In the heart of the Katavi Region, Baraka Magembe’s journey is a testament to the power of Roots & Shoots (R&S) in shaping young lives. His story reflects how the program transforms challenges into opportunities through environmental stewardship, leadership development, and community engagement.
Baraka’s life took a difficult turn when his father lost his job, forcing the family to leave Dar es Salaam for a rural village with no farmland. Struggling financially, he dropped out of school in Standard Four. Seeking answers about his identity, he traveled to Mwanza to find his biological mother, only to return home disheartened. Yet, his father’s forgiveness and encouragement became a turning point.
Baraka Magembe, Mpandandogo Secondary School Roots & Shoots Club Chairperson, tending his family banana farm in Vikonge village, Katavi Region. (Photo by Michael Pandisha.)
His new path began at Vikonge Primary School, where a teacher introduced him to Roots & Shoots. Immediately drawn to its mission, Baraka embraced activities such as tree planting, school gardening, and community service. The club provided him with a sense of purpose and belonging, instilling values of hard work, teamwork, and resilience.
As his leadership skills grew, Baraka took on chairperson roles at Vikonge, Kakoso, and later Mpandandogo Secondary School. Under his guidance, the clubs led impactful environmental projects, including reforestation efforts, community clean-ups, and supporting elderly villagers with daily chores. Through these experiences, Baraka learned problem-solving, environmental conservation, and the power of youth-driven change.
Mentorship played a key role in his journey. His R&S patron, Mr. Joseph Kangozi, supported his vision, guiding him in planting cashews and orange trees at school and reinforcing the importance of sustainable actions.
Beyond school, he applied his knowledge at home. With his father’s encouragement, he established a banana farm and dug eight fishponds, identifying a local demand for fish. His farm now produces over 70 banana bunches per season, generating income to support his education. Inspired by R&S, Baraka transformed his family’s livelihood while demonstrating the potential of youth-led solutions to real-world challenges.
Today, Baraka is a top student and a strong advocate for entrepreneurial skills and environmental action. His story illustrates how Roots & Shoots empowers young people to create positive change not just in their schools, but in their communities and beyond.
Baraka’s journey is a powerful reminder that small actions lead to big impacts, and with the right support, young people can shape a brighter, more sustainable future.
