My name is Hassan Salum Mikazi, I was born in the Mkami village of Kinole Ward, Morogoro rural District, I grew up facing challenges that would test my resolve and shape my destiny. As a person with albinism, life presented unique obstacles, but it was poverty that cast the longest shadow over my dreams of education.
While completing primary school, tragedy struck, I lost my father, the family’s primary provider. With no means to continue my education, I was forced to set aside my aspirations and work on the family farm and in the village, contributing to the household’s survival. For seven long years, school was a distant dream.
However, my story was not destined to end in the fields. In 2010, determined to change my future, I gathered some money to enroll as a private candidate at Alfagems Secondary School located in Morogoro Municipal for evening classes. Yet, the struggle persisted. Attending school while battling financial hardship was a constant uphill battle.
A ray of hope appeared in 2012 when my academic journey took a transformative turn. Under The Same Sun (UTSS), an organization dedicated to empowering persons with albinism, awarded me an education scholarship through the Education Program. This support covered all my educational needs, giving me the foundation I desperately needed to thrive.
“That scholarship was more than financial support; it was hope materialized,”.
With renewed vigor, I completed my Form Four in 2014. Determined to keep climbing, I joined St. Joseph’s College in 2015, where I earned a Certificate in Community Development in 2016. I excelled and progressed to an Advanced Diploma in the same field, completing it in 2018.
My journey didn’t stop there. In 2021, I enrolled at Jordan University College to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, a field that resonated deeply with my desire to uplift communities. By 2024, I proudly graduated, becoming a beacon of inspiration for others facing similar challenges.
Throughout this journey, the unwavering support of UTSS was my anchor. They ensured my tuition, learning materials, and other needs were met, allowing me to focus solely on my studies.
UTSS didn’t just support my education; they invested in my future. Without them, I wouldn’t have achieved my dream of obtaining a higher education. I owe them my deepest gratitude.
Today, I stand as a testament to resilience and the transformative power of support. my story is not just one of personal triumph but also a reminder of how a helping hand can illuminate even the darkest paths. Through my work and aspirations, I continue to honor the investment UTSS made in me, inspiring others to dream beyond their circumstances.
“To UTSS, thank you for believing in me when all seemed lost. Your support gave me wings to fly, and now I soar with the promise of making a difference.”
All of us here at UTSS are so incredibly proud of Hassan and all he has achieved! We are honored to walk with him and support him as he continues towards a brighter future for himself and others with albinism.
If you would like to help support other students like Hassan, you can make a donation here:
