My name is Christian Mzena, and my transformative journey with UWEZO PROGRAM began in 2018. At the time, I was a student at Kurasini Secondary School, where I served as Chairperson of the UWEZO CLUB. Under my leadership, the school achieved great milestones in UWEZO PROGRAM, earning the Silver Trophy in three consecutive years—placing 12th in 2018, 14th in 2019, and 17th in 2020. These awards were highly competitive, with over 200 schools from the Dar es Salaam and Pwani regions participating each year. For me, these victories were more than just trophies—they were a foundation that launched my journey as a young, visionary leader passionate about community transformation.
UWEZO PROGRAM provided me with a platform to engage in diverse youth empowerment projects. I worked hand in hand with fellow students, learning to turn challenges into opportunities, and deepening my commitment to leadership with purpose. In 2019, I was elected Head Prefect at Kurasini Secondary School, a role that further sharpened my leadership abilities and strengthened my belief in youth-driven change.
After completing Form Four in 2020, I was honored to be selected by Great Hope Foundation to serve as the District Coordinator for Mkuranga District. During this period, I was also recognized among the Outstanding Volunteers—a humbling moment that affirmed the impact of my contribution. That same year, I returned to Kurasini as a volunteer teacher for three months, guiding students both academically and personally. It was a season of giving back and investing in others, just as others had once invested in me.
In 2021, I joined Kibiti High School for my A-level studies. My passion for UWEZO PROGRAM did not waver; instead, it grew stronger. I helped expand the club’s reach at Kibiti and led the school to even greater heights in UWEZO AWARD Projects—securing 3rd place in 2022 and clinching 1st place in 2023. These accomplishments earned me a Certificate of Academic Excellence from the school in recognition of my leadership and impact through the UWEZO CLUB.
Through every step of this journey, I’ve learned the importance of unity, selfless service, bold leadership, and the courage to seize opportunities. After my A-levels in 2023, I returned to volunteer once more—this time as the District Coordinator for Kigamboni—coordinating UWEZO PROGRAM activities across several schools, and mentoring the next wave of young changemakers.
Later in 2023, I enrolled at the Institute of Finance Management (IFM) to begin my undergraduate studies. Guided by the same spirit of leadership that the Uwezo Program nurtured in me, I campaigned and was elected President of the IFM Students of Economics and Finance Association (ISEFA) for the 2024/2025 academic year.
Looking back, I am filled with gratitude. Great Hope Foundation and the UWWEZO PROGRAM have not only shaped my journey—they have shaped my identity. I am who I am today because someone believed in me and gave me a platform to lead, to serve, and to rise.
My name is Christian Mzena, and my
transformative journey with UWEZO PROGRAM began in 2018. At the time, I was a
student at Kurasini Secondary School, where I served as Chairperson of the UWEZO
CLUB. Under my leadership, the school achieved great milestones in UWEZO
PROGRAM, earning the Silver Trophy in three consecutive years—placing 12th in
2018, 14th in 2019, and 17th in 2020. These awards were highly competitive,
with over 200 schools from the Dar es Salaam and Pwani regions participating
each year. For me, these victories were more than just trophies—they were a
foundation that launched my journey as a young, visionary leader passionate
about community transformation.
UWEZO
PROGRAM provided me with a platform to
engage in diverse youth empowerment projects. I worked hand in hand with fellow
students, learning to turn challenges into opportunities, and deepening my
commitment to leadership with purpose. In 2019, I was elected Head Prefect at
Kurasini Secondary School, a role that further sharpened my leadership
abilities and strengthened my belief in youth-driven change.
After
completing Form Four in 2020, I was honored to be selected by Great Hope
Foundation to serve as the District Coordinator for Mkuranga District. During
this period, I was also recognized among the Outstanding Volunteers—a humbling
moment that affirmed the impact of my contribution. That same year, I returned
to Kurasini as a volunteer teacher for three months, guiding students both
academically and personally. It was a season of giving back and investing in
others, just as others had once invested in me.
In 2021, I
joined Kibiti High School for my A-level studies. My passion for UWEZO PROGRAM
did not waver; instead, it grew stronger. I helped expand the club’s reach at
Kibiti and led the school to even greater heights in UWEZO AWARD Projects—securing
3rd place in 2022 and clinching 1st place in 2023. These accomplishments earned
me a Certificate of Academic Excellence from the school in recognition of my
leadership and impact through the UWEZO CLUB.
Through
every step of this journey, I’ve learned the importance of unity, selfless
service, bold leadership, and the courage to seize opportunities. After my
A-levels in 2023, I returned to volunteer once more—this time as the District
Coordinator for Kigamboni—coordinating UWEZO PROGRAM activities across several
schools, and mentoring the next wave of young changemakers.
Later in
2023, I enrolled at the Institute of Finance Management (IFM) to begin my
undergraduate studies. Guided by the same spirit of leadership that the Uwezo
Program nurtured in me, I campaigned and was elected President of the IFM
Students of Economics and Finance Association (ISEFA) for the 2024/2025
academic year.
Looking
back, I am filled with gratitude. Great Hope Foundation and the UWWEZO PROGRAM have
not only shaped my journey—they have shaped my identity. I am who I am today
because someone believed in me and gave me a platform to lead, to serve, and to
rise.
