In 2009 ATD Fourth World Tanzania began to offer adult literacy classes to the sellers of firewood and charcoal at Magogoni Fish Market in Dar es Salaam. Later the project was extended to any worker at the market who had not had the opportunity to attend school. One of those workers was SAIDI YUSUPH HAMISI, a hardworking fish seller. This is his story.

SAIDI YUSUPH HAMISI, known as YUSUPH, was born in 1980 in MTWARA district over 500 Km from Dar es Salaam. He was the third child in the family, and because of the many difficulties faced by his parents, was unable to attend school. Eventually YUSUPH was drawn to the capital in the hope of becoming a fisherman. But with no money to buy nets and hooks, much less a canoe, he ended up in the market as a fish seller by day and watchman by night.

In 2012, whilst at work in the fish market, YUSUPH was approached by Mr HASANI PACAKA, a former student of the adult literacy class. YUSUPH recalls:

“Knowing that I could neither read nor write, he said to me: ‘I have an invitation for you to come and attend the ATD class.’ Even though I was 40 years old and hopeless at reading and writing, for me this was the day when my eyes were opened and I saw a lighthouse ahead of me.”

Like millions of others without literacy skills who live on the margins of society, YUSUPH knew only too well that to grow up without schooling in modern-day Tanzania is like travelling at sea without a compass. Illiteracy can result in shame and isolation, and in having to take on menial and often degrading jobs just to survive. Therefore he seized the opportunity to attend the literacy class.

Looking back, YUSUPH considers that his first contact with ATD Fourth World Tanzania was the greatest day of his life. Now that he has learned to read and write he has become an activist alongside the daily routines of the fish market. He started by helping some of his colleagues at the fish market to write their names, and then also agreed to take on some responsibilities suggested by his teachers:

“I started to invite people to participate in the adult literacy class, especially those who had no reading and writing skills at all. Because lack of education has left such a large hole in my community, I believed we should make a welcoming environment in order to encourage as many students as possible to join the sessions.”

Whenever YUSUPH agrees with something he is positive and helpful. But when he is not on the same page as a colleague he is not afraid to speak his mind:

“I respect ATD Fourth World and it respects me back. I spare the ATD office from some problems that they have learned from, and that is how I have earned their respect. And through this I’m valued by other people around me.”

In 2016 YUSUPH became a member of the team of researchers for the Hidden Dimensions of Poverty project. This allowed him to confirm his position in the community. It gave him the opportunity to work with academics and other authorities, to make use of his reading and writing skills, and to contribute his life experience within the research team.

YUSUPH’s story illustrates how the work of ATD Fourth World brings light and hope to people living on the margins of society, and can build bridges between them and the rest of the community. There is a look of joy and pride on YUSUPH’s face since he learned to read and write, affirming that each human being is capable of growth despite their position in society.

Read more about the ATD Tanzania’s adult literacy classes:

Learning to Read was the Beginning of Hope
There Is No Limit to Learning
Adult Literacy Success in Tanzania
Learning to Read Was the Beginning of Hope