Wandering through Destiny
When the question 'What do you want to be when you grow up?' became a real concern and I had to decide what I wanted to do after school, I felt so lost. I have never had a dream career or job in mind. Nevertheless, I always knew that I wanted to make a difference in other people’s lives through my work.
One day, feeling unmotivated, I decided to browse websites for volunteer opportunities around the world. I hoped that this would allow me to lead a more meaningful life. During my search, I came across Savvy Brain Academy, a school in Tanzania. Watching a video of the children and the school, something inside me urged me to go. I like to believe that fate intervened because something clicked inside me: 'It’s time to go to Tanzania.' And so I did.
I was honestly scared. I didn’t know what to expect. Going to a place different from what I was used to, I didn’t know how people would react to my presence. Would they be open? Would they feel uneasy? I didn’t want to disturb, so I was apprehensive.
However, upon arrival, this fear vanished. I was warmly received by the host and his family; it felt like home. At the school, the children were unique and curious. As a photographer, I noticed that the camera sparked curiosity in them, and it was heartwarming to teach them how to take a photo and witness their reaction.
Outside of school, in the village where I stayed, I had the opportunity to learn about their way of life. One of the things that impacted me the most was seeing their incredible joyfulness despite living what we, as westerners, consider a simpler life.
It got me thinking — maybe it's not about what you have, but how you see things and what you feel.
THE SCHOOL
Arriving at the school, I was greeted by a lot of eager faces, their eyes shining with curiosity and wonder. It was here, inside of the classroom, that I found my purpose. Surrounded by the laughter of children and the sound of learning, I realized the impact that education can have on shaping young minds. In their innocence, I saw reflections of my own dreams and aspirations, a reminder of the power of hope in a world of desperation.
THE GIRLS
Hearing their stories in person, made me really realize how strong and courageous these young girls are. Their resilience in the face of adversity, their pursuit of a brighter future not only for themselves but also for their families, deeply resonated with me. Witnessing that, I felt even more the desire to see them being able to accomplish their dreams and desires.
THE VILLAGE
Life in Kisesa is something else. It's simple, sure, by Western standards anyway. But what struck me was how content and happy people were with what they had. It got me thinking — maybe it's not about what you have, but how you see the world around you. It was in their simple acts of kindness that I discovered the true meaning of community, transcending barriers of language and culture.
THE MOM
A mother of 5. Lost her husband in the middle of her last pregnancy. A house without any infrastructure. Working relentlessly so she can give food to her children at the end of the day. Delivered her baby. How is she supposed to work a day after giving birth? How is she going to get the money to sustain her family? That is reality. That hurts.
THE HOUSE
We were three volunteers staying at William’s family home. William, his wife and five children. They were so welcoming and took amazing care of us. I had to get used to things that were at first really different. The bathroom, the bucket showers with cold water, the three meals a day, but let me tell you, Joana, the oldest of the five, is an excellent cook.
Looking back, I miss my time there.
Coming back home, trying to edit the photos I made that day and hearing Benaia saying: ‘I want to see pictures’ or little Jesse being by my side and saying: ‘I’m coming’ with a big smile on her face.
Tanzania taught me that life's not about fancy stuff or big achievements. It's about the joy found in simplicity, the connections, and the universal language of love and resilience.