Abstract
Failure is often seen as the end of the road β a sign of weakness or inability. But what if failure is not a full stop, but a comma? A pause before something better? This article shares how Iβve come to see failure not as an end, but as a beginning β through personal experience, volunteering, and building digital skills. It is also a story of human-centered resilience, inspired by the values of Industry 5.0.
Introduction
The first time I saw the word FAIL, it felt like a heavy blow. It sounded final, painful, and absolute. As a young graduate with an Advanced Diploma in Professional Computing and Information Processing, I was full of hope. I had the education, the skills, and the heart to serve. I was a proud Tanzanian, born in Zanzibar, and ready to give back to my community.
But things didnβt go as planned.
The Reality of Rejection
I applied to many positions within the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar and other institutions. Following every protocol carefully β from submitting applications to attaching certified credentials β I waited. But the replies never came.
So, I decided to visit an office and ask in person. The response I received was direct β and disheartening:
βYour diploma is from ICM β the Institute of Commercial Management. Itβs not officially recognized here.β
To me, this wasnβt just rejection. It felt like being told you donβt belong. Yet, ICM was a registered institution, operating in Zanzibar through Zanzibar Commercial Business Management (ZCBM). It was licensed, paid taxes, and offered structured education. But none of that mattered at that moment.
What I heard was: You have failed.
Failing Forward: Looking Beyond Borders
I turned to international opportunities β only to meet another barrier. Most jobs needed a minimum of one year of experience. I didnβt qualify.
Another failure?
Maybe. But this time, I started asking myself new questions:
What if failure isnβt the end, but part of the journey? What if it’s not a wall, but a detour?
These questions led me to something unexpected: volunteering.
Volunteering: A New Beginning
Through the United Nations Online Volunteering Programme, I joined Tanzania Development Trust. My task was to support digital mapping efforts to help stop Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). I used geospatial tools to map out remote areas and support local activists.
At first, it was just a task. Then, it became a mission. I moved from beginner to advanced level. After one year, I received a certificate of appreciation.
It meant more to me than a job title.
It was proof β that I had contributed, grown, and made a difference.
And through this journey, I found a new meaning for the word FAIL.
FAIL: First Attempt In Learning
Today, I no longer see FAIL as something bad. To me, it stands for:
F.A.I.L β First Attempt In Learning
Every rejection taught me to be stronger. Every silence reminded me to keep trying. Every delay pushed me to create new paths.
And through all of it, I discovered something powerful: peace.
Peace as a Response to Failure
Peace doesnβt mean nothing goes wrong. It means having the strength to rise again when things fall apart. It means choosing to continue β with patience, kindness, and belief in yourself.
In todayβs fast world of automation and numbers, Industry 5.0 reminds us to put humans first β to value empathy, inclusion, and dignity.
We must build systems that donβt throw people away when they fail β but help them grow.
In those systems, human touch β real or symbolic β can heal more than data ever could.
Conclusion: Learning, Growing, and Staying Hopeful
Today, when I hear the word FAIL, I donβt panic. I smile β because I know what it means:
- Iβm learning.
- Iβm growing.
- Iβm still here β and Iβm still hopeful.
Peace is my answer to failure.
And humanity is the path I choose to follow.
“For deeper insights, check out this piece:”
https://www.digest.tz/heart-is-a-drum/
