Education Board Newsletter #63

REF: EB/NL/63/24-25                                                         DATE: 14th May 2025

Welcome to "Beyond Cap and Gown," a series that connects what you learn in school to the jobs people do in real life. This series shares real stories from professionals in different fields to help students and young adults explore career options. 

Today, we’re looking at clinical psychology through the story of Hina Esmail-Karim, who is passionate about mental health. 

"I’ve always been curious about how the mind works," Hina begins, talking about why she chose clinical psychology. "The way it affects our feelings, decisions, and relationships is amazing. It’s like an invisible force that guides our lives." This curiosity pushed her to study Psychology in Cape Town, South Africa, after finishing her A-Levels in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology at ALMIS. Later, she came back to Dar es Salaam to complete a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology, fully committing to this field. 

For Hina, psychology wasn’t just about learning how the mind works—it was also about helping people and fighting stigma. "Mental health is still misunderstood by so many," she says. "I knew I could help people feel better and challenge the wrong ideas people have about mental health."

Today, Hina splits her time between her roles at Ebrahim Haji Charitable Center, Tiba Healthcare Ltd, and her private practice. Her day involves therapy sessions with clients, each lasting between 45 minutes and 1.5 hours. Sometimes, she visits patients in hospitals who need psychological care. Her work includes treating mental health issues like anxiety and schizophrenia, doing assessments, and helping people build better coping skills.

Starting her career wasn’t easy. "When I graduated, I quickly saw that there weren’t many jobs for clinical psychologists in my community," she explains. "I had to reach out to doctors and show them why mental health care is so important." Her efforts paid off when she got her first job as a visiting consultant. "It wasn’t easy, but it taught me to keep trying and to make opportunities when they don’t exist."

The best part of her job? "Hearing a client say they feel better," she says with a smile. "Knowing I helped someone on their path to healing makes everything worth it." But Hina also talks about how challenging the work can be. "Sometimes it’s hard to not take your emotions home. That’s why I practice the same self-care techniques I teach my clients."

Hina doesn’t just help individuals—she also works to improve mental health care in the community. She organizes workshops, gives talks, and works with other professionals to make mental health care more available. "I want to create a culture where people aren’t afraid to ask for help," she says. In the future, she hopes to open her own clinic, where she can treat patients and continue raising awareness about mental health.

When asked what advice she has for students considering this field, Hina emphasizes the importance of commitment. "Make sure this is truly the path you want," she says. "Clinical psychology requires a lot of patience, empathy, and dedication. There will be moments when it’s hard to balance work with your personal life, or when showing empathy feels exhausting. But these qualities are essential for building trust and helping people heal." She also highlights the importance of self-care. "You have to take care of yourself first. Reflect on your emotions and make time for your well-being. If you’re ready for the emotional challenges, this career is incredibly rewarding."

Hina also points out the skills and qualities needed to succeed in clinical psychology. "Empathy, patience, and perseverance are key," she says. "You need to connect with clients and adapt your approach to fit their needs." Techniques like active listening, effective communication, and Socratic dialogue are essential tools for psychologists. "Self-reflection and resilience are just as important," she adds. "This work can be emotionally tough, so it’s crucial to manage your own feelings while staying professional."

To stay at the top of her field, Hina keeps learning. "I read research articles, attend workshops, and talk to mentors," she explains. "Their practical experience often teaches me things you can’t find in books." Conferences and seminars also help her stay updated on new techniques and ideas. "You can never stop learning in this field," she says. "It’s all about growing so you can give the best care to your clients."

Hina believes that mental health will become more important as people start to see how it affects their overall well-being. "I think more people will look for mental health care in the future," she predicts. To prepare for this, she keeps refining her skills and expanding her knowledge. "Staying adaptable and proactive is key," she says. "I hope to meet the growing demand and continue making a difference." Through her hard work and determination, Hina is changing lives and making mental health care more accessible. Her story shows that beyond the cap and gown, there are endless opportunities to make a difference.

Hina’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of passion, resilience, and advocacy in building a meaningful career. Her work reminds us that beyond the cap and gown, the drive to make a difference can shape not just careers but entire communities.

Stay tuned for more inspiring career stories in the "Beyond Cap and Gown" series!

SECRETARIAT

AFRICA FEDERATION EDUCATION BOARD