Thieves can steal everything in Dar es Salaam city but books. Apparently these could be the only properties that are left outside with no security guard because no one wants to read, people want real tangible materials.
Jumanne Issa is a books seller for over 19 years whose inspiration comes from the Madrasa teachings.
Background…
The most common story that human beings share is that; each one of us has someone or something that inspires us apart from education. What education does normally is to introduce a discipline in order to remain focused, although in many cases the inspiration changes depends on the circumstances of life. But to Jumanne the story is different because his own inspiration comes from knowledge itself. Being raised in seeking knowledge environment; after completing his Ordinary Level (O-Level) certificate in 90’s, Jumanne desired to pursue the Islamic religious studies. With the financial support from his Indian friend Imran, Jumanne traveled to Kibera village located in Nairobi, Kenya where he spent 2 years learning his religion.
“From 1990 to 1997; I continued with my studies at Markazi Islamic Chang’ombe here in Tanzania right away after my return. Sheikh Al had Salum was my classmate. I was so much obsessed by seeking knowledge…still am” Said Jumanne.
Enjoying the wisdom from the knowledge he received, Jumanne thought of a better platform of which he could share it to others, then business clicked his mind. He started selling religious books in different mosques in Dar es Salaam before directing his market to the rural areas where the demand was high.
He said; “I have been to all regions in Tanzania mainland except Lindi and Mtwara, selling books for 3 years. I met different classes of people and learn so many things. At that time people had discipline in seeking knowledge, because there was no smart phones’ destruction and there was only one bookshop in Dar es Salaam, REMS”. Explained Jumanne. However in 2000, he decided to switch the business from religious books to selling all sorts of books.
Why did you switch the market?
“Starting 2000, there was a tremendously opening of new schools where the huge number of people especially students were influenced to read. I had a great customer base because these are not specific books…Lawyers, teachers, Journalists and all public and private servants would pass by here and get the books of their genre to rectify their knowledge. Buying a book was the only option to learn and having the full access to whatever the information that someone may want. People would go and comeback to share the feedback and recommend others to come.
Achievement
At this spot alone (referring to his stall at Kisutu street), it marks 19 years today, excluding the years of selling the religious books. I was able to buy lands, build houses and take my children to proper schools. I met thousands of people and created a beneficial network, just by sitting here.
Jumanne said he orders a van of about 300 books at 500,000/- which takes up to 3 months to finish.
On the contrary about 9 years later; the readership started to lessen because people were introduced to technology. People especially youths, developed an interest of reading online where they could get any type of books.
“I don’t deny the fact that life is made easy but it came with the baggage of destruction too. Reading a hard copy and soft copy is not similar. If you ask the internet to give you one motivational book, it gives you 10 extra information that you don’t real need”. Jumanne emphasized.
So currently my customers are adults whose age range from 45 years and above; whom despite of economy fluctuation and the internet boom, are still keeping up
By Khadija Amri
The Tanzanian Times 