My brother, Tadeo Acosta-Rubio MSEL’24, and I embarked on a transformative journey to Tanzania with a group of Babson students and faculty members. Our mission was to teach entrepreneurship to middle and high school students at local schools, as part of Babson’s Youth Entrepreneurship Program offered through The Institute for Social Innovation. This experience not only allowed us to impart our knowledge of Entrepreneurial Thought & Action® (ET&A) but also provided us with valuable insights and lessons that we will carry with us for a lifetime.
One of the most striking aspects of our trip was the time we spent on safari. Witnessing the harmony among different species of animals co-existing in close proximity was a powerful reminder of the interconnectedness of all living beings. This sense of harmony and unity resonated with us throughout our entire journey in Tanzania.
Teaching entrepreneurship in a foreign country presented its own set of challenges, particularly in terms of language barriers. However, we quickly learned the importance of connecting with the students on a deeper level by learning and speaking their native language, Swahili. This simple gesture of effort and respect helped to break down barriers and foster a sense of trust and engagement among the students.
During our time in Tanzania, we were inspired by the resourcefulness and creativity of the local community. We learned that true entrepreneurship is about making the most of what you have and finding innovative solutions to everyday challenges. Playing soccer with a Nerf football and witnessing the students’ ability to adapt and create a new game on the spot was a powerful lesson in the entrepreneurial mindset.
One of the key takeaways from our experience was the importance of collaboration over charity. We realized that sustainable change occurs when we work alongside communities as partners, rather than simply providing handouts. This realization has shaped our approach to our own social impact initiatives, such as LetAllGirls, a project aimed at empowering youth in underdeveloped communities.
Through activities like “needfinding,” we discovered that no problem is too small when it comes to entrepreneurship. The students we worked with demonstrated a deep commitment to addressing environmental and educational challenges in their communities. Their creativity and passion for finding solutions were truly inspiring and reinforced the idea that entrepreneurship is a powerful tool for positive change.
Finally, the concept of “Hakuna Matata” – meaning “no problems” – became a guiding principle for us during our time in Tanzania. This phrase, deeply ingrained in Tanzanian culture, reminded us to approach life with a sense of joy and resilience, even in the face of challenges. The students we met embodied this spirit of problem-solving and optimism, serving as a constant source of inspiration for us.
Overall, our experience teaching entrepreneurship in Tanzania was a profound and transformative journey that taught us valuable lessons about language, resourcefulness, collaboration, problem-solving, and resilience. It reinforced our belief in the power of entrepreneurship to drive positive change and left a lasting impact on both of us. We are grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of this incredible experience and look forward to applying these lessons in our future endeavors.
