Kisarawe. What began as a life-changing phone call for Kisarawe resident Veronica Kilango has evolved into a story of business growth, job creation and renewed hope for dozens of vulnerable children.
Earlier this year, Ms Kilango, an entrepreneur and founder of Kisarawe Orphanage House, won the Sh100 million grand prize in Yas’ Tunasheherekea Pamoja – Mwaka Mmoja wa Yas campaign.
Rather than spending the windfall on personal luxuries, she has channelled much of it into expanding her tailoring business, supporting vulnerable children and investing in longterm community projects.
Ms Kilango recalls being overwhelmed with emotion when she received the call informing her that she had won the jackpot.
The prize, awarded as part of the campaign celebrating one year since Yas’ brand transformation, has enabled her to realise ambitions she had postponed for years. “I expanded my tailoring factory by purchasing additional sewing machines, equipment and materials. I also bought a piece of land that I had always wanted but could not previously afford,” she said.
She now plans to build a daycare centre for working parents, alongside a family home with a playground for children living at the orphanage. Beyond growing her business, Ms Kilango has used part of the prize to improve the lives of 50 children under the care of Kisarawe Orphanage House, covering school fees and other essential needs for pupils and students enrolled in primary schools, secondary schools and universities.
The orphanage was established 23 years ago by her father, a pastor, to provide shelter, education and care for vulnerable children. Ms Kilango assumed responsibility for its day-today operations when it was just three years old and has continued to build on his vision.
She has also renovated her parents’ home, contributed to development projects at her church, supported members of her extended family and invested part of her winnings through UTT AMIS, while reserving the remaining funds for future construction projects.
Her investment in the tailoring factory has already begun creating employment opportunities. After securing contracts to produce uniforms for Kisarawe’s Uhuru Torch runners and between 400 and 600 T-shirts for the Uhuru Torch race, Ms Kilango recruited six young people to help fulfil the orders, providing them with both income and practical work experience.
Reflecting on her experience, she said she nearly missed the opportunity after ignoring the first two calls from the number 100. “I always encourage people not to ignore calls from unfamiliar numbers because you never know when your miracle might be calling,” she said.
She also urged Tanzanians to cultivate a culture of saving and investing, arguing that even modest financial discipline can create lasting change.
