asked to picture his future, he expressed a desire to “be of service to the people of Tanzania.”

To read an excerpt from Suzzo's recent essay, click here.

Christina Bahati Anyitike

Christina Bahati Anyitike

Although both of Christina’s parent are alive, they are subsistence farmers with five children to support. No one in her family has been able to attend secondary school. Against all odds, Christina wanted to pursue an education and her parents enrolled her at James Sangu Secondary School for Girls. Their funds ran out after she completed the first term of Form I. The school waived all fees for the second term. However, it appeared that Christina had no further options. So, this resourceful young lady mustered up the confidence to personally apply for a Tutaweza scholarship. Her future is looking brighter as she pursues her dream of becoming a high school teacher, and possibly the matron at a girls’ school!
Ernestina Novatus Mgani

Ernestina Novatus Mgani

Ernestina is one of four children in her family. An uncle took responsibility for her education after her father’s death in 2006. Neither her older brother nor older sister were able to pursue their education but Ernestina was determined. Unfortunately, her uncle passed away last year and she has struggled to stay in school since then. She recently was awarded a Tutaweza scholarship, making it possible for her to continue at Peramiho Girls Secondary School in Form II. Ernestina hopes to eventually become a lawyer.

To read an excerpt from Ernestina's recent essay, click here.

Aloyce Kirian Kilumile

Aloyce Kirian Kilumile

Aloyce began living with his maternal grandmother at the age of 6, shortly after his parents divorced and essentially abandoned him. His grandmother was able to send him to primary school, and then tried to sell her plot of land to pay for secondary school. When she was unsuccessful in finding a buyer, Aloyce’s teachers became concerned and helped him apply for a Tutaweza scholarship. He is now happily enrolled at Oswe Secondary School for Boys and dreaming of one day becoming a civil engineer. In his free time, Aloyce enjoys playing football (soccer) and singing.
Jamal Miyonga

Jamal Miyonga

Jamal’s parents divorced when he was a young child and he has not seen his father since. Although life has brought many challenges, he has always done well academically, especially in science. Jamal was selected to join the Form V class at Kiluvya Secondary School in southwestern Tanzania, but lack of family finances prevented his enrollment. Instead, he was sent to work on a farm near Dar es Salaam. Now with a Tutaweza scholarship he is back in school dreaming of one day opening a vocational training center.

To read an excerpt from Jamal's recent essay, click here.

Frank Mlelwa

Frank Mlelwa

Frank is the only member of his family to get the chance to pursue an education beyond the primary level. After completing Form IV in secondary school in 2014, he applied and was selected to enter the Peramiho Nursing Program. However, since his parents and a brother are subsistence farmers, they were unable to help with additional school fees. Finally, Frank enrolled in October, 2016, and with Tutaweza’s support, he's now happily working toward his certificate in basic nursing. One of his many interests is the Lizombe, a traditional Tanzanian dance featuring drums and other indigenous percussion instruments.

To read an excerpt from Frank's recent essay, click here.

Raines Kayinga

Raines Kayinga

Raines is the youngest of 8 children. Both parents are deceased, so she has lived with an older brother who helped cover her primary school expenses as well as her first year at Oswe Secondary School. She applied for a scholarship and is now in Form II. During her spare time, Raines enjoys singing, dancing, playing netball, and discussing a variety of topics with fellow students. Her dream is to become a teacher because she likes helping others find answers to their questions and better understand the world around them.

To read an excerpt from Raines's recent essay, click here.

