A 28-year-old Hussein Abdillah Hussein is rewriting the narrative for young men. Unlike many of his peers who dropped out of school at an early age to join harmful social circles or take up informal labor, Hussein chose a different path—one of resilience, education, and empowerment.
“I Refused to Follow the Path of Many”
Growing up, Hussein witnessed a recurring cycle: boys quitting school, engaging in menial jobs, and rushing into marriage without financial stability. His own sister had to drop out in 2014 to get married young, a decision that later plunged her into hardship when the father of her child abandoned them.
I saw firsthand how difficult life can be when decisions are made without guidance and preparation. I promised myself that I would not let my future be dictated by tradition or pressure. I would fight for something better.
From a Village Boy to a Community Leader
Without strict parental supervision—his parents were always busy struggling to provide—Hussein had to be self-motivated. He completed secondary school up to Form Six and later pursued vocational education, an achievement that set him apart in a village where most boys never made it past primary school.
His turning point came when the local government recognized him as an influential young person. When a five-day training opportunity on reproductive health, entrepreneurship, leadership, and life skills arose, he was the first to be contacted by the ward executive officer.
That phone call changed everything, I realized my voice mattered, and I had a duty to use it.
Educating Young Men on Reproductive Health
Equipped with newfound knowledge, Hussein faced a tough challenge: convincing his peers—many of whom dismissed discussions on reproductive health as ‘embarrassing’ or ‘irrelevant’—to take these issues seriously.
He started small, using his petrol business as a platform to engage young boda boda riders who frequently visited his shop. He installed benches outside and even introduced a local board game to draw them in.
They came for fuel and games, but they left with knowledge
Hussein shared vital statistics on HIV rates and reproductive health, encouraging young men to take responsibility.
For too long, these conversations have been left to women. But we, as men, must also step up. Manhood is more than just having children, it’s about being present, making informed decisions, and ensuring a better future for our families.
Entrepreneurship: A Key to Sustainable Change
Beyond health education, Hussein embraced entrepreneurship as a tool for empowerment. Before attending the training, he relied solely on his petrol business. But with new insights, he diversified—introducing a phone-charging service in a village with limited electricity, purchasing a maize milling machine, and setting up a vegetable stall.
My goal is to build sustainable income streams while creating spaces where young men can learn, grow, and make informed choices
Today, Hussein earns up to 70,000 Tanzanian shillings per month, and his next venture is opening a football viewing center.
Football is a magnet for youth. It’s another way to bring them together and continue these important conversations
“Change Begins at Home”
Hussein’s dream extends beyond personal success—he wants to see a community where young men take charge of their futures, where education is prioritized, and where harmful cultural norms no longer dictate destinies.
Change starts with us, If I can inspire just one young man to stay in school, plan his future, and make responsible choices, then I know I have done something worthwhile
