Episode 26: Jessica’s Experience as a HerStart International Fellow in Tanzania

In this episode, Aisha Imana, HerStart Communications Fellow, speaks with Jessica Zapata about her experience as a 6-month HerStart Program & Partnerships Fellow collaborating with our partner, the Ministry of Information, Youth and Culture in Zanzibar, Tanzania. 
 
Jessica dives into her experience leading sessions for youth and supporting women entrepreneurs to promote their businesses, as well as learning Swahili to better communicate with her community and adopting the Zanzibarian “pole pole” mindset to be more present. 

Transcript

Speaker 1: 0:04

Welcome to Youth Challenge International's Hair Start Hair Story podcast series Youth Challenge International, O Y C I launched the Hair Start Innovate the Future program in 2020. As part of our initiative to advance women's equality globally, our goal is to provide 10,000 women in Ghana, Tanzania, and Uganda with the resources and supports they need to successfully launch and grow their social businesses. We are sharing real stories of the young women who are leading change in their communities. Y C's, hair Start Innovate. The Future program is funded in passed by the government of Canada to progress Canada's feminist International assistance policy. Learn more@y.org or hair start.org .

Speaker 2: 1:04

Hello,

Speaker 3: 1:05

My name is Aisha Iana and I'm a communication fellow with Youth Challenge International's, her start program in Zanzibar, Tanzania. Today I'm speaking to Jessica Zeta about her overall experience as a six month fellow here in Tanzania. To start, do you mind introducing yourself a little bit to the listeners and could you describe your role in the program and what your day-to-day tasks involve?

Speaker 4: 1:27

For sure. Thanks for having me, Aisha . Uh , my name is Jessica Patta . I am a programs and partnerships fellow , um, here in Zanzibar, and I arrived on January, 2023. Um, as part of my role and my day-to-day tasks, I , uh, support the Zanzibar Government's Ministry of Youth Information on Youth Culture. Um, they also have their partners, which were p d S and Trish Student Schools, so I was able to visit them and works at work alongside their teams. Some of the activities that I feel , um, proud and grateful to have complete here in Zanzibar were assisting the youth workshops at the office and leading the leadership sessions where , um, youth local had the opportunity to learn more about leadership, networking, advocacy, relationship building, and some skills as future professionals , um, which was really empowerment for me as well. I also work , uh, together with women's entrepreneurs and their businesses, helping them , uh, to improve their online brand and overall their communications, interviewing and promoting their story across the island through our podcast. And then also in the other side, Aisha , I am really passionate about education and empowerment. Um, so with the support of p d s per perspective development skills, I had the opportunity to visit the Tradition School and collaborated with kids to improve their education as a second language and overall wellbeing. Also, while doing that, I started designing the strategic planning for p d s, collecting our partners informations, values, goals, and everything that helped their ambition, their programs and goals for the future. Lastly, and just to recap my final project, showcase the importance of women in leadership roles , uh, where I did a research about Samia Sohu and their shipments as the first female president of Tanzania and the impact in gender equality. Um, it was really rewarding researching about politics in Tanzania and overall her role opening a new chart chapter for the role women play in modern society as Muslim women from the island of Zanzibar.

Speaker 3: 3:30

Wow, that all sounds so amazing. It just seems like you had a lot of experiences with different fields within the HEAR art program. So now that we have an idea of your role within the program and how fascinating your day-to-day tasks are, I'm curious to know if there's any particular aspect of your role that you found most challenging or rewarding, and maybe tell us a little bit why

Speaker 4: 3:54

<laugh> ? Uh , for sure. Well, the official language in Zanzibar is Swahili. Not everyone speaks English. So at the Hair Start program , um, we actually had the opportunity to receive Swahili classes and that was definitely helpful while starting collaborating , uh, with partners and communities. Um, it changed the whole dynamic by knowing a little bit of Swahili. And as I said, even though the communication was challenging , um, it actually became an opportunity for me to learn a new language and I put it as a goal for my six months placement that I wanted to be able to understand and speak Swahili. So by now I can say it really made a difference while communicating with people , um, understand move around, being able to to to shop and , um, to do everything while living here in Zanzibar.

