Empower 100 Tanzanian Youth through Education

As always, the past few months have been nothing short of dynamic at Jobortunity! Our compound has been buzzing with energy, and the atmosphere all electric with exciting events and activities that are making a real difference. From community-building events to celebrating the impact we have been making in the past 15 years, we’ve been hard at work driving progress!

None of this would be possible without the unwavering support of our incredible Jobortunity Community. Your dedication and enthusiasm fuel everything we do, and we are so grateful for your involvement in this journey.

Stay tuned as we continue to grow, innovate, and expand our efforts to empower and uplift those around us. More exciting things are on the horizon, and we can’t wait to share them with you!

Thank you for being a vital part of Jobortunity’s success. The best is yet to come!

Class 2024B: bright, fresh minds!

On the morning of July 8, 31 new students—19 boys and 12 girls—arrived at Jobortunity, full of energy and excitement to start their Hi5 orientation. To make them feel welcome, we organized fun games and energizers, with each staff member introducing themselves to the group. Afterwards, we kicked off the first lesson on building trust. The goal of this session was to break the ice and help students feel comfortable with one another. By fostering rapport and trust early on, students can work well together as a group throughout their time at Jobortunity.

Apprenticeship: start of the program

On 1st June 29 students of Class 2024A officially started their 8-month apprenticeship journey! These bright and eager students were placed with 10 of our esteemed partner companies, where they began gaining hands-on experience across various service departments, including housekeeping, restaurant, and kitchen roles. 3 of these students were placed in Four Points by Sheraton: The Arusha, 1 in Kili Villa, 1 in Mount Kilimanjaro Safari Club, 3 Ngaresero Mountain Lodge, 2 in Plantation Lodge, 3 in Rhotia Valley, 5 in Rijk Zwaan, 2 in Shwari Restaurant, 7 in Tanganyika Wilderness Camps and 5 in Wilderness Wayo.

New Talents Hired!

On 1st July 2024, we were thrilled to welcome four talented new staff members to the Hi5 team at Jobortunity whose energy and enthusiasm have already begun to blend seamlessly with our vibrant culture.

 - Joice Kedimon stepped in to boost our marketing and fundraising efforts, bringing fresh ideas and creativity to the table.

- Allen Yohana joined us as our Finance Assistant, ready to streamline our financial processes and support our growth.

- Baraka Williams joined as our Assistant IT & Training specialist, ensuring that our tech needs are met while empowering our team through training.

- Pendo Jafason, our new cook, joined to delight everyone with delicious meals that nourish our students and staff alike.

Hi5 Highlights

Grooming Lesson: On 22nd July, a fashion show presentation was held at the centre, inspired by the Personal Presentation and Grooming lesson offered to students at the start of their training.

The lesson encourages students to:

-Reflect on their own appearance.

-Understand how grooming—clothing, hair, and accessories—affects how others perceive them.

-Recognize that specific grooming styles are often associated with particular environments.

-Learn the dos and don’ts of proper grooming.

 Before the students’ fashion show, the trainers kicked things off by donning various outfits and doing catwalks in front of the class. Each student observed and recorded their impressions of each look, followed by a reflection session between the trainers and students. The next day, it was the students' turn to take the stage and showcase their own fashion choices. Class 2024B embraced the challenge with enthusiasm, presenting a wide range of outfits—from Maasai attire, prayer clothing, casual wear, and healthcare uniforms, to security guard outfits and traditional tribal garments. The experience was filled with fun and excitement, leaving everyone inspired and entertained.

Hi5 Sports:Hi5 Sports is an exciting and engaging activity within the teamwork module of the Ring Finger indicator in the Hi5 curriculum. On 19th September 2024, Class 2024B participated in soccer matches, with separate games for each gender. Trainers closely observed each student's participation to provide follow-up reflection and feedback. The girls' match ended in a stalemate, while in the boys' match, Team A secured a win by scoring twice, defeating Team B, who managed a single goal.

This lesson is designed to help students:

-Reflect on their own actions and contributions as team members.

-Practice effective collaboration and teamwork.

-Become aware of their individual roles within a team.

