Annabell Lackner, Grade 12
UWCEA Arusha Campus
It is Thursday, February 3, 2022 in Moshi. The sun is shining again and drops of perspiration are building on my skin. The humidity is so pressing and thick that you could cut the air with a knife. It is day 4 of our project week and since I had to end my project early because of health reasons, I spontaneously decided to accompany some of my friends to visit a local high school.
Arriving there a group of girls was already awaiting their arrival and were pleased to see me, a new visitor. Never in my life have I been welcomed so enthusiastically and warmly and impressed by their hospitality I presented myself.
However, we did not come to have casual small-talk but rather to learn about their reality as women in Tanzania. Girl after girl shared her story with us and narrated a synthesis of dreams, hopes, fears, and doubts. It shocked me to hear that for them; it was normal that the boys go to play soccer after school while the girls are meant to clean the school buildings and dorms. Moreover, reports about the violence that had been normalised as a tool of teaching and disciplinarian education made me aware of the tough reality these, mostly children, have to face day in day out. It stunned me how, despite all this, they still find the strength to pull through their demanding curriculum, but having heard about their career plans, I was not surprised. They talked about being soldiers to defend their nation, about being pilots to travel the world, about being doctors to aid their ill people and about being politicians to fight the anarchy. Having come in the expectation to meet shy and friendly girls, I was confronted with a group of aspiring, highly intelligent young women.
Especially memorable is the meeting with Nancy, a 17-year-old that was eager to work for the UN once she has finished her studies. She was curious and asked questions all the time as well as being critical and out speaking, not hesitating to share her opinion and oppose others. While sitting at a bench in the midst of their campus, we were writing letters to each other and drawing pictures. More than half of them drew the Tanzanian flag, explaining how profound their love for their beautiful country was.
At that moment, I could not understand how the love to a country that discriminated against them in such a way can be that big. It was incomprehensible how the constant oppression did not weaken their ambitions. Now I realise that perhaps, due to all the circumstances, they are stronger than all of us. Girls like them will be the leaders of tomorrow because they have been marked by challenging experiences and grown stronger. Unhindered, they pursue their path, dream big and just endure the pain until they reach their goals. These girls inspired me to work harder, be tougher and stop complaining. Having realised once again in what a privileged position I am, I promised myself to become the best version of myself, for me, for them, and especially for all the children that lack my opportunities.
Arriving there a group of girls was already awaiting their arrival and were pleased to see me, a new visitor. Never in my life have I been welcomed so enthusiastically and warmly and impressed by their hospitality I presented myself.
However, we did not come to have casual small-talk but rather to learn about their reality as women in Tanzania. Girl after girl shared her story with us and narrated a synthesis of dreams, hopes, fears, and doubts. It shocked me to hear that for them; it was normal that the boys go to play soccer after school while the girls are meant to clean the school buildings and dorms. Moreover, reports about the violence that had been normalised as a tool of teaching and disciplinarian education made me aware of the tough reality these, mostly children, have to face day in day out. It stunned me how, despite all this, they still find the strength to pull through their demanding curriculum, but having heard about their career plans, I was not surprised. They talked about being soldiers to defend their nation, about being pilots to travel the world, about being doctors to aid their ill people and about being politicians to fight the anarchy. Having come in the expectation to meet shy and friendly girls, I was confronted with a group of aspiring, highly intelligent young women.
Especially memorable is the meeting with Nancy, a 17-year-old that was eager to work for the UN once she has finished her studies. She was curious and asked questions all the time as well as being critical and out speaking, not hesitating to share her opinion and oppose others. While sitting at a bench in the midst of their campus, we were writing letters to each other and drawing pictures. More than half of them drew the Tanzanian flag, explaining how profound their love for their beautiful country was.
At that moment, I could not understand how the love to a country that discriminated against them in such a way can be that big. It was incomprehensible how the constant oppression did not weaken their ambitions. Now I realise that perhaps, due to all the circumstances, they are stronger than all of us. Girls like them will be the leaders of tomorrow because they have been marked by challenging experiences and grown stronger. Unhindered, they pursue their path, dream big and just endure the pain until they reach their goals. These girls inspired me to work harder, be tougher and stop complaining. Having realised once again in what a privileged position I am, I promised myself to become the best version of myself, for me, for them, and especially for all the children that lack my opportunities.
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