Speaker 3: 4:42

Definitely, I know how hard it was for me in Swahili lessons, so that's really good to know that you found that challenging, but at the end of it, you found it also rewarding. So it's clear that this program has challenged you in various ways. So do you mind sharing what you've learned about, you know, your participation in the program? Are there any specific skills or things that you required and found valuable?

Speaker 4: 5:08

Oh, yeah, that's a really good question. I learned a lot of things , uh, that's for sure. But one thing that I have learned , uh, the most from people that I have been working with as part of the program, to be honest, is to be present in the moment in Zanzibar. There is a saying, and I know you know it by now, but it's Paula Polley , uh, which means slowly, slowly. So people here use it all the time and it helps as a reminder that no matter what the important thing it is or what we have to do for now , um, just Paula Polley , just enjoy the moment, be present, and that's definitely something that I'll keep forever in my heart, the people and how the importance of just take everything day by day.

Speaker 3: 5:52

I definitely agree with you Polle , Polle . It's a really good way to, you know, know slow things down and I think it's valuable to walk away from experiences like these with something to take back home with you, like you said. So I'm glad to hear that you've learned so much with learning comes adaptability. So I'm just wondering, and I'm sure listeners would want to know as well, how has the program challenged you to step specifically outside of your comfort zone and what have you gained from that experience of doing so?

Speaker 4: 6:22

Lots of things, I guess that by living here in, in Zanzibar , um, one thing for sure was traveling across the island in the Dalala, which are the buses here in Zanzibar. So visiting the partners in the D that's a whole experience. If you ever come and visit, you will notice the Ds are normally really busy. You have to be aware where to take it, where to stop. It was a whole experience and it's something that definitely puts you out of your comfort zone. But then being here and being able to visit your partners, taking the tala was something that was challenging at the beginning. I, I would say that , um, knowing Swahili help after a couple of months, so it actually changed the experiences as well, but there's always new stories, new moments, new people at every ride that you take. So now I can say that I will definitely miss it and we will be missing the whole experience of taking the <inaudible> , but something like this, it might make feel just transportation, but uh , it really makes a difference and puts you out of your comfort zone. So that's one piece. And then in the program related to, to the experiences that we had, it's the importance of , uh, working in a whole different place. There's different types of working , different communication styles, leadership styles, and it was great to have the opportunity to learn about that as well as a program sub partnership fellow.

Speaker 3: 7:42

No, for sure. I think even with me too now being in Tanzania, the Dala , I'm always anxious about it, but I feel like I'm gonna get to where you are. So I definitely understand stepping outside of our comfort zones can be very transformative, like you've mentioned different leadership styles and I just appreciate you being so transparent and honest, and I'm so sure the listeners want to know more about your experience in Zanzibar specifically. So do you mind telling us more about how you enjoyed living here as well as what did you enjoy the most about Tanzania?

Speaker 4: 8:15

First and foremost, the people , um, that's number one thing, but apart from all that interaction includes the people, but the lifestyle, the music , um, the dance, dancing around and dancing at every corner of Stone Town while you're walking, you know, Aisha , just like the importance of living a happy life , um, no matter what. And also the food. I love local food, as you can tell .

Speaker 5: 8:40

I love the food. What's your favorite food?

Speaker 4: 8:42

What do you think is my favorite food?

Speaker 5: 8:44

Chips my eye . <laugh> of course,

Speaker 4: 8:47

Choose my eye on Chapati . My favorite ones. If you ever come listeners, please try it out. I love it and I love local food. I'm gonna miss it so much. But yeah, Tanzania, it's um , it's that place that allows you to live a life , uh, full of experiences and joy , uh, watching sunsets after work, going to the beach, walking across the stone town , chatting with friends, with people that has seen you for so long now that they become friends and then you just stop and talk with everyone at every single corner being here, it's a gift and um, it's an experience that you have. Uh , you you start feeling it and, and I can say it , say it in a word , and I feel it's the energy overall. Wow,

Speaker 3: 9:28

I love that. That sounds amazing and I'm so sure you're going to miss Zabar and all it has had to offer when you go back home, living in a different country often brings about like these unique experiences that you've touched on, and I think that it's also interesting to consider the impact that this program has had on your future aspirations. So with that being said, in what ways has this program influenced your perspective on your future career or maybe some personal goals?