-Understand the value of each member's contribution to the group's success.

-Develop the skills to face challenges within a team and address them constructively.

Visitors and New Partnerships

The Foundation for Tomorrow: On 17th September 2024, we had the pleasure of welcoming representatives from The Foundation for Tomorrow (TFFT) to Jobortunity. The visit was filled with exciting discussions centred around potential partnerships to address the growing concern of unemployed graduates. TFFT expressed their interest in a special training program for their alumni, with a focus on enhancing employability skills. The goal was to empower TFFT graduates to identify job opportunities, secure them, and thrive in their careers by adopting a positive and professional attitude. After fruitful discussions, both Jobortunity and TFFT agreed to collaborate in delivering Hi5 skills training during TFFT’s Career and Networking Forum, focusing on two key areas: Career Guidance and Behavioural Change Management, targeting around 35 of TFFT’s alumni.

The Dutch Board:  Three members of the Jobortunity Dutch board visited us to join in the celebration of our 15-year anniversary fair on 7 September. The visitors included Jolanda, the Chairperson, Michel, a board member, and Hugo, the Treasurer. This visit was particularly significant as it marked the first time Jolanda and Michel had the opportunity to meet the Jobortunity staff in person. They were able to experience firsthand how our daily operations run and observe our classes in action, gaining valuable insight into how Jobortunity empowers students through the Hi5 learning. During their stay, the board members attended an evening party where they met with the Tanzanian board. This gathering offered a wonderful opportunity for both boards to exchange ideas and explore further ways in which the Dutch board can continue to support and contribute to Jobortunity's mission. The visit also included trips to some of our key partner companies, allowing the board members to learn more about the collaborative efforts that make our apprenticeship programs successful. Additionally, they visited a few students in their homes, gaining a deeper understanding of their daily lives and how Jobortunity impacts them beyond the classroom.

A Day to Remember: 15 years of transforming lives!

On 7th September 2024, the long-anticipated day finally arrived, transforming the Jobortunity premises into a vibrant, festive scene. The space was beautifully decorated with colourful balloons, ribbons, and twinkling hanging lights, creating a lively and inviting atmosphere. Fancy seating areas were thoughtfully arranged, giving attendees the perfect setting to relax, socialize, and connect. At the heart of the garden, a stage was set for a series of dazzling performances, including a live band, student-led dances, and soulful songs. Surrounding the grounds, tents were set up for partner companies to proudly showcase their services and businesses, adding to the festive energy. And the food? Absolutely mouth-watering! Jobortunity, along with our cherished partner Fifi’s Restaurant, served delicious meals that left everyone satisfied. Excitement built as raffle tickets were sold, offering attendees a chance to win special prizes. The thrill reached its peak at the end of the event when the Master of Ceremonies began announcing the winning numbers. The atmosphere was electric, with everyone sitting on the edge of their seats, holding their tickets tightly as complete silence fell over the crowd.

Amidst all the excitement, the true highlight of the day came when Jolanda, our Dutch Board Chair, made a surprise announcement. To everyone's delight, she revealed that the Dutch Board had successfully raised over 8,000 Euros through Dutch contacts. This incredible donation will be used to buy new laptops and chairs for our students, a generous gift that will make a lasting impact. The entire Jobortunity family extends its deepest gratitude to everyone who played a part in making this event such a tremendous success.

Staff Development Trainings:

Dekker Chrysanten: Moshi and Arusha branches

From 13 June – 12 July 2024, a Personal Leadership Skills course was held at Dekker Chrysanten's Moshi and Arusha branches, with 44 staff members taking part. The goal was to help participants develop leadership skills using hands-on learning methods. The interactive training encouraged participants to actively practice leadership in real-life situations, working together and learning from each other. By the end of the course, participants had a better understanding of their leadership styles, improved communication skills, and recognized how their leadership actions affect others. They also identified areas for personal growth and committed to using their new skills in daily work, while understanding the importance of motivating teams and building trust. The training gave participants the tools they need to lead confidently in their roles.

