Shigoli empowers Tanzania’s youth
TANZANIA: EVERYONE has a certain dream that triggers their heart. For me, I always dreamed of emancipating myself economically and uplifting the society around me,” shares Jennifer Shigoli, Director General and Co-Founder of the Arizona Vocational Training Centre.
Her story is one of bravery, resilience, and confidence, as she navigates and challenges societal norms.
At the helm of her empowering institution, Jennifer stands as a beacon of hope for those seeking to transform their lives
Her journey from legal professional to thriving entrepreneur is nothing short of inspirational. Jennifer’s bold step into entrepreneurship came after facing the harsh realities of the job market.
“The process of searching for a job and finding myself economically unstable was a wake-up call,” she reflects. “I knew I had to take matters into my own hands and create a stable business that would provide for my future.”
Upon graduating, Jennifer had the opportunity to intern at the Office of the Attorney General, but her heart was set on creating her own path. A self-described “solution-oriented person,” she saw challenges as opportunities in disguise.
“I realized there was great potential in entrepreneurship, especially in the prevailing market conditions,” she recounts, her eyes bright with determination. In 2012, she took the leap and launched her first business, a small soap-making venture.
Driven by her passion for making a difference, she not only supplied her handcrafted products but also began teaching others the art of production.
Her entrepreneurial spirit knew no bounds. In 2014, she launched the “Safe Toilet” campaign to educate schoolchildren about hygiene and sanitation using her cleaning products.
Jennifer’s tireless efforts paid off as the “Safe Toilet” initiative gained momentum. She visited local schools, teaching and cleaning while seeking donors to help renovate and construct new toilet facilities.
During this time, she encountered another pressing issue, the challenges faced by young girls due to the lack of proper menstrual care. Determined to find a solution, Jennifer discovered reusable sanitary pads online.
In 2015, she launched Elea Pads, a social enterprise that produces and distributes these innovative products to schools, connecting with various stakeholders for support.
Jennifer’s passion for entrepreneurship and her solution-oriented mindset have driven her remarkable journey. Even before completing her formal education, she gained valuable experience through volunteer work and extracurricular activities, instilling in her a deep understanding of the world beyond the classroom.
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In 2014, she formalized her soap-making venture as Malkia Investments, and by 2019, she had expanded her reach with the establishment of Arizona Investments, the parent company of the Arizona Vocational Training Centre. Today, Jennifer’s dream of economic empowerment has been realized and amplified through her work.
“Many young people don’t have to go through the challenges and struggles I faced,” she says, smiling.
“Through the training and programmes at Arizona, they can acquire the skills and knowledge to build their own stable businesses.”
Jennifer’s story is a testament to resilience, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to making a difference.
As she continues to inspire and empower the next generation of entrepreneurs, her journey stands as a shining example of how one person’s dream can transform an entire community. However, her journey has not been without obstacles.
“Finding the right business partners and accessing reliable markets have been particularly challenging. It’s not easy to convince people to trust your products, and getting paid on time can be a constant struggle,” she said.
Despite these challenges, Jennifer’s determination has only grown stronger. “As a woman in business, I’ve had to work twice as hard to prove my capabilities.
I’ve had to push past the limiting perceptions that people have about what a woman can achieve,” she says.
“But I’ve learned that consistency is key. No matter what setbacks I faced, I kept moving forward, and eventually, people started to see the value in what I was doing.”
Through Jennifer’s determination and unwavering commitment, Arizona Investments has imparted skills and knowledge to over 5,000 individuals from Tanzania, Comoros, and Kenya, helping them turn their business dreams into reality.
“Our goal is to empower young people, especially those outside the formal education system, with the skills and knowledge they need to become successful entrepreneurs,” says Jennifer.
The programme has seen remarkable transformations, with many trainees starting their own businesses and becoming selfemployed.
The impact extends beyond just business skills. “We’ve also worked with various organizations to foster an entrepreneurial mindset and provide mentorship opportunities,” Jennifer explains.
“It’s not just about teaching the technical aspects of running a business; it’s about instilling the confidence and resilience crucial for women to thrive in this space.”
As Jennifer continues to navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship, she remains steadfast in her vision.
“Knowing and defining my goals as a woman has been crucial. I refuse to be swayed by doubts and perceptions. I’m focused on what I want to achieve, and I won’t let anything stop me.”
She said Jennifer believes that having skills is crucial for every young person embarking on the journey toward a brighter future.
She calls on every young person to be vigilant, determined, and goal-oriented, despite life’s setbacks.
Her story shines as an example of how one person’s dream can transform an entire community
