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Careen Mbati's journey at Tai: From university student to project coordinator

By Lea Bagert on Tue Feb 11 2025

Careen’s journey with Tai began in late 2023, but her connection to the organization started much earlier. Since high school, she has been following Tai’s inspiring work in youth empowerment. Drawn by the impactful content and meaningful initiatives, she applied to become a Tai Ambassador in November 2023. Her excitement soared when she was selected, and by December, she was actively contributing as an ambassador, supporting the American Film Series project. The American Film Series, a partnership with the American Embassy, brought American movies to university students, addressing a range of thought-provoking topics. As a university student herself, Careen leveraged her unique perspective to build strong connections with her peers. Organizing events on campus gave her a platform to foster engaging discussions and empower fellow students. One of her most memorable experiences was facilitating a screening of Hidden Figures, where conversations about the power of women in technology left a lasting impact. A panelist’s words stayed with her: “Women are capable—you just need to find the right opportunity and its resources.” Through her work with Tai, Careen gained much more than technical skills. The program strengthened her networking abilities and helped her connect with people from diverse backgrounds—skills that have been invaluable for her personal and professional growth. But her journey didn’t stop there. Careen’s exceptional performance as an ambassador led to a promotion as an intern in our project department for the American Film Series. In this expanded role, she took on greater responsibilities, from leading project activities and coordinating panelists to sharpening her writing and leadership skills. What began as a small opportunity evolved into a transformative experience, equipping her with the ability to manage projects effectively and tackle challenges with confidence. When we asked Careen what she loves most about her work, she highlights teamwork, the cooperative spirit of her colleagues, and the infectious energy of the people around her. She especially enjoys field work, where she gets to engage with beneficiaries and the thrill of traveling to explore new places and broaden her horizons.
From February onward she will start her role as a project coordinator. With her passion and dedication, we have no doubt that Careen will continue to grow, take on new challenges, and reach even greater heights with Team Tai. We’re proud to have her flying alongside us on this incredible journey!

How failed education effort sparked new force in East African animation

By Emmyrose Rugumamu on Thu Sep 05 2024

How failed education effort sparked new force in East African animation

A voyage of choices and consequences within animated film ‘Hello Kesho’

By Emmyrose Rugumamu on Wed Sep 04 2024

A voyage of choices and consequences within animated film ‘Hello Kesho’

Sania: A Beacon of Success through Education Scholarship Program

By Nuria Madawili on Wed Aug 14 2024

Sania was just a little girl when tragedy struck her family. She lived with her lovely grandmother after she was orphaned at a young age who did her best to provide for her. Living in poverty made it difficult for Sania to continue her education beyond primary school.

Despite the challenges that life threw at her, Sania remained determined and full of dreams. She had a passion for learning and a desire to succeed that burned bright within her, until she became a beneficiary of our scholarship program supported by Kipaji Foundation.

Sania applied for the scholarship with a heart full of hope, and to her delight, she was accepted into the program. With the foundation's support, she could continue her studies from Form 1 to Form 4 at Mongola Secondary School. Her hard work and dedication paid off when she excelled in her exams and secured a place at Korogwe Secondary School for Form 5 and Form 6.

Throughout her academic journey, Sania proved that she could overcome any obstacle in her path with determination and perseverance. Despite facing hardships and setbacks, she never wavered in her commitment to her education. Her efforts bore fruit when she graduated with a remarkable division 2, in form 6 which to date stands as a testament of her resilience and strength.

Now, Sania is on the brink of fulfilling her dreams as she embarks on her bachelor's degree in education in Moshi. She is a living testament to the power of the education scholarship initiative that worked with the Kipaji Foundation. Through her story, she inspires others to never give up on their aspirations, no matter how difficult the journey may seem.

Sania's story is a reminder that when life throws lemons at us, we have the power to turn them into lemonade. With perseverance, dedication, and the right support, we can achieve anything we set our minds to. Sania's journey is a beacon of hope for all those who dare to dream and strive for a better future.