Dominica: I want to be Speaker of the National Assembly and a confident, fearless woman

My name is Dominica and I am at secondary school in Kilolo district in Tanzania. Coming from a humble home and being the youngest child, I’ve been through challenging times in my life and education. Though it all, my loving family has done their best to support me.

When I was in Form 2, members of my community referred me to CAMFED. Since then, I have received school uniforms, exercise books, pens, and all the materials I need for learning. I now feel confident and motivated to go to school on time and study hard every day.

The person who always encourages me to succeed is my sister. She makes sure I am surrounded by positive influences and advises me about how to do my best in my studies. My teachers have also been important — teaching me new things and guiding me through challenges.

My favorite classroom subject is English because it is a language that is spoken internationally. I believe it will open up further education and employment opportunities for me, both within and outside my country.

Here I am sitting at a desk in the classroom and taking notes in an exercise book.

When I grow up, I want to be the Speaker of the National Assembly like Tanzania’s former speaker Dr. Tulia Ackson. This is because she is a confident, fearless woman who stands for justice and equality, and has inspired many other women and girls.

I have encountered other role models in the CAMFED Association, the network of young women who have been supported in their education by CAMFED. They help to extend opportunities to more girls and boys, and take responsibility for enhancing our learning experiences.

For example, there are Learner Guides (peer mentors) in my school who lead study groups and life skills sessions.

Holding my own ‘My Better World’ workbook that I take to Learner Guide (peer mentor) sessions.

In life there are challenges and these can be overcome or solved, but only when we don’t lose hope and continue moving forward.