Semu gets major grant to grow Nena Hub

For Semu, learning to communicate confidently was not simply part of his education, it became the foundation of his career and the inspiration behind an organisation now helping young Tanzanians find their own voices.

Semu, a 2022 graduate of The School of St Jude, completing his Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing and Public Relations at the Institute of Accountancy Arusha in 2027. However, his journey into communication, leadership and public speaking began much earlier at St Jude’s, where learning has always gone beyond the classroom.

During his years at St Jude’s, Semu participated in debates, public-speaking competitions, career days, leadership activities and mentorship program. These experiences helped him develop the confidence to express his ideas, engage with different audiences and recognise communication as a powerful tool for creating opportunities. Over time, Semu moved from being a student participating in these programs to becoming a mentor and judge at national and regional public-speaking competitions.

In August 2024, Semu founded Nena Hub after observing a clear gap in leadership development in Tanzania’s education system, particularly in access to practical communication and public speaking skills. These are skills that strongly influence education, employment, entrepreneurship, leadership and confidence, yet many students, especially in government schools, have few structured opportunities to develop them. Based in Arusha, Nena Hub works to equip young people with communication and public speaking skills that strengthen their employability, entrepreneurship and self-expression.

Semu leads the organisation alongside Program Director Gloria, a St Jude’s alum from the Class of 2023. Their small team also includes St Jude’s alumni Ramadhani, Athumani, Mary and Mwanahawa, who are currently pursuing their college studies.

In less than two years, Nena Hub has reached students at 11 schools across Arusha. Its programs are delivered free of charge to government schools, giving students who might otherwise have limited access to these opportunities the chance to develop valuable communication skills.

Now, Nena Hub has reached an important milestone after being selected for the Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship and receiving a US$70,000 grant. The fellowship provides more than funding. It places the initiative within a wider ecosystem of innovators working to transform how young people learn and prepare for the future.

“St Jude’s played a bigger role in my journey by providing opportunities to develop public speaking skills through teachers, career days, and different school activities,” says Semu.

“The computer skills I gained at school have also been very useful in today’s world as well as the strong alumni support system that helped shape my approach to education, leadership and problem-solving,” Semu explains.

For Semu, communication is not an optional or secondary skill. He believes it determines whether young people can explain their ideas, succeed in interviews, pitch businesses, participate in leadership opportunities and advocate for themselves.

What began as one student discovering his voice at St Jude’s has grown into a movement helping hundreds of young people discover theirs.