Fulfilling Great Expectations: Bahrain Story #80
#100 Bahrain Stories is the beautiful brainchild of Tanzeel Jabbar-Khadir. As an Australian writer with Indian and Pakistani heritage, Tanzeel relocated to the small Gulf island of Bahrain several years ago and embarked upon a personal project to interview 100 people from all walks of life in her new home. TCK TOWN is proud and excited to be able to share the stories from some of the 100 inspiring people that were interviewed. These stories have even been published as a book. Take a look at the end of this article to find out where you can purchase it. We hope you enjoy this series as much as we do!
"Growing up in East Africa, I had a simple upbringing. My father was not formally educated but was a bright, self-made man who earned a living repairing shoes and watches.
My parents came from a world where a university education was a luxury. Their expectation was that I would join my father's business. I, on the other hand, had other plans. I loved school, especially reading and writing. Growing up we could not afford to buy books so I would borrow from friends and consume whatever literature I could get my hands on.
By the time I was a teenager, our family's financial situation had improved and we moved to a middle class neighbourhood where we lived around teachers, nurses and other university graduates. They inspired me and I became determined to gain a higher education. I went on to study English language and literature at Mount Kenya University. My qualifications have opened doors for me. In 2010 I moved to Saudi Arabia to work at a school and for the last three years I have been a high school English teacher at a local private school in Bahrain.
My father passed away when I first got here. I still miss him and sometimes I find myself picking up the phone to dial his number. After we lost him I became the sole breadwinner, supporting my mother and brothers back home.
I learn so much from my students and I believe they learn a lot from me too. I want to unlock their minds. People in Bahrain don't know much about East Africa so I often find myself explaining my culture and traditions to students and colleagues. I aim to broaden their scope of knowledge and change their attitude towards my culture so that they can see that I am more than a stereotype.
I am now studying a Masters in Education by correspondence. I love the diversity of life in Bahrain but it can get lonely here. I lead a quiet life but my door is always open to my fellow Kenyans who have fallen on hard times. There are around 3000 of us in Bahrain and I am an active member of the Bahrain Kenyan Society. I want to show people from my country that you can come to Bahrain and do well.
I have taught myself Arabic. In fact, my national language Swahili is not that dissimilar to Arabic. Interestingly, the Gulf has historical ties with East Africa because of the Omani presence on the Swahili coast.
When I think about how my life has changed over the years, I am reminded of my favourite book, 'Great Expectations' and that moment when Pip meets Estella at Miss Havisham's house. From that point on, all he wants is to be a gentleman. I identify with Pip. I've aimed to change my destiny through education. I now have a wiser and stronger outlook on life. My plan is to eventually go back to my country and open up a school. I hope that one day I will realise that dream."
Interviewee: Nancy Kahuho (From Kenya. Living in Bahrain).
The #100 Bahrain Stories book is currently available at Neo Books and Coffee and all Jashanmal Bookstores in Bahrain. If you are not in Bahrain and would like to order a copy, please email: storiesbahrain@gmail.com