Inspiration

Where did the angel come from

One day in August, in the neighboring house after Utte’s residence, there were individuals from Germany who had specifically come to support Nkoaranga Orphanage. Their designated guide, Ally, approached me one day and questioned why I was not in school during school hours, considering my age. I was occupied with cleaning and washing at that time. It was an intriguing inquiry to me, and I willingly explained the circumstances to him. Ally proved to be an attentive listener, and I was unconcerned about his thoughts regarding me. I simply elucidated the reasons behind my presence there instead of being in school. 

After sharing my story, he inquired if I would be capable of managing and studying diligently if I were to receive support to attend school. I assured him that I would, and he responded by suggesting that it was getting late and I should head home. He also requested that we meet again the following day at 16:00. This was a positive indication that filled my heart with hope.

We had agreed to meet at Utte’s house, even though it wasn’t the scheduled cleaning day. When she saw me, she was surprised and asked if I was there that day. I explained that I was there because Ally had asked me to come. Utte then invited me to sit inside her house while waiting, as I had arrived 20 minutes early. Later, Ally arrived with two foreigners, Ursulla Hoffmann and Dr. Oliver. Ally conversed with them in German about me, while Ursulla spoke a bit of Swahili and asked if I loved school. I enthusiastically replied yes. They mentioned that they would like to visit my home in 2 days to meet my family and see if our NGO, “Tanzania – wir helfen,” could assist me. The visit was successful, and they came to see our home at that time.

They assured me of their support for my education, prompting me to prepare for the start of Secondary school in January 2003. By December of the same year, they requested the school fees invoice and had already paid for the first term. I was overjoyed and referred to Ally as my guardian angel who had brought other angels into my life. I am grateful that I worked hard in my studies and all school fees were taken care of, sparing me from any frustrations. Ursulla Hoffmann ran an NGO in Germany called Tanzania- wir helfen, through which she connected me with two sponsors responsible for my education fees. These sponsors were the families of Ilka Ficken and Gerold, as well as Margitta and Peter Hansen. Despite never meeting them in person, my gratitude and prayers towards them are eternal. They were truly God’s vessels to change my life.

After completing my O level studies at Nkoaranga Secondary School, I decided to attend high school for an additional two years. Once again, everything I needed was fully covered by the school. During my time in high school, I had a change of heart and shifted my focus from teaching to tourism activities. I believe this change was influenced by the environment, as it made me realize the potential for success in the tourism industry. Arusha, being a popular tourist city in the northern circuit, further solidified my decision to pursue a career in tourism.

I adjusted my course selection in high school to include subjects that would prepare me for a future in the tourism business. I successfully completed my two years in high school and passed the National examination with high marks, which allowed me to pursue higher education at the university level.

I carefully selected colleges that offered a Tourism course and ultimately chose Tumaini University. The sponsors were pleased with my progress and directly covered the expenses. I am forever grateful to these individuals who have been like angels in my life.

During my time at college, I excelled once again and graduated with the highest honors in all of my examinations. Immediately after completing my studies, I was fortunate enough to secure a position as a Reservations Consultant in a Tour Operation Company. Later on, I was promoted to the role of Lodge Manager in one of the largest companies in the northern circuit.

I attribute my success to the support of my sponsors, the opportunities that came my way, and the grace of God.

In addition to my role as a Manager, I am also involved in crop farming and investing in gift shop businesses, particularly in Tourist hotels. In these establishments, I sell a variety of cultural items such as African Khanga, vitenge, soap stones, maps, cultural bracelets, and arts drawn pictures. Engaging in these additional endeavors not only allows me to provide employment opportunities for girls whom I train in sales, but also contributes to the well-being of their families. Moreover, it enables me to support the community by purchasing goods from women groups and youth initiative groups.