At over 40 years old, Lucia Sospeter’s life story is one of profound struggle, heartbreak, and eventual triumph. A hardworking farmer from rural Tanzania, Lucia faced countless challenges, from being abandoned with 10 children to battling severe economic hardship. Despite all the odds stacked against her, she managed to survive—but for years, the dream of a better life for herself and her children seemed out of reach.
Lucia’s troubles began when her husband abandoned her and their large family. Left with 10 children to care for, she found herself alone, homeless, and without the support of her husband’s family. “He chased me away,” Lucia recalls quietly. “He left me with nothing, no property, no support—just me and my children.”
Forced to rent homes and move from place to place, Lucia’s life was a constant struggle. She did everything she could to survive, including collecting and selling firewood to earn a meager income to buy food. “I had to sell firewood just to feed my children,” she explains. “But there was never enough. It was a hard life.”
The Struggle for Education: A Mother’s Determination
Despite the hardships, Lucia’s greatest concern was her children’s education. She knew that education was the only way to break the cycle of poverty and offer her children a better future. But with no income and no land of her own, Lucia had to rely on rented farms to try and make a living. Even though she worked tirelessly, the yield was always minimal. “I would rent land and grow small crops,” she says, “but with such a large family, it was never enough to cover our needs.”
Every day, Lucia dreamed of a better life for her children, but her situation seemed to be one of endless poverty. With no education herself, Lucia had no formal skills and struggled to see a way out. However, her determination to provide for her children and give them the opportunities she never had kept her going, even as things seemed hopeless.
A Life-Changing Opportunity: Mjane Tanzania’s Empowerment Program
Everything changed when Lucia was introduced to Mjane Tanzania, an organization dedicated to empowering women in rural Tanzania through sustainable agriculture, training, and financial independence programs. Through its support, Lucia was given the tools, resources, and knowledge she needed to begin rebuilding her life.
“When I heard about Mjane Tanzania’s program, I felt like a new door had opened for me,” Lucia says with a spark of hope in her eyes. “For the first time in years, I felt like I had a chance to change my life.”
Mjane Tanzania’s empowerment project provided Lucia with the training she needed to become a successful farmer. The program offered not only farming knowledge but also guidance on how to manage resources effectively, improve crop yields, and achieve financial independence. Lucia learned how to cultivate her own land, increase productivity, and use modern farming techniques to boost her output.
With the support of Mjane Tanzania, Lucia was able to secure her own piece of land, where she now grows a variety of crops. The income she generates from farming has allowed her to provide for her children’s education, improving their chances for a better future.
A New Beginning: Empowered, Independent, and Excited for the Future
Today, Lucia’s life is completely different. She is no longer dependent on rented land or selling firewood to survive. Instead, she has become a successful farmer, running her own activities and working towards expanding her business. “I feel empowered now,” she says, her voice filled with pride. “I can take care of my children, send them to school, and give them opportunities I never had.”
Lucia’s children are now in school, pursuing their education with the hope of building better futures for themselves. And Lucia herself has regained the confidence and independence that once seemed so far out of reach. “I am so grateful to Mjane Tanzania for giving me this chance,” she says. “They didn’t just teach me how to farm; they taught me how to believe in myself. I know I can create a better life for my family now.”
Her success has also made her an inspiration in her community. Other women, seeing what Lucia has accomplished, are beginning to believe that they too can change their lives. Lucia’s story has shown them that no matter how difficult the circumstances, with the right support and determination, anything is possible.
“I want to tell other women: Don’t wait for help from others. Don’t wait for men or anyone else to provide for you. We have the strength to change our lives, to build our own futures. We just need to believe in ourselves,” Lucia says passionately.
A Legacy of Hope and Empowerment
For Lucia, the most rewarding part of her journey is knowing that she has given her children the gift of education and a chance for a brighter future. “I want them to become something important,” Lucia says with a smile. “I want them to have careers, to be doctors, teachers, or anything they want to be. I want them to know that they can achieve anything.”
As Lucia continues to expand her farm and increase her income, she is not only creating a better life for herself but also for the generations to come. She is proud of how far she has come, but she is even prouder of the hope she has given her children—a hope that they will rise above the hardships of the past and build a future of their own.
About Mjane Tanzania:
Mjane Tanzania is an organization dedicated to empowering widowed and marginalized women in Tanzania by providing them with the skills, resources, and opportunities they need to achieve financial independence. Through training in sustainable agriculture, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy, Mjane Tanzania aims to help women break the cycle of poverty, build better futures for their families, and transform their communities.