Meet Aruni Meshieleki

From dropping out of school to chasing his dream of becoming an electrician, Aruni’s story shows what a second chance can do. Thanks to the Siringit Foundation, he is back in class and full of hope for the future.

Can you tell us more about your life and how you grew up?

I was born in Arusha and grew up in a family with seven children. I’m the second born. Life at home was not easy. My mother used to sell vegetables at the market, and my older brother worked as a pikipiki (motorcycle taxi) driver. Together they were doing everything they could to support us.

How did you hear about the sponsorship program?


I got the sponsorship in 2014 when I was in Standard 4 at Baraa Primary School. At that time I didn’t understand what it meant. But when I finished primary school in 2017 and saw that my family didn’t have money to send me to secondary school, I realized how important it was. My sisters Jenifer and Agape were also sponsored, and it helped us a lot.

That same year, my father had a motorcycle accident. The little money my brother was earning went to pay for my father’s medical care. The support from the Siringit Foundation made a big difference for us.

You decided to stop going to school. What led to that?


In 2019 I was in Form 2. Things at home were really hard. I felt like I needed to do something to help my family, so I quit school and became a pikipiki driver. I did that for two years, but nothing really changed. Our life stayed the same. That’s when I started thinking I had made the wrong decision.

What happened when you came back to the Siringit Foundation?


In 2022 I came back to ask for help to repair my motorcycle. But then I thought more about my future and realized that even if the bike got fixed, I would just be stuck in the same place. I went back again and asked if they could help me return to school. I wanted to study Electrical Installation Engineering. That had been my dream for a long time. At the time, many homes in my community still didn’t have electricity, including my own. I saw that as an opportunity. The Siringit Foundation contacted my individual sponsor and he agreed to support me again. I’m very thankful for that.

Was it hard to return to school after so long?


Yes, it was. I had been out of school for a while, and it was difficult at first. But I was excited to be studying what I love. I knew that this course could change my life if I gave it my best.

Article continues below the pictures

Picture with the green sweater is Aruni in Baraa Primary School in 2017. The black sweater is Aruni in Sorenyi Secondary School in 2019. The last picture is Aruni in college now. He is in Karanga Technical Training Centre in Moshi, in his last year now.

What are some of the most valuable things you’ve learned?


Of course I’m learning how to do electrical installations, but I also learned about life. One subject that really stood out to me was Entrepreneurship. That’s where I got the idea to open my own electrical supply shop in the future. I don’t think I would have learned these things anywhere else.

How did the sponsorship change your life?


Before I returned to school, people in my community didn’t think much of me. I was just another young guy who had quit school and worked as a pikipiki driver. People often look at pikipiki drivers as people without a future. Now things are different. I am included in family and community decisions. People see me as a role model now, and that means a lot to me.

Do you have any advice for other students in a similar situation?


Yes. If someone gives you support, take it seriously. Some people are lucky to get help but don’t use it well. Don’t ask for money. Ask for support that will help you stand on your own. Sometimes you have to sacrifice a short time now to enjoy a better life later.

What are your dreams or plans for the future?


My goal is to finish college, build strong connections, and become known as a trusted electrician. I also want to open a shop that sells electrical supplies. One day I want to help other young people like me who feel like giving up. Before the foundation helped me, I had only 10 percent hope in life. Now I feel like I have 97 percent confidence that I can make it.

Thank you, Aruni, for sharing your journey with us. His story is just one example of what the Siringit Foundation makes possible. If you’re staying at Siringit Villa, you can visit Baraa Primary School, where Aruni’s journey began. Just ask the villa manager.

Thank you for being part of this impact!

- The Siringit Team