May Higher Learning Fund

George, 30 years old

Jifundishe is Lighting the Way

Is the eldest of five siblings living in Arumeru District, Arusha Region, in northern Tanzania. He resides with both of his parents—his father, a former electrician, and his mother, who raised livestock while caring for the family.

George began his education in 2002 at Kilimani Primary School in Arumeru. He completed his primary studies in 2008, earning a Grade B in the Standard Seven National Examinations. In 2009, he enrolled at Muungano Secondary School, also in Arumeru. His secondary school years were challenging. Each day, he had to feed the family's chickens, goats, and pigs before and after school. This demanding routine left him exhausted and unable to concentrate on his studies at night. He completed Form IV in 2012 with Division IV, which did not qualify him for advanced level studies.

For the next five years, George remained at home, uncertain about his educational future. Although he longed to continue his studies, his family lacked the financial means to support him. In 2017, a friend introduced him to Jifundishe, a local organization offering educational support. Inspired by their programs, George joined the Independent Study Program in 2018 as a private candidate. That same year, he retook the Form IV national exams and earned Division III, qualifying him for advanced level education.

In 2019, George began his advanced level studies, choosing Physics, Geography, and Mathematics (PGM) as his core subjects. He faced significant challenges, especially in Physics and Mathematics, due to the absence of teachers—he was the only student pursuing those subjects at the time. Jifundishe provided textbooks, but no instructors were available. Despite these obstacles, George persevered, and in 2022, his hard work paid off. He earned the credits necessary to pursue university education.

In October 2022, George enrolled at the University of Dodoma to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Digital Content and Broadcasting Engineering. His studies are supported by Jifundishe and the Higher Education Students’ Loans Board. Now entering his fourth and final year, George is passionate about communication and networking and hopes to secure employment soon after graduation.

George remains deeply grateful to Jifundishe for helping him rediscover his dreams and guiding him on the path to becoming an engineer.