Vivo Energy Tanzania launches ‘Uzuri wa Tanzania, Fahari Yangu’ ‘The Beauty of Tanzania my Pride’ painting contest for secondary schools and the University of Dar es Salaam

02 Oct 2024

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. 30 September 2024: Vivo Energy Tanzania, the company that distributes and markets Engen-branded fuels and Shell lubricants, is proud to announce the launch of the ‘Uzuri wa Tanzania, Fahari Yangu’ painting contest, aimed at fostering creativity and national pride among the Tanzanian youth. Kicking off on 27 September 2024 at Msimbazi Secondary School and extending to the University of Dar es Salaam as of today, 30 September, this contest invites students to showcase their artistic talents while celebrating the beauty of Tanzania.

With a strong belief in the transformative power of education and art, Vivo Energy recognises that education is the bedrock of progress—Elimu ni msingi wa maendeleo. Participants from secondary schools that are based in Dar es Salaam and the University of Dar es Salaam’s Department of Creative Arts will compete for exciting prizes. The secondary school prizes include laptops and iPads. The university winners will be awarded financial rewards of up to TZS 2 million.

During the launch event at Msimbazi secondary, Mohamed Bougriba, Managing Director of Vivo Energy Tanzania, emphasised the company’s commitment to community impact through education and environmental sustainability. Quoting the esteemed Mwalimu Julius Nyerere, Bougriba stated, “Education is not a way to escape poverty—it is a way of fighting it.” He further highlighted Nyerere’s perspective that “True education does not only train the mind but also helps shape character,” underscoring the profound role of education in societal transformation.

The contest theme, ‘Uzuri wa Tanzania, Fahari Yangu’ (which loosely translates to The Beauty of Tanzania, My Pride), resonates with Sustainable Development Goal 4: Quality Education. Bougriba remarked, “Tanzania’s breathtaking landscapes and vibrant culture serve as inspiration for this contest, offering students a unique creative outlet.”

This initiative is part of Vivo Energy’s Green Initiative, building on the success of last year’s #PandaMti Ishi Kijani (#planttrees live green) campaign. The new programme, ‘Tunza Mti, Ishi Kijani 2024’ (Preserve Trees, Live Green), promotes environmental conservation, echoing Nyerere’s sentiment: “The land is our life, and we must protect it,” while supporting Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life on Land.

Moreover, Bougriba spoke to the mental health benefits of art, stating, “Art is not only a tool for self-expression but also a form of therapy. It aids in managing stress, enhances mental health (Afya ya Akili), and fosters a sense of achievement—aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 3: Good health and well-being. Bougriba stressed that “in a fast-paced world, art offers a vital opportunity to pause, reflect, and heal.”

Vivo Energy extends its sincere gratitude to its esteemed partners—the Government of Tanzania, the University of Dar es Salaam, UN Global Compact, and East Africa Radio—for their unwavering support in bringing this initiative to fruition.

By nurturing the creativity of Tanzanian youth, the ‘Uzuri wa Tanzania, Fahari Yangu’ Art Contest promises to inspire a new generation of artists and create a lasting impact on the community.

The University of Dar es Salaam’s Department of Creative Arts, Dr. Erick Mgema, who also graced the launch event – added: “The "Uzuri wa Tanzania" Fahari Yangu contest by Vivo Energy celebrates artistic excellence through a comprehensive selection and judgement process that evaluates key criteria and identify 20 participants, 10 from each category that will enter the painting academy. These include composition and design, technical skill, colour and tone, creativity and originality, emotional impact, execution and finish, narrative depth, and interpretation of subject matter. Each submission will be assessed for visual harmony, mastery of medium, use of colour, and the ability to engage and resonate with viewers, ensuring that the winners reflect the vibrant spirit and artistic talent of Tanzania.”

Dr. Issa Mbura, lecturer at the University of Dar es Salaam, mentioned how the "Uzuri wa Tanzania, Fahari Yangu" contest engages contestants in showcasing their talents by creating a painting that reflects the beauty of Tanzania. Entrants will benefit from a two-day training workshop at the Painters’ Academy, followed by dedicated eight days of painting sessions. These top ten participants from each category will be shortlisted and featured on Vivo Energy's social media platforms (@vivoenergytz) as they engage in the contest. The academy will then select top five winners from each category where their paintings will be judged and showcased during the prize giving event set to occur early November at the University of Dar es Salaam.

Aileen Meena, Marketing and Communications Manager at Vivo Energy Tanzania added the painting contest is aimed at empowering young artists: “This initiative showcases our commitment to innovation and social responsibility by providing a platform for youth to celebrate Tanzania’s beauty,” she stated.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

Media contact:
Aileen Meena
Vivo Energy Tanzania
Mobile: 0754712182
Email: [email protected]

About Vivo Energy:

The Vivo Energy Group operates and markets its products in countries across North, West, East, Southern Africa and in the Ocean Islands. The extended Group has a network of over 3,900 service stations in 28 markets operating under the Engen and Shell brands and exports lubricants to a number of other African countries. Its retail offering includes fuels, lubricants, card services, convenience stores, restaurants, and other non-fuel services. It provides fuels, lubricants, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and chemicals to business customers across a range of sectors including marine, aviation, mining, construction, power, transport, agriculture and manufacturing. It is continuing to develop innovative energy solutions to enhance sustainability.

The Company employs around 6,000 people and has access to over 2.1 billion litres of fuel storage capacity.

For more information about Vivo Energy please visit www.vivoenergy.com