At 15 years old, Prisca Shabani Saidi, a Form Two student at Kiluvya Secondary School living in Kibamba Ward, faced a common challenge of accessing essential school items like uniforms, body oil, and shoes. These needs were difficult to meet quickly and easily, often causing stress and uncertainty.

In 2024, Prisca decided to take control of her situation by joining a school-based entrepreneurship and gardening initiative. Her creativity and determination led her to start a small business selling ubuyu (baobab snacks). She sells at school, earning a profit of Tsh 3,500 per kilogram. Every two days, she produces two kilograms, and they sell out within two days, providing her with a steady income.

But Prisca didn’t stop there. She also established a home garden measuring 20 feet by 5 feet, where she grows a variety of vegetables, including figiri, mnamfu, and mchicha. This garden ensures her family has access to safe, organic vegetables while reducing household expenses. Prisca proudly shares:

“Sio lazima kutumia mbolea za kemikali na sumu, labda tu kunapokuwa na ulazima.” (It’s not necessary to use chemical fertilizers and pesticides unless absolutely necessary.)

Her entrepreneurial spirit doesn’t end with ubuyu and gardening. Prisca dreams of saving enough to start a women’s salon business, as she loves hairdressing. She encourages other students to learn practical skills like making ubuyu and starting gardens, saying:

“Wasio na biashara wafungue biashara ya vitu tulivyojifunza.” (Those without businesses should start one using the skills we’ve learned.)

Prisca’s story is a shining example of how empowering girls with entrepreneurial and agricultural skills can transform lives, build confidence, and create pathways to independence.