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The World Federation is an NGO in Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the United Nations
Vision Statement
The World Federation
exists to achieve the
pleasure of Allah SWT by
developing spiritual and
vibrant communities
serving humanity
Mission Statement
The World Federation
enables its member institutions
to promote the
values and practices of the
Islamic Shia Ithna Asheri
Faith for the spiritual and
material well being of
humanity at large
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Going Back to College after 40!
Updated 26 December 2012
 Going back to college after 40?! What? Is the answer most people respond to when you tell them you are considering to go back to college. Don’t let this discourage you! It’s never too late to go back to college. If you are over 40, chances are that you are more mature and confident in yourself and your goals than you were when you were 20. If going back to school is something you need in order to advance towards where you want to be, then do it! You may face some different challenges where you’re a mature student and arguably wiser adult, but this is nothing impossible.
The perfect example of the above statement is done by one of our very own khoja brothers in East Africa, who decided to attend the Open University in Tanzania to complete his life-long dream. After conducting a short interview with him, we found out why he made this decision, and would like to encourage any adult out there to GO FOR IT!
Why did you make this decision?
In 1984, when I completed my O’levels in Tanzania, I wanted to attend university; however there weren’t many colleges or Universities to attend. In addition, Tanzania had a compulsory national service rule. The programme is a one-year military training service that all Tanzanians were required to participate in before entering higher learning institutions. The thought of sleeping in tents and farming scared me; therefore I decided to join the family business. However this rule has now been discarded, which has motivated me to achieve my dream. Further to this I was also encouraged by the low enrolment fees compared to universities abroad. I am only paying Tsh 360,000, which is equivalent to £ 141 for a one year course. However the tuition fees may increase, depending on which teachers I choose.
As a mature student are you facing any challenges?
There are obvious challenges to combining studying at university with family life, even with a very supportive family like mine and supportive university staff. I find it very difficult to balance with my commitments as a father and husband, but I feel that after I complete my degree my whole family will benefit from the results. The Open University of Tanzania is a comfortable and friendly place to study. I have been impressed with the staff and lecturers. I will however have to seek competent private tutors to guide me further accordingly.
As a 48 year old Khoja Shia, I am probably the only one from my local Jamaat who has resumed studies at this age. Being alone is proving to be a challenge, which inshAllah I will overcome by taking one step at a time, and slowly integrating my studies into my daily routine.
Further to this, going to university has been a life-changing experience for me. InshAllah over time with the encouragement of many around me I will be successful and achieve my dream. I have seen some lady African mature student’s carrying their babies and attending classes. This was an eye opener for me and has encouraged me even more.
How different is it studying now and when you were last in school?
It is very different because, then, we had to rely only upon text books and school teachers for reference. A school teacher in the classroom could either make or break you. He or she could easily discriminate between those whom he or she liked or disliked. This was very common in Tanzania then. This was the main reason I lost in interest in Biology and Physics subjects. A couple of teachers, used to tell our parents that we require extra tuition at home and charge us, adding to their earnings, even though we did not require it.
With the easy access to internet and other means of communications and technology, the reliance upon single source of information has diminished. An example of students in USA seeking tuitions online from tutors in India explains this very easily. Advancement in Technology has transformed how we study. From blackboards we moved to white boards and now we have smart boards. From autograph books to now Facebook!!! God knows what next.
Would you recommend other 40 year old Khoja’s to go study?
I would recommend that every student take advantage of these services offered by the University of Tanzania. If you are not from Tanzania, I still recommend people to go study in their countries.
Our Muslim brothers and sisters from some communities decide on alternate means for daily meals in their homes and instead get food delivered or cooked for them by their community centres or those who cook for a living. The beneficiaries contribute nominal charges and also help those that cook. This facility allows female members to study full time should they wish or engage themselves in productive employment and meaningful studies to uplift themselves economically. We can learn from them a little here and contemplate.
“With the opportunities for mature students, constantly expanding everywhere; the need to explore these needs no further reminding”.
For further information, and if you would like to volunteer by writing about your educational experience then please email us at education@world-federation.org
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