By Business Insider Reporter
NMB Bank’s ‘NMB the GOAT’ stole the show at this year’s Goat Races, beating Bowman’s goat to win the NMB unGOATable Race in the bank’s debut appearance at the popular event.
But behind the cheers, rivalry and playful racing was a more serious race against a very different challenge: raising TSh 200 million to help 150 financially disadvantaged young Tanzanians pursue higher education.
Held on September 19, the event was organised by the Rotary Club of Dar es Salaam Oysterbay, which has used the races to turn entertainment into education support.
Since taking over management of the races in 2018, the club says it has helped 350 students continue their studies. This year, it hopes to support another 150.
For a young person who has earned a place in higher education but cannot afford the costs, such support can mean the difference between starting a new chapter in life and having to give up the opportunity.
That human dimension is what gives the annual spectacle a purpose beyond the racecourse.
NMB Head of Private Banking Getrude Mallya said the bank was proud to support an initiative that combines entertainment with opportunities for young people.
“Beyond the joy of the victory, our participation in these races reflects NMB Bank’s commitment to supporting initiatives that create opportunities for young Tanzanians,” she said.
For NMB, the goat’s victory provided a memorable debut. But for the organisers and the young people they hope to reach, the bigger prize will be the TSh 200 million raised and the 150 students who get a chance to continue their education. As one of the contenders aptly put it, the real race is not on the track, but to give 150 young people a chance to pursue higher education.
