WHY – From 2018 to 2021, I participated in various volunteering projects in Tanzania. I realized that young people didn’t have a space to relax, play, enjoy, or meet -except for the streets of their  neighbourhood-. Despite their determination, they didn’t read books because no one provided them; they didn’t learn languages because they couldn’t afford classes; and they struggled to come up with stories or express creativity because no one had ever encouraged them to develop these skills. However, they were passionate about interacting with foreigners, practicing their language skills, and asking many questions while enjoying explaining Tanzanian customs and ways of living. While discussing various topics, sharing their concerns with foreigners as well as locals made them realise that “they were not the only ones experiencing it”. What stood out of all of these experiences was that young people were eager to challenge themselves! The lack of infrastructures and opportunities for this segment of the population inspired me to create a community centre designed to empower and support young people in their journey toward a brighter future…

HOW – In January 2022, I rented an empty house surrounded by a larger outdoor area that was well located and accessible from anywhere in Arusha. I had a clear vision of what I wanted: classrooms for language sessions, IT lessons and workshops, a library and self-study room, an exterior area to chill and play board games and a big stage for dance classes and performances. We had a lot to do, as the place was uninhabitable. We changed all the electrical wiring, renovated the entire bathroom, painted the house inside out, restored windows and doors, repaired countless things that didn’t work, conditioned the outside garden and built the stage.

THE NAME – Once the renovations were complete, it was time to choose a name for our centre. After long debates, JITHUBUTU stood out among all our creative ideas! Why? What does it mean in Swahili? JITHUBUTU means “Dare! Give it a try!”. It’s used to encourage someone to attempt something they’ve never considered or haven’t dared to do, that can bring them a positive outcome. This perfectly reflects the spirit of the centre: constantly improving ourselves, trying new things, learning, and gaining confidence. This name was also connected to my personal journey. It took me a long time to dare to leave my European life behind for a future that was still unknown.  After I left, a personal coach asked me, “What would you say to Cristina from 25 years ago?”. After a few days of reflection, I finally answered: “Don’t wait. Dare. You won’t regret it.” The main goal of Jithubutu is to encourage our youth to challenge themselves for a brighter future -just as I had to challenge myself to step out of my comfort zone and embark on this beautiful yet complex adventure.

WHAT’S NEXT – Since its opening, JITHUBUTU has welcomed hundreds of people attending workshops, classes, or simply enjoying their time and socializing. We’re thrilled to see that number growing day by day! Our members and local team have been using their creativity to develop new activities that are both playful and educational. We’ve hosted volunteers from different parts of the world and have increased not only the number but also the quality of our partnerships. But this is just the beginning of our journey. Ideas are flourishing at the centre, and sustaining our current activities is already becoming a challenge. Every contribution has proven to be extremely valuable for JITHUBUTU’s future. From donations to partnerships and volunteering—whether locally or from your hometown—there are many ways to support us. Find out how you can help on our TAKE ACTION page.