Working on Toyota Land Cruisers is Elias’s favorite! If Elias were to choose the kind of vehicle he’d repair and travel in, it would be 4 x 4’s. He enjoys their strength and how they can travel off-road, especially on safaris. Maneuvering on rugged land is a huge plus in Tanzania, and if you owned a 4 x 4, wouldn’t you want to go explore? Elias imagines the possibility.

As a kid, he dreamed of becoming a soldier in the Tanzanian army. He admired the discipline soldiers had in the army and how they were trained to protect his country of Tanzania. But his family felt that instead of becoming a soldier, he should pursue becoming a doctor.

Elias has been with PZ since 2015, when he was in 4th grade. Growing up in Kurusanga Village with his mother and 5 other siblings wasn’t always easy for Elias. His father passed  away and left a strain on the family. His mother found herself farming cassava in the heat and working other small jobs to make ends meet.  A couple of his siblings still help with farming, while the others attend school. Fortunately Elias continues his education.

With PZ’s support, Elias excelled in his grade 7 national exams in 2018. The following year, he was awarded a spot at Salama Secondary School for Form One in 2019.  However, when he went to test for his form Four National exams, his grades didn’t meet a high enough level to work toward becoming a doctor. Instead, he joined the Apprenticeship Program and chose to pursue auto mechanics. 

Now, it’s been under 2 years since Elias has been studying auto mechanics and it hasn’t been easy. Getting up early, working long hours, and having to deal with complex mechanical issues at times – has been challenging. But it’s paying off and he’s earning a little income. He is now able to contribute a portion of finances to his family for them to purchase farm supplies! This is making a difference in his family’s farm routines and Elias is able to help with income. 

Elias expressed that PZ has been a “big support system“ for him and other youth. He said that “without Project Zawadi, I wouldn’t have been able to continue with education or gain the skills I have now” and that PZ is helping “give young people hope and a second chance.”

And, he keeps dreaming. His determination is what drives him forward. His mentors say he has perfected several essential repairs – from fixing engines to mechanical fault diagnosis. He keeps pushing through the technical and life challenges he faces. He now dreams of helping other youth alongside his work and opening his own garage in Mwanza City!

Are you interested in helping students to learn trades like this? Here’s a link to make it possible.