An Older Brother’s Words of Wisdom

ASYV alumni remain part of our family after they graduate—and often return to serve as role models for their younger brothers and sisters. In December, we were honored to have Frank Ntambara, ASYV Class of 2015, return to talk with our 504 current students during Village Time, our weekly talent show. Last year, Frank graduated from Dar es salaam Maritime Institute, in Tanzania, with a degree in nautical science. While studying, Frank worked as a ship’s captain in the merchant navy. When he had finished inspiring our kids, we sat down to talk with Captain Frank.

What is the most important thing you learned at ASYV?

Before I came to the Village, I was a good student, but I had no money. I couldn’t pay school fees. Had I not come to ASYV, that would have been the end of the story. And the Village offered many more activities than other schools. I learned I was good at debate. I was good at pitching projects. But I think the most important thing I learned was public speaking. When I was competing for a presidential scholarship to study at Dar es salaam, I did an interview. There were more than 50 kids who were all top performers in engineering. But I could talk to others about what I had inside myself. I earned myself a government scholarship because I had learned to express myself.   

Why did you want to talk to the current students?

One thing I wanted to make clear is that in the outside world, there are rarely exams. Some people are born naturally gifted, and can pass exams without working so hard. But every kid at ASYV can learn something that makes their life better and makes a difference in their community. You can get so many skills from the activities and clubs here, and you can apply what you learn to so many situations outside. The other thing I most wanted them to understand is that because you were at ASYV, you will always have family.