Bakita John Elias

Bakita John Elias

Bakita’s father was never part of her life and her mother passed away in October, 2016. She was adopted by an aunt, a single mother with 4 children. Meeting the needs of such a big family made it impossible to also pay school fees. Bakita was in danger of dropping out of James Sangu Girls School even though she’d been an excellent student. A Tutaweza scholarship means she can focus on her favorite subjects (Physics, Mathematics, Biology and Chemistry) once again! It may now be possible for Bakita to reach her goal of working in the medical field.
Hilda E. Singaile

Hilda E. Singaile

Hilda is one of seven children who lost both parents early in their young lives.  The family was split up and Hilda, along with two of her siblings, lived in an orphanage.  She was then cared for by one of the nuns at Tosamaganga Convent.   When Hilda applied to Peramiho Nursing School, she was unable to obtain financial support through the Convent’s missions program.   However, a Tutaweza scholarship became available!  In her spare time, Hilda enjoys watching world news programs such as BBC and VOA.

To read an excerpt from Hilda's recent essay, click here.

Debora Jailos Mwampamba

Debora Jailos Mwampamba

Debora is one of six children whose father worked hard to support the family and pay school expenses until his death in June, 2015.  Family conflicts led to legal battles and the headmistress at Oswe’s Secondary School for Girls became concerned that Debora would be unable to continue her education.  She helped her apply for assistance from Tutaweza.  Debora enjoys all academic subjects and hopes to one day go to college and study business.

To read an excerpt from Debora's recent essay, click here.

To view Debora singing one of her favorite songs, click here. You may have to right click and select 'Unmute'.

Gabriela Kisigwa

Gabriela Kisigwa

Gabriela was born to a teenage mother who abandoned her.  She has never known her father but was later reunited, and now lives with her mother.  Her maternal grandmother cared for her during primary school.  She was accepted at James Sangu Secondary School for Girls in 2014.  However, the family was unable to pay tuition and fees.  A teacher helped Gabriela with the necessary finances.  Her performance on the Form II exams resulted in a recommendation for a Tutaweza scholarship, which began in January, 2016.  In the future, she hopes to somehow help find solutions to girls’ and women’s social and economic inequality in Tanzania.

To read an excerpt from Gabriela's recent essay, click here.

George Emmanuel Mwambila

George Emmanuel Mwambila

George is one of 7 children born into extreme poverty in Nakauga village. His parents are subsistence farmers. After completing primary school through Standard VII, George was unable to continue his education because his family could not afford the tuition and fees. He went to work and was able to pay for one term of vocational school. Because he showed promise, he was recommended for a Tutaweza scholarship and is now studying carpentry at Peramiho Vocational School. His extracurricular interests include learning about nature conservation and playing volleyball.

To read an excerpt from George's recent essay, click here.

Gloria Ferdinand Mgaya

Gloria Ferdinand Mgaya

Gloria is one of five children, each of whom has been raised by a different relative due to the parents’ extreme poverty.  She lived with her aunt from the age of five until she completed primary school.  The aunt was unable to support Gloria's secondary school ambitions.   However, Gloria passed the entrance exams for Oswe Girls School and began receiving a Tutaweza scholarship in January, 2015.  She enjoys singing and dancing and is a member of her local church choir.

To read an excerpt from Gloria's recent essay, click here.

Deogratius Haule

Deogratius Haule

Deogratius is the oldest of four children, born to a single mother.  He has never known his father.  He was able to complete primary school, but his mother could not pay for any secondary education.  An aunt took Deogratius in as household help, realized his potential, and enrolled him at Peramiho Vocational School.  When she was unable to pay fees for a second term, the Sisters of Peramiho offered support and then urged him to apply for a Tutaweza scholarship.  His dream is to eventually become a teacher.  
Scholastica Batista Mbwana

Scholastica Batista Mbwana

Schola's bright smile and love of singing and dancing give no indication of the family problems she has endured.  These include the divorce and disappearance of both parents.  Her grandmother cared for her during primary school and then nuns funded her enrollment at James Sangu Secondary School.  Changes in administration and new priorities for the diocese last year meant that financial help was no longer available to Schola.  Fortunately, Tutaweza was able to offer her a scholarship so she could continue her education without interruption.  In her spare time, Schola likes watching TV, especially community service programs.  She hopes to become a psychologist and build a recreation center for street children.
Nelia Lepodi Sokoni

