Student stories: helping youngsters learn and work
Susan
This 24-year-old bar and restaurant supervisor was promoted less than a year after graduating from the Eureka Training Institute, having learnt English from scratch and studied hotel management.
"Susan is polite and works well," her manager told us, at the central Arusha hotel where she works.
From being previously unemployed, Susan is now earning living and developing her English skills all the time. Her responsibilities include ensuring that tables are set, serving food and drinks, managing fellow restaurant workers and training colleagues in customer care.
"I enjoy the job but sometimes it can be difficult when you have to deal with complaints," Susan said.
Ally
Originally from Tanga, Ally approached YSEP after hearing about the charity through a friend.
He had already trained as a tailor but had no financial means of buying the sewing machine he so badly needed if he was to use his skills to earn a living.
After some discussion, YSEP and the young man came to an agreement. YSEP would buy him two machines and pay the first three months' rent on a small business premises on the outskirts of Arusha, if Ally took on other young apprentices (pictured below) to pass on his expertise.
Ally's business is thriving today. He has a team of willing helpers who are are learning from him and, together, there is nothing they cannot make.
Adeline and Hefs
These two girls are currently undertaking the field practice section of the Eureka Training Institute's hotel management course.
Working eight-hour days at an Arusha hotel, the youngsters are getting a real taste of life inside the industry they have been studying in the classroom.
They will then return to the institute to sit their final examinations before hoping to find a full-time job in the hospitality industry - something they will be totally prepared for.