Albert Jimwaga
Since last year during weekends and holidays when I am at home, my daughter Gloria (19) always asks permission to have access to my laptop – reason for it to blog.
I had always thought it is a game until Stil came recently to train us. Thanks to Actionaid Australia had made me to start blogging in late 40s. Just imagine. Being my first ever blog post, I though I’d start by telling you a little bit about myself — where I come from and why I’ve dedicated a my life at this age to finding a home for change where every individual is free from poverty, injustice and lives in dignity.
Traversing through my life has been an hectic one and people who knew me in my teens might be surprised to learn where I’ve ended up today.
I started my school life at the age of 5 walking barefooted 5km to a primary school and on weekends or holidays going either fishing or farming. My life was difficult and continues to be frustrating as I still even today see thousands of children being denied their right to education, their parents who are farmers, facing issues of market, extension services and inputs. People living with HIV/AIDS being stigmatized and not being able to access treatment and care. And women being denied their rights. In addition to this the poor, especially the women, are not involved in decision making and the government is not accountable and transparent.
After graduating I joined the Government and then UNDP community in Antigua and Barbudat and learned a lot from there. I returned home and worked with environmental conservation organizations including IUCN in Rufiji Delta before joining ActionAid. So now I’m working with the incredibly talented team at ActionAid Tanzania — a privilege to work for this wonderful organisation. I’m excited to be connecting in ending poverty together through this blog. Please let me know the issues that you’re interested in hearing about and I’ll certainly do my best to engage with you as we embark on this journey and help our people claim their rights.
