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Elias, 27 years old

''Jifundishe is Transforming Lives''

Elias was born in Karatu, Tanzania, as the eldest of eight children—four boys and four girls. His father opposed education, while his mother supported it. This parental conflict, along with their dependence on small-scale agriculture, defined Elias's early life.

In 2003, Elias began his primary education in Gerudageu, Mbulu district. His family frequently moved in search of better agricultural opportunities, causing Elias to attend multiple schools. Despite these disruptions, Elias completed primary school in Dodoma, Tanzania, in 2009.

Although Elias passed his national exams and was selected for secondary school in January 2010, his father believed primary education was sufficient. Elias’s financial struggles further complicated his pursuit of higher education. With his parents unable to support him, he returned to Tanga with his father, who promised to save money for his schooling.

From 2010 to 2012, Elias worked in a mining center, but his earnings went to his father. Later, they sold charcoal and engaged in agriculture. In 2015, Elias left home to find work and was promised two cows for herding cattle. However, his father took what Elias earned, and in 2017, Elias returned home, disheartened.

In 2018, a benefactor offered to support Elias up to Form IV in exchange for future farm supervision. Elias joined Usa-River Rehabilitation Center, where he completed his Form II exams. Concerned that Elias would continue to advanced levels and leave his service, the benefactor withdrew support. However, Elias’s mother learned about Jifundishe, an opportunity that would change his life.

With information from a pastor, Elias approached Jifundishe in December 2020, seeking admission for PC level (Forms III and IV). He sold his smartphone to cover his living expenses and started classes in January 2021. Elias excelled and passed his Form IV exams with a Division II grade.

In May 2023, Elias began studying for advanced level (Form V and VI) in a science combination (Physics, Chemistry, and Biology). He is preparing for his national Form VI exams in May, with aspirations to become a Cardiologist or Neurologist.