Epic Project Brightens My Future
Come across with a success story of ZAINABU DENIS from Chambo Ward of Ushetu District Council, Shinyanga Tanzania. ZAINABU is a young woman aged 21 years. She was born in Mbinga- Ruvuma region she studied at Mbinga primary school. She lived at Mbinga with her father, after the completion of primary school studies she shifted to Shinyanga region at Ushetu DC where her mother lives. She joined Chambo secondary school at Chambo ward, she was lucky to complete her secondary school studies although she was too underperformed to join advanced level studies or technical colleges.
Zainab is a good maker of tropical fruits juice
After staying home for long time with jobless, her mother linked her with stationery practitioner where she learnt somethings about computers operation. When she was continuing attending there, she met with Amina Edward who is among of Empowerment workers under EpiC project at Chambo ward. Here, marks the beginning of Zainab to be one of the beneficiaries of EpiC project through WORTH Group. ZAINABU tells her story of success after having joined WORTH+ group. Shortly ZAINABU is saying; she lives a better life more than when she was not exposed to the empowerment environment from the projects.
Before being a project beneficiary
“My name is ZAINABU Mbele DENIS, I was born in 2000, I am now 21 years of age, I live in a village called Chambo, located at Chambo ward of Ushetu district council, Shinyanga-Tanzania. Like other girls who born in poor families, after completing my O-level secondary school studies at Chambo Secondary school, my parents had no money to send me to other level of education for more studies. From there I started struggling own my own to search money for making my future, I tried different small businesses but the results was not giving me hope to continue with that business. My helped to link me to the stationery owner for practical learning on computer skills for sure it helped because is where I met with my mentor Amina Edward who stepped to me and advised me to join in one of her WORTH groups, it took me some few days to decide to agree with her.
A journey to join EpiC Project
Late on October 2020, I decided to join the group because I was promised to be taught Social and behavioural Change Communication, Economic Strengthening. I joined a Maize WORTH+ group where I was selected as a group controller. Later, I became a beneficiary of DREAMS Program where I succeeded to get all DREAMS package. In the group we were taught various topics; Loans and savings inclusive”.
Zainab Mbele touches her chin who is covered with pink cloth she is with fellow AGYW listening to PE Magdalena Meshack during SBCC session at their safe space
The Enjoying with EpiC Project
“There after, I have been keeping on saving and borrowing money for running my juice and ice cream business which helped me generate money for saving and loan payment to my WORTH group. Staying in WORTH group under EpiC project helps me to become economic independent as now I manage to buy own stuffs like pads, underwear, clothes, and airtime and sometimes I help my mother to provide some money when facing some difficulties. I was very happy to be in the group because I know the advantages of being in WORTH groups.
Excellent opportunity I met
It was lucky time to me when I heard that there is a chance to fill for Computer Attendant at our computer lab safe space I talked to my mentor so as to help me talk to DREAMS program officer for giving me that chance to work with my fellow AGYW because I had already had experience on computer operations. I thanked God for that chance because my prayers were successful. As I talk to moment, I am a Computer Lab Attendant at Chambo computer lab center. My monthly earnings from my job, I’m planning to open stationery so I have been accumulating my monthly allowance for purpose buying computers and other accessories.
Zainab is directing her fellow AGYW in computer lab center
After several months my capital increased, I rent my own business room where I work to date, the room costs me 25,000/- Tshs per month but I manage to pay. I am now having various pieces of clothes so that when customers come may choose and buy or order any design of a cloth from my office. All these are fruits of the loans I took from my WORTH group.
ZAINABU is distributing some family planning brochures to fellow AGYW in the computer lab
The exposure I got through DREAMS program.
Under EpiC project through DREAMS program, I got support of travelling to Mbeya Region for attending DREAMS annual forums, for that am very grateful to HUHESO Foundation for selecting me to be part of the National AGYW representatives who attended the forum in Mbeya City. There I learnt a lot about girls and young women lives and protection against all threatens and vulnerability. This added values for what am trying to share with my fellow AGYW when they attend at our computer lab safe space.
ZAINABU with her fellow in her office at Chambo Center
ZAINABU’s Advice to AGYW.
“Because I have tested the benefit of project, I would like to advice young girls and women that if it happens again that enrolment comes let them join and there after they shall not weep instead excel.
For AGYW who are already in the EpiC Project, I advise them to think on investing the money they get from savings as I did because there is a possibility of requesting loans and invest in any petty business of their interest.
Finally I advise the AGYW who are not in WORTH Groups to join the groups found in their localities and start saving and borrowing for their economic advancement”.
Lastly, I can’t forget to say thanks my mentor Amina Edward who revealed me and brought me into the WORTH group, but also I extend my gratitude to HUHESO Foundation and EpiC project and I pray for all of you for what you are doing in our community.’’
