Ruben Daniel, a devoted husband and father of seven with another child on the way, lives on Kome Island, Tanzania. Life as a fisherman under a fishing camp often left him feeling underpaid and undervalued. However, he believed that with the right mindset, anyone could rise above their circumstances. Like many families in Tanzania, Ruben had faced poverty, but something deep within told him that change was possible.
The turning point came when Ruben participated in the Community Transformation training held at Amani School, where his young son Hamis attends kindergarten. This training, offered by Twelve21 Global, opened his eyes to a world of new possibilities.
“The training helped me see things differently. It opened my eyes to new opportunities,” Ruben shared. “I learned to think beyond my current situation and to make better use of the resources around me.”
Empowered by this fresh perspective, Ruben made a bold decision—he rented a small fishing boat and ventured out on his own, no longer bound to the camp that had once controlled his income. For the first time, he experienced the freedom of reaping the full rewards of his hard work.
“I felt empowered to take charge of my work and finances,” Ruben said with pride. “It was a liberating feeling, knowing I no longer had to rely on someone else to determine my income.”
But Ruben didn’t stop there. With newfound confidence and clear financial goals, he made smart investments. He sold a few goats and purchased a cow, diversifying his livelihood. He also expanded his cassava farm, all inspired by the training that encouraged him to think creatively and take calculated risks.
“The training pushed me to think outside the box and to take steps I never thought possible,” Ruben reflected. “It was truly a turning point in my life, and I am grateful for the support and guidance that helped me realize my potential.”
Ruben’s story is a powerful example of how a shift in mindset can lead to transformational change. From renting his own boat to investing in his family’s future, Ruben is building a foundation of independence and growth. Through his hard work, creativity, and the insights gained from the Community Transformation training, Ruben now stands as a beacon of hope on Kome Island, showing that with perseverance and vision, success is within reach for anyone willing to take that first step.