When John walked through the gates of St Jude’s as an eight-year-old in Standard 1A, no one could have predicted just how far his curiosity and determination would take him. Raised by his aunt and uncle due to financial challenges at home, John understood from an early age that education was his opportunity to build a different future. His journey from St Jude’s Primary School in Arusha to Mauritius, then to the United States as a Mandela Washington Fellow, stands as a powerful reminder of what becomes possible when talent is matched with opportunity.
At St Jude’s, John quickly stood out for his love of learning. He excelled in mathematics and geography, and by the time he reached secondary school, he had assumed leadership roles that reflected his growing passion for service and the environment. He served as Environment Prefect and chaired the school’s Malihai Club, which promoted sustainability and environmental awareness among students. These experiences began to shape a young man who cared deeply about people, communities and the natural world.
After completing Form 6, John embraced the St Jude’s tradition of giving back by teaching biology at a local government school during his Community Service Year. Once again, he left a mark through his commitment to helping younger students recognize their own potential. His strong academic performance and leadership qualities helped him secure a full scholarship to study Social Sciences at the African Leadership University in Mauritius, a degree accredited by Glasgow Caledonian University in the UK.
Today, John is an self-employed entrepreneur based in Kilimanjaro, working with fellow founders to build solutions that convert food waste into organic fertilizers. He is also committed to supporting the next generation of innovators and spent part of 2024 mentoring young digital entrepreneurs. His journey caught the attention of many, including supporters in Australia, when he joined Gemma on tour in February 2025, sharing his story with audiences who were moved by his authenticity and vision for Tanzania.
In the middle of this year, John reached another milestone when he was selected as a Mandela Washington Fellow. The fellowship is the United States Government’s flagship program for emerging African leaders and receives over 58,000 applications each year. John was one of only 620 young leaders chosen across the continent, a moment he describes as overwhelming and deeply affirming. He attended the fellowship at the University of Iowa.
“Although I had heard about the fellowship before, I had never truly considered myself worthy of such a prestigious opportunity. So, when I finally received the news that I had been selected, I was filled with overwhelming joy, disbelief and deep gratitude. It was a powerful reminder that the work I have been doing in my community is meaningful,” says John.
John spent six intensive weeks at the University of Iowa’s Tippie College of Business, which is ranked as the leading business school in the state. He joined the Leadership in Business track, learning alongside 24 other young leaders from across Africa. The program was designed to blend academics, leadership development, community engagement, cultural exchange and professional exposure. According to John, every part of the experience built on the next, creating a powerful and interconnected learning journey.
“As an aspiring entrepreneur, I chose the Leadership in Business track because of my deep belief that well-led businesses have the power to transform communities. Strong businesses create jobs, spark innovation and improve the quality of life. And that aligns with the impact I am working to build through companies that serve people, protect the planet and unlock opportunities where it's needed the most,” John says.
He shared that one of the highlights was participating in the Signature Venture School, an intensive entrepreneurial program run by the John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center. The sessions were fast-paced and practical, covering innovation, venture development and leadership in complex systems. John pitched his own venture during the program’s competition and was selected as one of the nine awardees, earning a seed award to develop his ideas further. This recognition reinforced his belief that Africa has no shortage of talent, only a shortage of platforms and support systems that allow young people to rise. \
Beyond the classroom, John engaged in rich community experiences. He volunteered with Central Furniture Rescue and the Iowa City Public Library and participated in cultural events, family hosting experiences, professional networking and multiple site visits across Iowa’s innovation and agricultural sectors. These moments helped him deepen his understanding of leadership in different contexts and broaden his appreciation for community-driven service.
Describing his biggest takeaway, John says, “Leadership is a lifelong responsibility, one rooted in service, humility and the courage to reimagine what is possible.”
He returned home with strengthened confidence, new partnerships and a determination to help other young Africans unlock their potential.
From a modest childhood in Tanzania to representing the continent on a global leadership platform, John’s journey exemplifies the power of education to break the cycle of poverty and inspire transformation. St Jude’s is proud of the young leader he has become and even prouder of the impact he continues to create for Tanzania and beyond.
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