Speaker 4: 9:56

Well, I actually took this program as an opportunity for a career change personally after working for almost five years in the tech industry, I wanted to have the experience in the nonprofit sector and abroad, and it , it , as you mentioned in your question, it reminded me that it's what I enjoy the most , uh, and what I would like to do for the rest of my life. So I was able to continue exploring the nonprofit work with new people , uh, programs, experiences , uh, learning how new organizations and nonprofit organizations work and operate in Africa , um, that I now have in my overall professional skillset . And I'm also excited for what's coming ahead and the opportunities , um, that I have personally with my own N G o, the Win foundation as well as professional and what's coming ahead.

Speaker 3: 10:41

Wow, I love that you shared about how you've already started your own foundation and I'm sure this program is gonna influence that work. So to begin wrapping up this amazing conversation, even though I wish we could talk for hours, <laugh> , I thought it would be nice to throw in a fun question. So I was wondering, looking back at your experience in the program, what is one word or phrase that encapsulates it and why

Speaker 4: 11:08

<inaudible> <laugh>, what does that mean? <inaudible> ? Uh , this was one of the first words that I learned in Swahili. Um, and it actually means don't be afraid. So people here use it as a meaning of saying that everything will always be all right <laugh> , even if it doesn't look like, and o CPE represented for me , uh, as a reminder that I was able to be resilient with the cultural shock at the beginning as well as with the overall experience of moving to Africa. And every day in this country, as you can tell by now is a new story. Um , not even a story, it's almost a chapter <laugh> because there's always things happening every single day. Um , but once again, no need to be afraid.

Speaker 3: 11:52

Wow, that's a great word choice and I love that you have it tatted on you. That's so beautiful. I did,

Speaker 4: 11:57

I <laugh> I did it here in , in Ziva, just

Speaker 3: 11:59

A piece of Tanzania to take back home and to always

Speaker 4: 12:03

Remember in my skin <laugh>. Exactly.

Speaker 3: 12:04

Yes . I know it can be hard to sum up a six month experience in one word or phrase, but I just want to say that this is sadly the episode coming to an end. But before we go, I wanted to have to leave all the listeners with some lasting insight and ask you what advice would you give others considering applying to a similar program or even her star ?

Speaker 4: 12:27

I will say moving out of your comfort zone , um, this is always an opportunity to grow and explore new things. It gives you the freedom to explore more about you, what you like , um, how life works in another part of the world. So yeah, like the skills that you learn, the experiences that you get, the relationships that you build , um, your , the friendships that you build , uh, will stay forever in your heart, in your heart. And I think that , um, it reminds me to one of my, my my , the quotes of my role model, Nelson Mandela, he once said, there's no passion to be found in settling for a life that is less than the one you're capable of living. So if you are thinking and taking an opportunity like this, I will say don't set off explore challenge yourself because I promise you won't regret it.

Speaker 3: 13:17

Wow, that is such a beautiful way to end this episode. Thank you so much, Jessica, for sharing your incredible journey and experiences as a fellow in Tanzania. Your insights have truly shed light on the transformative power of programs like her start and the meaningful impact that they can have on individuals and communities. And I'm so sure this can help others and inspire others to step out of their comfort zone. So thank you so much for tuning into this episode. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories and insightful conversations.

Speaker 2: 13:54

Thanks

Speaker 1: 13:54

For joining us today and learning about how you challenge International has partnered with young women to advance gender equality globally and create a social entrepreneurship ecosystem with a positive impact for all. If you enjoy this hairstyle, innovate the Future podcast episode. Please subscribe and share our episodes on social media. A special thanks to the fellows that volunteer their time in Ghana, Tanzania and Uganda, who help create these episodes. Y C's has that innovate. The future and fellowship programs are funded through the government of Canada's volunteer corporation program, providing skilled Canadians opportunities to volunteer with global partners and advanced Canada's feminist international assistance policy. Join us and thousands of young people around the globe creating a better future together. Learn more@yc.org or hair.org .