Kisa Program | Kisa Graduation | 12th May 2025

“Throughout my Kisa Program journey, I have learned what it truly means to be a good leader—someone who is self-confident, progressive, and decisive. Before joining the program, I served as a security leader at my school. But after joining Kisa, I gained deeper leadership skills and the confidence to aim higher. With the support and knowledge I received, I contested for the Head Girl position—and I won and became the Head Girl in our school.” Jane, Kisa Graduate

At GLAMI, graduation is more than a ceremony—it’s a celebration of transformation. When a Kisa Scholar completes her two-year journey, we don’t just mark the end of a program—we honor the birth of a confident, socially responsible leader prepared to uplift herself and her community.

The Kisa Program equips young girls with leadership skills they need to become socially responsible leaders capable of creating lasting change in their communities.  As we mark the graduation of the Class of 2023–2025, we reflect not only on the achievements of 1000+ scholars, but also on the profound impact they’re already making—and will continue to make—in their communities and beyond.

From the very first class of the program, we have witnessed profound transformation in these scholars. When recruiting for the Kisa Program class of 2023-2025, many girls shared the same goal they hoped to obtain through the Kisa Program: to gain the confidence they lacked, learn leadership skills, and empower themselves to become leaders who would pursue their dreams. Three scholars Patricia, Mwanaisha and Latifa shared their expectations, which echoed the Kisa Program mission to empower young girls with leadership skills so they may be able to transform their own lives and that of their communities:

• Patricia aimed to become more confident.
  
• Latifa hoped to learn how to address challenges in her community.
  
• Mwanaisha dreamed of gaining leadership skills and a clearer career path.

Over the course of the two years, Kisa Scholars like Patricia, Mwanaisha, and Latifa experienced powerful growth. Weekly sessions with GLAMI Mentors helped them build leadership skills, develop confidence, and put what they learned into action. One of the key experiences in the program is the 2 Days Challenge, where scholars research a community issue, develop practical solutions, and implement them through hands-on projects.

To further support their development, quarterly career and health sessions provide them with essential knowledge and tools to make informed decisions about their health and  future careers. Building on this foundation, the annual Career Day offers an immersive experience where scholars not only engage with professionals for guidance and inspiration but also research their own career aspirations and present them through creative exhibitions. This hands-on approach boosts their confidence, sharpens their presentation skills, and brings their future goals to life.

Latifa, for example, gained the skills to identify and address community challenges—just as she had hoped at the beginning of the program ready to return to her community and drive meaningful change. Patricia also gained the confidence she once struggled with by answering questions in class, collaborating with fellow scholars, and presenting her ideas to larger audiences as demonstrated during her participation in the End of Year One presentations and Career Day. Mwanaisha, through career sessions, redefined her understanding of career planning. She now works toward her dream of becoming a businesswoman, grounded in her own passions rather than societal expectations.

As part of their growth, scholars also have the opportunity to consult with GLAMI’s social workers, who provide psychosocial support to help them overcome challenges. This holistic approach ensures that scholars are fully empowered to thrive in every aspect of their lives, both academically and personally.

This year, Mwanaisha, Patricia, and Latifa successfully graduated from the Kisa Program, alongside  other scholars from the Kisa Class of 2023–2025. These young women are now equipped with the skills to build confidence, address community challenges, and pursue their future aspirations.

During the graduation ceremony, many scholars shared their personal experiences, proving just how transformative the Kisa Program has been. Here’s a glimpse into the impact it has had on their lives:

Gloria shared how the 2 Days Challenge made her believe she could accomplish anything, even if she wasn’t an expert in the field. She recalled the class renovation project at Nangumu School, where, despite many challenges, the team succeeded in their mission. This experience taught Gloria the power of resilience and teamwork.

Picture 2 : Kisa Scholars from Machame Girls, now graduates from the Class of 2023–2025, are pictured constructing 43 wooden dining benches as part of their 2 Day Challenge project. These benches will benefit around 200 students by addressing the shortage of dining furniture, which previously forced many to sit on the ground while eating.

Elizabeth also shared how the Kisa Program had changed her life. “When I was in lower Secondary School, I used to dream of becoming a doctor, but I thought a woman couldn’t do that. My perspective was that, as a woman, I needed a job that wouldn’t be too demanding. But after learning about careers through the Kisa Program, I understood that I can become a doctor regardless of my gender. Now, I’m proudly studying PCB (Physics, Chemistry, and Biology), and I’m proud of myself.”

Irene reflected on her transformation during the program: “When I joined the Kisa Program, I was not confident and had a poor academic background. Through Kisa, I’ve learned a lot—including teamwork, leadership, and confidence. These lessons have helped me develop the ability to learn new things. I can now cooperate with others and see improvements in my academics. I’m no longer afraid to ask questions in class because Kisa has given me the confidence and capability to do so.”

Monica shared how the Health session classes helped her manage her health and appreciate herself. She also has big plans after graduation: “I want to use the skills I’ve received to teach other girls in my community—especially those who think they can’t become leaders or doubt their career abilities. I hope to inspire them to be confident and face any challenge they encounter.”

Madam Monica Samato, one of our Liaisons, shared her thoughts on the program’s impact: “When these scholars joined, many had behavioural challenges, but over time, I’ve seen big changes in their behaviors. They’ve secured top leadership positions at school and performed well in those roles despite challenges like changes in the timetable, they remained flexible and worked hand in hand with their mentors. I truly appreciate the organization’s commitment to equipping them with valuable skills. I believe they will shine brightly as they move forward.”

Graduation is not just about receiving certificates; it marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. For the Kisa Scholars, this day signifies their readiness to lead and inspire as alumni of the Kisa Program. The collective effort of the scholars, mentors, schools, parents, social workers, local government, and the GLAMI team has paved the way for a brighter future for these young women—and for Tanzania as a whole.

As we celebrate their achievements, we encourage Kisa Scholars who are now alumni to continue applying the knowledge and skills they’ve gained. The real challenge begins now, as they face university life, career development, and community leadership. We believe in their potential, and we look forward to seeing them shine.

“Take everything you’ve learned throughout the program and apply it as you move forward in life. Keep the spark alive. Don’t let your experiences be left behind. Keep lighting up the world with your leadership!”GLAMI Mentor.