Triumphant stories have away of transforming the listeners. Struggles create opportunities for us to gain strength and to become wiser and better. Alex Mbise has a powerful story of overcoming obstacles. I mean, this young leader enrolled for primary school by himself at nine years making him the oldest in his class.
One bright morning, he got tired of the poverty at home and walked to a local school and straight to the principal’s office. He lacked the necessary basic items like shoes, uniform, school fees and stationery but that did not stop him.
He had a drive that was stronger than his age and advice from his encouraging mother who has always been his greatest cheerleader. He confesses that everyday as he walked bare feet and hungry to school, he prayed to God and declared poverty his number one enemy.
Manifestation of a great future became his second name over the long walks. He visualized a great future and meditated upon it day and night. Out of his six siblings, he is the only one who managed to get to University. He graduated in 2015 with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Education at Tumain University-SMMUCo under a government sponsorship.
I ran small businesses mainly selling plastics bags and boiled eggs in open air markets twice every week. I saved the money and used it to invest in rearing chicken and goats. This was how I paid for my primary and secondary school education. I was also able to buy uniform and books. Skipping school to look for money wasn't fun, but it got me to where I am today.
Alex is the founder of Tanzania Small Entrepreneurs Network (TASEN), an organization that empowers the community through promoting social entrepreneurship, innovation and creativity. This helps in solving the unemployment problem and fights against poverty. The organization has directly empowered over 1,000 young people through various forms of training.
Africa is the land of opportunities. Young people should not give up. They should find solutions for problems affecting their communities. I love learning. I read a lot. I apply for as many leadership training courses as I can. I recently graduated from YALI RLC E.A. It was amazing sharpening my leadership and interpersonal skills.
This lionhearted young leader has a passion for politics and has been politically active in his community in Arusha. His vision is to mentor thousands of youth. He also has a clear plan of running for office as a Member of parliament in 2025.
As a young husband and father, he owes his balance of work and family to his very supportive wife who is also passionate about civic leadership.
If you happen to be in Tanzania, connect with him over his favorite meal of ugali accompanied by anything spicy. He is looking for potential partners to be able to reach as many youth as possible.
We wish you the very best Alex, keep soaring.