Nelia Lepodi Sokoni

Since Nelia's parents both died when she was a toddler, she has always been cared for by other relatives ...  first by her aunt, who was like a mother to her.  Unfortunately, her aunt died in 2005;  her uncle  then assumed the parenting role.  Nelia doesn't know 2 of her 4 siblings at all, because they were taken in by friends of the family who moved to Zambia.   Nelia entered Oswe Girl's School in 2011, and will soon be completing Form III.  She would like to eventually become a high school teacher or operate a children's center.  One of her favorite pastimes is conversing with friends about politics and the future of Tanzania.

To read an excerpt from Nelia's recent essay, click here.

Emmanuel Tegere Alexander

Emmanuel Tegere Alexander

Emmanuel is the second born of three children of Tegere Alexander Mlemba (who died in 2008) and Clementine Chaula. Due to many family difficulties, Emmanuel was not able to attend primary school regularly and only graduated in 2011. He is excited to now be enrolled at Hasanga Boys' Secondary School and he plans to study hard. His goal is to enter a community service field and help children and/or the elderly. In his free time, Emmanuel enjoys reading and playing football.

To read an excerpt from Emmanuel's recent essay, click here.

Previous Scholarship Students

  • Antony Felix
  • Baraka Mwakayemba (Aug, 2017, Diploma in Nursing, Peramiho School of Nursing)
  • Herieth Mwingira (Aug, 2017, Diploma in Nursing, Peramiho School of Nursing)
  • Sinevia Halele
  • Getruda Mbena
  • Ditrick Haule (Dec, 2016, Completed Peramiho Vocational Program)
  • Mary Millinga (Dec, 2016, Completed Peramiho Vocational Program)
  • Gloria Simbeye (May, 2017, Graduated Form VI, Vwawa High School)
  • Clinton Mwakigaja (May, 2017, Graduated Form VI, Kibaha High School)
  • Faraja Kayinga (May, 2017, Graduated Form VI, Bwiru High School)
  • Mariam Mgaya (May, 2017, Graduated Form VI, Loleza High School)
  • Grace Nzunda (August 2014, Diploma in Accountancy, TIA-Mbeya)
  • Erasto Kayombo (August 2014, Diploma in Nursing, Peramiho)
  • Fredrick Gadson (July 2014, Diploma in Computer Science, MUST, Mbeya)
  • Joseph Kaselema (May 2014, Teaching Certificate, St. Aggrey TTC, working in Tabora Region)
  • Elias Kapesa (May 2014, Teaching Certificate, St. Agreey TTC, working in Katabi Region)
  • Samwel Jairosy Kayinga (working toward a Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Dar es Salaam)
  • Jimmy Samuel Mabura (completing law school at Ruaha University College, Iringa)
  • Said Emmanuel Nzunda
  • Grace Stanley Kitahenga
  • Tusubilege Willy Simbeye
  • Lamson Songa
  • Pascal Kyando
  • Ester Edward Kayange
  • Imelda Mlemba
  • Jafari Shughuli Msyete
  • Yustina Kayombo
  • Martha Fred Kayanda
  • Hilda Kapusi (May 2013, Teaching Degree; working in Kilolo District Iringa)
  • Baraka Mwampashe (May 2013, Teaching Degree; working in Ujiji District Kigoma)
  • Martha Lulambo
  • Faraja Minga
  • Amos Mbembela
  • Cecilia Jordan Luoga
  • Erasto Kayombo Ebehard (July 2014, Diploma in Nursing, Peramiho School of Nursing)
  • Agnes Aidan Komba
  • Eliud David Silindu (June 2015, Diploma in Records Management, Tanzania Public Service College)
  • Willy John Mgogo (June 2015, Diploma in Records Management, Tanzania Public Service College)
  • Anastasia Roberth Mngulu (May 2016, passed national exam after completing Form VI)
  • Irene Kapinga (May 2016, passed national exam after completing Form VI)