by Alinagwe Mwaselela, Nyota community lead
While we are still in the process of preparing for the National General Election, in Mburahati Ward, Ubungo Dar Es Salaam, the Nyota community continues to benefit from the fruits of Encointer and Kusama in their economic and social life.
An analysis of raw data from July to September this year shows that the turnover of the Nyota community currency is 2.4 times the amount claimed via the faucet. Although the total volume of $1,760 is still small in absolute terms, the impact is noticeable in our district.
This is blog post is a continuation of recognizing members and stakeholders who have been developing and managing the community’s economy by receiving and providing Nyota in payment for goods and services. The first report of this kind was published in July.
All these members are members of Nyota Business groups, and up to now we have 7 groups in Nyota community, Heshimu Pesa ya Meza, Nguvu Moja, Urembo, Mavituz DeliciouZ, Afya Care, Media Group and Together as One Group, which is the new and last group for this year. All these groups make a total of ~60 active individual members
Our Chairwoman: Jackline Sobo
Busy druing the cycles: Nyota Chairwoman Jackline.
Meet the Chairperson of the Nyota Community, Jackline Sobo, who has been an active member for more than a year. Over this time, she has inspired more than 20 new members to join the community. Jackline is well known in Mburahati for her delicious cashew nuts and her skill as a hair braider, especially for young girls. She is also a loyal customer of Nguvu Moja and Heshimu Pesa ya Meza groups.
Jackline owns the house that serves as our regular meeting place for attestations and Nyota Digital Community Building Team (DCBT) sessions. She says:
“Through Nyota, many people have come to know my work. Now I sell more cashew nuts and get more hair clients from the community. We support each other. When I buy from them, they also buy from me. It makes us grow together.”
Anisa
Anisa, bringing her tasty bites to the cycle.
Her name is Anisa. She has been part of the Nyota community for more than seven months and serves as the General Secretary of Mavituz DeliciouZ Group. Anisa is a dedicated cook, well known for her delicious Maandazi, Chapati, Sambusa, and other tasty bites.
Within the Nyota community, she is both an active member and a loyal customer of Heshimu Pesa ya Meza packages. Through her business, she serves more than 25 community members who regularly enjoy her food.
Thanks to Nyota, Anisa can now buy her household necessities like rice, cooking oil, wheat flour, sugar, and more, directly from Heshimu Pesa ya Meza. At the same time, the community’s business groups have become steady customers of Anisa’s bites and other products, creating a beautiful cycle of mutual support within the Nyota economy.
Afya Care Group Member
A Member trying the innovative PePain system
His innovation, a device called PePain, offers three different features designed to relieve menstrual pain safely and effectively. Many Nyota members appreciate this product because they can now access it more easily and at a lower cost, thanks to payments made in NYT.
Using Nyota has made it easier for him and the Afya Care Group to reach women across the community. This not only supports women’s wellbeing but also increases local circulation of NYT, strengthening both income and community engagement.
Amina Kijaji
Talent meets dedication: Amina
The talented tailor Amina Kijaji is an active member of Nguvu Moja Group. Besides her tailoring work, Amina runs a small personal business selling underwear and various fabrics in her neighborhood.
Amina is one of the pioneers of the Nyota community, she joined right from the beginning when NYOTA was first introduced. Over time, she has become known for her creativity and reliability, always ready to help others with sewing needs or advice on materials. She says:
“Amost all of my customers come from the Nyota community. Through Nyota, my business has really grown. I sell, I buy, and we all support each other. It is not just about money; it is about connection. When I help others with my tailoring or underwear business, they also help me. That is how our community keeps moving forward”
Today, about 80% of Amina’s customers are from the Nyota Community.
As we move into the next quarter, we look forward to sharing even more portraits of Nyota community members. With the General Election soon behind us, many will return to their regular routines, making it easier to document their inspiring stories. We also plan to launch the first Nyota Market, an open event that will showcase the work of Nyota Business Groups to Mburahati residents and local leaders, creating new opportunities for collaboration and support.
