SBL and NCT celebrate milestone in youth empowerment with first graduation ceremony
Dar es Salaam. Serengeti Breweries Limited (SBL), in collaboration with the National College of Tourism (NCT), celebrated its first graduation ceremony under the ‘Learning for Life’ program.
The event, held at the NCT campus, marked a significant step towards equipping young Tanzanians with essential skills for the rapidly evolving tourism and service industries.
A total of 109 students proudly donned their caps and gowns, surrounded by key industry stakeholders, government officials, and the community.
The ceremony was graced by Edward Mpogolo, the Ilala District Commissioner, who officiated as Guest of Honour. Dr. Pindi Hazara Chana, the Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, also attended as the Special Guest, underscoring the importance of such initiatives in driving national development.
In her address, Dr. Chana highlighted the transformative power of tourism: “Tourism is more than just travel – it is an engine for inclusive economic growth, youth employment, and cultural exchange.”
She emphasized the government's commitment to welcome 5 million tourists annually and the critical role of training programs in building the necessary human capital to support this vision. The Minister also introduced new tourism packages focusing on food tourism, aiming to showcase Tanzania's rich culinary heritage to tourists.
Dr. Chana praised the collaborative efforts of SBL and NCT, stating, “This collaboration represents the kind of innovation we need — where young people are trained not just for jobs, but for lifelong careers that uphold Tanzania’s values of excellence, culture, and hospitality.”
Mr Mpogolo echoed these sentiments, commending the initiative for complementing governmental efforts to expand the tourism sector. He acknowledged the immense potential of the hospitality industry for job creation and national growth, reinforcing the program's alignment with the government's vision for a sustainable and inclusive tourism future.
The ‘Learning for Life’ program, which commenced in September of the previous year, provided students with a comprehensive curriculum that included communication, leadership, customer service, and mixology through the Diageo Bar Academy.
The training is designed to prepare graduates for immediate employment, ensuring they are well-equipped to meet the demands of today’s hospitality employers.
Dr. Obinna Anyalebechi, Managing Director of SBL, expressed pride in the graduates’ achievements: “This graduation is not just a celebration of academic success – it’s a moment of transformation. We are incredibly proud of these students and grateful to our partners at NCT.”
Jessica William, Deputy Principal of NCT, praised the program’s impact on students, stating, “This initiative goes beyond the classroom to give them real-life exposure, boost their confidence, and prepare them for the expectations of today’s hospitality employers.”
This graduation ceremony is not merely a milestone for the students but a testament to the powerful outcomes that strategic public-private partnerships can achieve in fostering Tanzania’s development. SBL remains dedicated to uplifting communities through inclusive and sustainable programs that empower the local workforce.
