On April 11, 2026, Great Hope Foundation successfully hosted UWEZO FESTIVAL at Yombo 4 Hall within the University of Dar es Salaam. The event brought together more than 2,000 students from over 70 secondary schools across Dar es Salaam and the Coast Region, creating a vibrant platform for young people to showcase their talents, creativity, and entrepreneurial potential.

As part of the broader UWEZO PROGRAM, the festival featured UWEZO BONANZA, where students competed across 10 arts categories, including dancing, drawing, traditional dance, acrobatics, poetry, and other creative expressions. The atmosphere was filled with energy and excitement as students demonstrated exceptional skill and originality, and winners across all categories were awarded on the same day in recognition of their outstanding performances.

A major highlight of the event was the presentation of the UWEZO AWARD 2025, which honors student-led entrepreneurial projects that create meaningful impact in their communities. Buyuni Secondary School emerged as the overall winner, earning the Gold Trophy for Outstanding Achievement along with a cash prize of TZS 1,000,000 (approximately USD 400). The second-place position was awarded to Kibaha Secondary School, which received a Silver Trophy and a cash prize of TZS 500,000 (approximately USD 200). Victory Secondary School secured third place, taking home a Bronze Trophy and a cash prize of TZS 300,000 (approximately USD 120).

The event was honored by distinguished guests and judges from the UWEZO BONANZA, including Shidiiz, John Kitime, Gadi Ramadhan, Chady Black, and Khizzer.

Other notable guests included Mr Benedict Sandy, the District Education Officer of Ubungo Municipal; Miss Tecla Mgambira, the District Community Development Officer from Ilala Municipal; Tyson Ernest, who represented the Ilala District Education Officer; and Eng. Daniel Mkinga, the Deputy Principal of the United African Technical College.

Through UWEZO PROGRAM, Great Hope Foundation continues to make a significant impact by equipping secondary school students with practical entrepreneurial skills and essential 21st-century competencies. In 2025 alone, the program reached more than 160 schools, further strengthening its mission to nurture innovation, self-reliance, and community-driven change among young people.

The success of UWEZO FESTIVAL 2026 was made possible through the continued support of partners such as Karimjee Foundation, Segal Family Foundation, and TVE/EFM, whose contributions have been instrumental in empowering the next generation of innovators and leaders.