Jobortunity has been vibrant in the past few months, with so much energy on the compound, with exciting events happening! Catch up with the incredible progress we have been making and notice more waves of positive impact fuelled by the incredible Jobortunity Community - all thanks to you, our staunch supporters!

Welcoming the class of 2024B:

We recently welcomed our new students. This class was selected from a pool of over 120 applicants from all over Arusha after a competitive selection process. The selection process spanned three days—1st, 3rd, and 5th June—and involved a comprehensive evaluation of applicants through a series of customized exercises designed to identify the most suitable candidates. These candidates came from diverse backgrounds, bringing a wide range of experiences and perspectives to the selection process. Only 33 were selected and were enrolled to start their respective lessons, marked with a customary ribbon cut and a warm welcome from our trainers and staff.

Hi5 Highlights:

Class 2024A engaged in a dynamic 2-week program encompassing planning, replanning, teamwork activities, evaluation exercises, and effective communication, all aimed at completing independent Hi5
projects and it involved the following distinct projects:

i)Promotion of Hi5 Training via Jobortunity Social Media Platforms:
Students devised engaging and creative ideas to showcase Jobortunity on social media through short video clips. This initiative successfully increased traction among other youths, resulting in a higher number of application forms sold.

ii)Cooking:
This group focused on creating delicious meals on a budget. They not only prepared enticing dishes but also sold them to fellow students and staff. This exercise taught them valuable marketing and monetization skills through effective communication and presentation.

iii)Entertainment:
The entertainment group composed a catchy Hi5 song and recorded it in a local studio. They also created a drama with a teachable story about the life of a youth undergoing Hi5 training at Jobortunity.

iv)Garden, Decoration, and Artwork:
This group applied their creativity to enhance the Jobortunity environment. They painted side stones, crocheted table mats, and created pencil portraits of notable icons.

The program culminated in a presentation day where each group had the opportunity to share their experiences, challenges, and lessons learned throughout the project duration.

 Alumni success stories – more waves of positive impact!

The impact Jobortunity makes does not only end within its walls - it goes on to create waves of positive impact in the diverse fields that our graduates explore throughout their work experiences. Our graduates proudly exemplify the vision and values we instilled in them as they share their knowledge and skills to bring out best outputs in their places of work.

Mary, Ezekiel and Nancy's Journey:

- Mary and Ezekiel, graduates from our recent class of 2022B recently secured positions as house-keepers at Manyara Best View, showcasing, among many, customer service skills, time management, flexibility and attention to detail.

- At Ngorongoro Farm House, Nancy is an exceptional cook, serving customers with quality meals, putting into practice her cooking skills earned during her placement throughout our 8-month apprenticeship program.

Additionally, two graduates with expertise in their fields were invited to Jobortunity, to provide an in-depth review of how various service departments operate in hotels and restaurants. They introduced students to essential skills needed across different departments in diverse companies. Class 2024B students gained confidence and basic skills to prepare for their apprenticeships. Four trainers set up four stations, each simulating one of the departments such as kitchen, housekeeping, reception, and service. These stations demonstrated how each department is organized and the responsibilities of the personnel in charge.

Staff capacity building:

Jobortunity recently conducted a dynamic and engaging three-day Training of Trainers (ToT) program focused on personal leadership skills development for its staff. This initiative, led by our esteemed Senior Trainer, Neema Samwel, was designed to enhance in-house capacity building and foster professional growth among our team members. The core objective of the program was to equip staff with essential personal leadership skills. Topics covered included effective communication, decision-making, problem-
solving, time management, and self-motivation. These skills are critical for both personal and professional development. Neema Samwel ensured that the training sessions were not only informative but also highly engaging. Each day was packed with interactive activities, including ice-breakers and energizers, to keep the participants motivated and involved. To foster a collaborative and relaxed learning environment, the program incorporated a variety of ice-breakers and energizers. These activities helped to build team cohesion, reduce stress, and maintain high energy levels throughout the training. The training emphasized practical application, allowing participants to practice the skills learned through role-playing, group discussions, and real-life scenarios. This hands-on approach ensured that the staff could immediately begin to apply their new skills in their daily roles. This initiative has not only equipped our staff with valuable leadership skills but also strengthened team cohesion and boosted in-house capacity building. Jobortunity remains committed to the professional growth of its staff, and this program is a testament to our dedication to continuous improvement and development.]

