From the Streets to Success: How Juma From Mwanza Landed a Full Scholarship to Study in Canada
By Stromgmindmen Team
Published: 19/07/2025
Location: Dar es salaam, Tanzania
Introduction: A Dream Too Big?
At just 17, Juma Ally, a bright student from Mwanza, had one dream — to study abroad and build a better life not just for himself, but for his entire family. Growing up in a single-room home with no reliable internet and little support, most people around him thought it was impossible.
But today, Juma is a first-year Computer Science student at McGill University in Canada — on a fully funded scholarship.
This is his story.
Early Life: Struggles and Sacrifice
Juma grew up in the Igoma neighborhood of Mwanza. His mother sold vegetables at the market; his father had passed away when he was only 6.
“I didn’t have textbooks. I studied using borrowed notes, and sometimes I read under street lights when there was no electricity at home,” Juma recalls.
Despite these challenges, Juma consistently ranked among the top 5 students in his class at Nyamagana Secondary School.
The Turning Point: A Teacher’s Advice
In Form Four, Juma’s ICT teacher introduced him to the idea of international scholarships.
“He told me about the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship. That moment changed everything,” says Juma.
With only a basic smartphone and free Wi-Fi from a nearby café, Juma began searching for scholarship opportunities.
The Application Process: Long and Uncertain
Here’s what Juma did:
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Researched daily — He bookmarked websites like opportunitiesforafricans.com, mastercardfdn.org, and, of course, Stromgmindmen.
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Prepared early — Started writing his motivation letter months before the deadline.
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Reached out — Sent emails to former recipients and joined Facebook groups for applicants.
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Practiced interviews — Used YouTube videos to learn how to answer common questions confidently.
“It took me over 100 hours of preparation — but every second was worth it.”
The Documents He Needed
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Academic transcripts
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National ID (NIDA)
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Recommendation letters
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Birth certificate
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Motivation letter
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Passport (applied later once shortlisted)
The Acceptance Letter
In June 2024, Juma received an email that changed his life:
“We are pleased to inform you that you have been awarded a Mastercard Foundation Scholarship to study at McGill University in Montreal, Canada.”
Life in Canada: New Country, New Challenges
Juma had never been on a plane before. Now he lives in a dorm, studies with students from 30+ countries, and is learning to adapt to -10°C winters!
“It’s hard sometimes. I miss ugali and nyama choma. But every time I walk into the library, I remind myself why I’m here.”
Juma’s Advice to Other Tanzanian Youth
“Start early. Use what you have. And never let your situation limit your vision.”
He encourages others to:
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Visit Strongmindmen weekly for updated scholarship listings
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Practice writing good motivation letters
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Learn to use free online tools (like Grammarly, Canva, and YouTube tutorials)
Resources Juma Used
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Grammarly.com – to polish his essays
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YouTube: Scholarship Masterclass – for interview prep
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Stromgmindmen.com – for alerts, real stories, and application guides
Conclusion
Juma’s story proves that hard work, consistency, and the right information can open doors — even for a boy reading under street lights.
At Stromgmindmen, we believe there are thousands of “Jumas” out there — and we’re here to help tell their stories and connect them with the right opportunities.
Got a Story Like Juma’s?
Email us at info@strongmindmen.com
Or message us on WhatsApp
Your journey might just inspire the next dreamer.
