Charles

My name is Charles and live with my parents and three younger siblings in a three-room dwelling in Mwanza, Tanzania. Where I live is typically called “Rock City”, because the terrain is comprised mostly of rocks. Many poor families build their homes on top of the rocks which presents countless hardships. These homes are mostly inaccessible by car and are unable to accommodate basic amenities like water, electricity and plumbing.

My childhood was a complicated time, yet we learned quickly to work together. My mother took us to church when we were young, however, as I grew older, the financial stress of acquiring daily provisions for our family distracted us from our search for God. Thankfully, in secondary school, I got the opportunity to attend a Young Life outreach camp. It was an amazing week for me; the leaders made me feel special, the entertainment and crazy games continue to this day to make me laugh when I remember them, and the telling of the gospel of Jesus Christ gave me hope for change. I took the chance on new life in Jesus and have never been the same. Now, as a volunteer leader, it gives me purpose and joy to share this same love and hope with teens in my community.

I began a small business when I was twelve in order to help provide for my family. My small cell phone repair business set the course for my current pursuit of a computer engineering degree from Dar es Salaam Institute of Technology. I am fascinated by computers and their ever-changing technology. I see the people of my community being quickly passed by because of their inability to acquire and maintain their computers. I hope to be a resource in my community that can connect people with advancing technology and in turn help provide new opportunities for their own growth in the marketplace. As a Developing Global Leader, I want to set a good example to everyone and show them how God has made me into the kind of person I am today. I will be the first in my family to graduate from university.