Staff Development Trainings:

Multi-flower - 29 May 2024

On 29 May, our senior trainers, Happiness Ndelelio and Neema Samwel, facilitated a one-day team building training for a manager and four supervisors from Multiflower at the Jobortunity premises. The training aimed to strengthen team dynamics, enhance communication, and foster a collaborative work environment through a unique and innovative approach. "Tree of Success" approach was implemented during the training. This method involves participants visualizing their accomplishments, challenges, and the root causes of these challenges in the form of a tree. The roots represent the underlying issues, the trunk symbolizes the current state and efforts, and the branches signify achievements and future aspirations. The one-day team building training had a significant positive impact on the participants from Multiflower. They reported increased clarity on their team’s strengths and areas for improvement. The Tree of Successapproach provided a valuable framework for continuous personal and team development. Participants appreciated the innovative Tree of Success method and the engaging facilitation by Happiness Ndelelio and Neema Samwel. They found the training to be insightful, practical, and directly applicable to their work environment. The interactive nature of the sessions was particularly highlighted as a strength.

Dekker Chrysanten Tanzania - Sept 2019 – 31 Aug 2024

Jobortunity has initiated a comprehensive 5-week training program on Personal Leadership Skills, beginning on 10 June. The training sessions are held on Mondays and Tuesdays, targeting 45 participants from Dekker Chrysanten Tanzania at their premises. The primary objective of this program is to equip participants with the necessary skills to understand and maximize the potential of their team members through effective leadership. The training program spans five weeks, with sessions conducted twice a week. Each session is designed to build progressively on the concepts of personal leadership, ensuring a thorough understanding and practical application of the skills learned. The main aim is for participants to grasp how to bring out the best in people through leadership. This includes learning about different leadership styles, motivational techniques, communication strategies, and the importance of emotional intelligence in leadership.

Rijk Zwaan - Sept 2019 – 31 Aug 2024

Jobortunity conducted an intensive training program on Conflict Management for 33 team coordinators (supervisors) from Rijk Zwaan, one of our long-standing and consistent partners in staff development. The training sessions took place on April 24, 25, and 30, aiming to equip participants with essential skills in understanding and managing conflicts within their teams.

The main objectives:

• To help participants understand what conflict is, its causes, and its impact on team dynamics and productivity.
• To enhance participants' skills in identifying, addressing, and resolving conflicts effectively.
•  To teach various conflict resolution techniques that can be applied in different situations.
•  To provide opportunities for role-playing and simulation exercises, allowing participants to practice conflict resolution skills in a safe and controlled environment

The training will enhance participants' communication skills, enabling them to convey their vision effectively, provide constructive feedback, and resolve conflicts efficiently. An evaluation will be conducted at the end of the 5-week program to assess the overall impact and identify areas for further improvement.

Volunteer Experience:

Rozina Makwabe, a dedicated student of Biology and History at Bates College, volunteered with Jobortunity for one month. Her multidisciplinary academic background and enthusiasm for community service significantly contributed to our organization's efforts. Rozina worked closely with our fundraising team to prepare and submit a comprehensive donor application. This application was meticulously
crafted to showcase Jobortunity's mission, past achievements, and future objectives, aiming to secure essential funding to support our programs. In addition, she identified the need for a structured resource to aid our trainers. She developed an intuitive and comprehensive trainer’s handbook, encompassing best practices, instructional strategies, and valuable resources. This handbook is designed to enhance the effectiveness and consistency of our training programs, providing a lasting benefit to our
educational efforts. The trainer’s handbook she developed will serve as an essential tool for our trainers, improving the quality and delivery of our training sessions. We are immensely grateful for Rozina’s hard work, creativity, and dedication during her time with us. Her contributions have not only addressed
immediate needs but have also provided long-term benefits that will aid Jobortunity in achieving its mission. Rozina’s efforts have made a significant difference, and we are deeply appreciative of her support.