ZAKIA SALUM'S STORY
1.0 INTRODUCTION
My name is Zakia Salum Luhanga, a 19-year-old girl from Kichangani ward, Ulanga, Morogoro, Tanzania. I am the second
born in a family of five children. My parents are small-scale farmers, and we come from a poor background, which made
my early life very challenging. Despite the hardships, my journey is one of determination, faith, and hope. This is the story
of how I overcame obstacles to pursue my dreams and build a better future for myself and my daughter.
1.2 EARLY LIFE AND PRIMARY EDUCATION
I was born on September 9, 2006, in a simple clay house with a grass-thatched roof in Kichangani. Growing up, life was
tough because of financial struggles. My parents worked hard on our small farm, but the income was never enough to meet
our basic needs. Despite these challenges, they did their best to support us.
At the age of six, in 2012, I started primary school at Kichangani Primary School, where I studied alongside my sister from
Standard Two to Standard Seven. My father, who had no formal job, fought hard to provide for our education. Even though
we lacked school supplies and sometimes food, he made sure we stayed in school. In 2019, I completed Standard Seven and
passed my exams, which allowed me to join Kichangani Secondary School in 2020.
1.3.1 SECONDARY SCHOOL STRUGGLES
Secondary school brought new challenges. My father continued to struggle to pay for school fees and supplies, as his income
from farming was very small. My sister and I studied in the same class, which added pressure on our family’s resources. I
loved studying and worked hard, always ranking first in my class during mid-term and annual exams. I woke up at 4 a.m.
every day to study before walking six kilometers to school. My goal was clear: I wanted to excel in my studies to lift my
family out of poverty.
However, the financial strain became overwhelming when I reached Form Two. I lacked essential school items like uniforms
and exercise books. Out of desperation, I made poor choices. When my mother was not around, I started taking rice, maize,
or flour from home to sell so I could buy school supplies. I knew this was wrong, but I felt I had no other way to continue
my education. My parents were hurt by my actions, but I hid the truth to avoid punishment. Despite this, I remained focused
on my studies, determined to change my family’s future.
1.3.2 Traumatic Experience
In December 2022, during the Form Three holiday, I faced a life-changing challenge that I will never forget. One morning,
my mother asked me to collect firewood from a forest two kilometers away from home. I went alone, as my sister was
traveling. While gathering firewood, I heard footsteps behind me. A tall, thin man I didn’t know approached me with an
angry look. I screamed for help and tried to run, but no one could hear me. The man caught up with me, assaulted me, and
left me in pain and shock.
Struggling with pain, I slowly made my way back to the village. Some kind people helped me get to a hospital by motorcycle
after I explained what happened. At the hospital, I was told to get a PF3 form from the police before treatment. After
completing the process, I received medical care. Fortunately, tests showed I had no diseases, but a few days later, I
discovered I was pregnant. At 16 years old, this news shattered me. I felt lonely, unwanted, and worried about my dreams
of education. The stigma from the community and the pain of the incident made me lose peace and respect from others.
1.3.2 Continuing Education Despite Pregnancy
When school reopened in January 2023, I was in Form Four and pregnant. The headmaster and school committee, aware of
my situation, made a bold decision to allow me to continue my studies. I was determined not to let my circumstances stop
me. I wore loose Islamic clothing to conceal my pregnancy and studied hard, maintaining my position as a top student. The
headmaster believed in me because of my academic record, and I promised to work even harder.
From January to July 2023, I attended classes while pregnant. In July, I stopped going to school to prepare for childbirth,
but I agreed with the headmaster to return for my final exams. On October 8, 2023, I gave birth to my daughter, Maria,
safely, thanks to God. My parents, despite their limited resources, borrowed money to buy everything I needed for the
delivery.
Just one month after giving birth, I returned to school to take my national exams. I left Maria with my mother each day, as
the school was far, and used cow’s milk to feed her while I was away. With determination, I completed my Form Four
exams and passed with a division III.24. This was not my best performance, but considering I studied while pregnant and
missed four months of classes, I was proud of my achievement.
1.3.3 New Opportunity with Unite Scholarship
After completing my exams, I stayed home to care for Maria. My parents took on the responsibility of providing for her,
even though they had little money. In March 2024, I learned about the Unite the World with Africa Foundation scholarship.
I applied and was overjoyed to receive a fully funded scholarship to continue my education. Without this opportunity, I
would not have been able to afford further studies due to our family’s financial situation.
On March 8, 2024, I attended a scholarship event in Morogoro. At that time, I had to stop breastfeeding Maria, who was
only five months old, and left her with my mother. In April 2024, I joined the Cambridge Institute of Tourism Management
in Usa River, Arusha, to pursue a certificate in Tour Guiding and Wildlife Management. With the support of my sponsor,
Megan Grant Pedersen, and the Unite team, I completed my course and gained practical experience through fieldwork with
Cheers Eco-Tour & Safari. I am now looking for a job in the tourism industry to support myself and my daughter.
1.3.4 Gratitude and Lessons Learned
I am deeply grateful to God for giving me strength through my challenges and for blessing me with supportive people. My
parents, especially my mother, have been my rock, caring for Maria and helping me pursue my dreams. The Unite the World
with Africa Foundation, along with Anne Wells, Anty Marches, Joan Mzava, Clara Ngowi, and my sponsor Megan Grant
Pedersen, have transformed my life. I also thank Maria John for connecting me with the Unite family. Their support has
given me and Maria a chance at a better future.
Through my journey, I have learned important lessons:
• Never give up, no matter how tough life gets.
• Stay focused on your goals.
• Surround yourself with positive people who believe in you.
• Pray to God for guidance and strength.
1.4 CONCLUSION
My story is one of overcoming hardship through courage and determination. Despite poverty, a traumatic experience, and
early motherhood, I refused to let my dreams die. With the support of my family, the Unite scholarship, and my faith in
God, I have built a brighter future for myself and my daughter, Maria, who is now one and a half years old. Challenges
make us stronger, and I hope my story inspires others to keep pushing forward, no matter what obstacles they face.
Author: Zakia Salum Luhanga