Starfish: Loti

Loti is a special student. He is this year's only man. The class of 2014 is the first year GHTA could have all 50 students be all women. In the first four years of the program, it was about 20% men for two reasons. The first was that there was not quite enough interest to have a full class of women that fit the criteria for the program. The second reason was that having male students in a women's empowerment program is working towards the goal of equality from both sides. Over time, it was made clear that having a full women's only school. In this year's 98% female class, we see that the women are more confident, speak up more, and have a closer relationship with each other. 

Loti is our one exception this year because he is also employed as our watchman. The Tanzanian staff members are all former students, except for Loti up until this year. When I asked him how he felt as the only male in class, he gave a big smile and said he likes it. He said the school has taught him about respecting women and working together "in cooperation" (instead of men always being the boss). He fits right in with the other students, and they all especially love when he helps clean the classroom. He's doing his small part to break through gender norms here in Moshi...

My name is Loth Elias Mollel. I am 24 years old, I live in Majengo and my family lives in Arusha. I am not married. My education level is form four and reason which I did not continue school is poor family. That is why I want to be part of GHTA because I want to know different things and improve my knowledge about business planning and how to do different things in GHTA. I am planning to apply my education after graduation in many ways. I want to go to college and maybe I will study engineering. It would lead to many good things. My dream for the future is to continue school.