“I grew up without choices. I watched my siblings go to school while I stayed home, working to help my family survive, and I promised myself that my children would never have to live the same life I did. I wanted them to dream freely and reach higher than I ever could.” Ramadhani Khamis, 44, shared, his voice carrying both pride and reflection.
In Jan’gombe, Unguja Zanzibar, Ramadhani is a father of four who has always dreamed of a bright future for his children. When his eldest daughter, Khadija, completed Form Four last year, he wanted to ensure she stayed engaged and prepared to build a stable, successful life.
“I believed teaching was the safest and most respected path for her,” he explained. “It was my hope that becoming a teacher would give her security, dignity, and the opportunities I never had. I enrolled her in college for education, thinking I was guiding her toward the best future.”
But months passed, and Khadija’s performance and interest in the course did not improve. Concerned, Ramadhani began to wonder if she was struggling in silence. One afternoon, while passing through his community, he joined a discussion among youth and elders on social issues. The session focused on life skills, particularly problem-solving. Though he had heard of life skills before, this conversation struck him deeply.
“As they talked about identifying the root of problems and making decisions thoughtfully, I could not help but reflect on my own choices for my family,” he shared. “I realized that I had decided my
daughter’s future without asking her what she truly wanted. I felt a mixture of worry and guilt.”
That evening, he spoke with his wife, who shared her observation that Khadija seemed uninterested in the teaching course. Together, they decided to have an honest conversation with their daughter.
To their surprise, Khadija revealed her passion for beauty and cosmetology. She wanted to learn
braiding and makeup.
““I was shocked at first,” Ramadhani admitted. “I had invested in her education and feared that pursuing beauty might not secure her future. But when I looked into her eyes, I saw determination and clarity I had never seen before. And then she said something I will never forget: ‘This is something I have been passionate about for a long time. If you believe in me and allow me to take this path, I will make you
proud.’”
Her words stayed with him. After careful reflection, Ramadhani chose to support her dream. He enrolled
Khadija in a beauty course and followed her progress closely. Today, she is thriving motivated,
confident, and excelling in her studies.
“Through this experience, I have learned a powerful lesson,” he shared confidently. “Decision-making within families cannot be done alone. Traditionally, fathers or male elders make choices without consulting others. But by listening to my wife and daughter, I discovered better ways to support and guide them. I realized that empowering them to pursue their passions brings the best results.”
Ramadhani credits this transformation to the life skills training provided by SAZANI through the ALiVE project under Uwezo Tanzania. The program taught him step-by-step problem-solving, encouraged reflection, and gave him tools to engage his family democratically.
“I thank God for the bold step we took,”he said proudly. “I am proud of my daughter, and I believe this journey will bear fruits for her in the near future. All thanks to SAZANI and Uwezo Tanzania for showing us the importance of solving problems together and listening to each other.”