My name is Msafiri Samson, and I was born on January 2, 1995, in Kurusanga Village, Bunda District, Mara Region, Tanzania. My mother was Bhoke Nyamtumbaga Kumba from the Ikizu tribe, and my father was Samson Kiswa Sazi from the Zanaki tribe.

When I was just nine months old, I was badly burned after falling into a cooking fire near our home. My grandmother had gone into the house to clean while I was outside, and in a few seconds of curiosity, I crawled too close to the flames. She pulled me out, but my face and right eye were badly injured. Because of our poverty, I did not receive any medical treatment at the time. I grew up unable to blink, unable to see clearly from that eye, and often in pain.

My mother died of tuberculosis when I was five years old, leaving me and my younger sister, Regina, with our grandmother, who was then seventy-two years old. She raised us with love, even though we had very little. My father lived in another village, but he did not care for us and passed away when I was in Standard Five. My grandmother, now ninety-seven, is still alive today, and I thank God for her every day.

Life with a Burn Injury

Living with my injury was never easy. My right eye could not blink, tears ran constantly, and dust entered freely. Many people in my community were afraid of me or avoided me because of how I looked. Even some children ran away when they saw me. But my grandmother always told me, “Don’t give up, you will still make something of your life.”

In 2004, when I was in Standard Two, a teacher named Madam Joyce Kiyega asked the orphans in my class to stand. I raised my hand, and that’s how I was introduced to Project Zawadi. From that day forward, my life began to change.

Education Against All Odds

Project Zawadi supported me through primary and secondary school, providing everything from uniforms and shoes to textbooks and school fees. Life was still hard — I often went to bed hungry, slept on sacks instead of a mattress, and walked long distances to school — but I was determined to succeed.

I completed primary school in 2009, joined Salama Secondary School, and graduated in 2014 with Division II. I then joined Mkuu Secondary School for advanced studies and later the University of Dodoma, where I earned a Bachelor of Education in Administration and Management in 2020.

Throughout my education, Project Zawadi continued to support me with supplies, tuition, transportation, counseling, and encouragement. Without them, I would not have made it this far.

My Eye Surgery: A New Beginning

For many years, I dreamed of getting treatment for my eye, but I didn’t know how to ask for help. When I met Brian Singer, Project Zawadi’s Director, I was too shy to speak about it. Later, I gathered courage and used gestures to explain my problem — and he understood.

In 2012, Project Zawadi arranged for me to be treated by a visiting U.S. specialist at Selian Hospital in Arusha. On November 8, 2012, I had surgery that changed my life. I could finally blink my eye, dust no longer entered it, my tears stopped, and I could read and watch television easily. It was one of the most unforgettable moments of my life.

Becoming Who I Am

After graduation, I worked as a teacher, translator, and volunteer. I taught in Project Zawadi’s English Bridge Program, and at several other schools, helping students prepare for their national exams. I also volunteered with Compassion Tanzania, teaching children and youth life skills such as organization, agriculture, computer literacy, and entrepreneurship.

I believe in giving back because I know how it feels to grow up with nothing. Today, I live in Busega, Simiyu, with my wife and our two children — Judith, named after Judith Merinyo (Project Zawadi’s former Country Manager), and Brian, named after Brian Singer.

My Dream for the Future

For the next few years, my goal is to start a non-profit organization to help children from poor families — orphans, those with disabilities, and those in need of education and medical care. I want to provide what I once lacked: basic needs, access to school, protection from abuse, and a path toward a better life.

I have already begun this work by teaching a free class for over 50 children, ages three to six, from poor families in my community. It brings me great joy to see them learning and growing.

Gratitude

Project Zawadi has supported me from Standard Two to university. Because of that support, I can now stand strong, confident, and hopeful.

You can also read Brian Singer, our Executive Director’s side of the story here!

(Pictured to the left, Sue Franz, Msafiri Samson, Bert Franz.)