Four Dreams, One Tin Can, and the Power of "Tinogona"

[Jagan Mohan Reddy]

Four Dreams, One Tin Can, and the Power of "Tinogona"

In the 1960s, a young girl in rural Zimbabwe sat in the dust, doing her brother’s homework in secret. At age 11, she was traded for a cow and married off. By 18, she was a mother of three with no education and an abusive husband.

Most would say her story was already written. Dr. Tererai Trent decided to rewrite it. In 1991, she was asked a simple question: "What are your dreams?"

While others spoke of immediate needs like food, Tererai spoke of the impossible. She wrote four goals on a scrap of paper:

·        Go to America.

·        Earn a Bachelor’s degree.

·        Earn a Master’s degree.

·        Earn a Ph.D.

She placed that paper in a tin can and buried it under a rock where she herded cattle. The road towards these goals wasn't a fairy tale. It was a 20-year marathon. It took 8 years of labour just to get to the U.S. She worked multiple jobs and scavenged for food to feed her children while studying. Every time she hit a milestone, she flew back to Zimbabwe, unearthed that tin can, and checked a box.

In 2009, she checked the final box: Doctorate earned.

Today, Dr. Trent isn't just a scholar; she’s a builder. Through Tererai Trent International, she has rebuilt the schools of her childhood, ensuring thousands of girls never have to bury their dreams in the dirt.

She often uses the word "Tinogona"—it means "It is achievable."

Whatever "tin can" you’ve buried—whatever goal feels too big for your current circumstances—remember Tererai. Your current location is not your destination.

Dr A Jagan Mohan Reddy