The population of Tanzania faces significant challenges on a daily basis, ranging from economic, social, to environmental issues. With over 30 million people living in extreme poverty, half of the population struggles to make ends meet. Moreover, over 60 percent of Tanzanians are under the age of 25, with high rates of youth unemployment adding to the country’s woes.
Education is key to breaking the cycle of poverty, yet only ten percent of the 600,000 students who graduate each year can secure employment. The lack of access to digital tools and the internet further isolates these young individuals from the modern world, hindering their chances of success.
However, education in entrepreneurship and digital skills can pave the way out of poverty for Tanzanian youth. By equipping them with the necessary knowledge, they are given a better chance at securing a stable livelihood, which can uplift entire communities. Salomé Oliva, from Hand in Hand, has witnessed firsthand the transformative power of such initiatives.
Returning from Tanzania, Salomé recounts the impact of Hand in Hand’s pilot project, Youth Empowerment, on various communities. By targeting youth, the program reaches individuals with their whole lives ahead of them to apply their newfound skills. Many of these young people have limited access to everyday items like mobile phones and the internet. Opening this door for them provides tools that make a significant difference in their daily lives, offering them opportunities to support themselves after school.
While agriculture sustains two-thirds of Tanzania’s population, it faces threats from climate change. By imparting knowledge in farming, digital tools, and entrepreneurship, the Hand in Hand project aims to make farming more sustainable while enabling participants to support themselves and uplift their communities.
The funds allocated to this project promise long-term effects, as evidenced by numerous success stories. For instance, Nickson Mereso, a 16-year-old participant, resides in a drought-prone area far from the nearest vegetable market. Through the program, he started cultivating at home, leading to healthier diets for his family and community. The earnings from his small garden allowed him to invest in an irrigation system, supporting his dream of becoming a doctor by funding his school materials.
Building on the success of the pilot project, Hand in Hand is expanding Youth Empowerment to engage 3,330 youths aged 14 to 17 over a four-year period. However, the initiative faces challenges such as water scarcity and limited technology and internet access. The organization hopes for support from businesses and entrepreneurs to shape a brighter future for young Tanzanians.
Salomé shares how a Tanzanian individual’s donation of an irrigation system doubled the cultivable area for the youth, showcasing the potential for long-lasting impact. Witnessing the transformation of villages through the pilot project, she emphasizes the profound effect of digital inclusion, sustainable farming, and entrepreneurship on Tanzania’s rural youth.
The pride and newfound opportunities seen in these young individuals have exceeded expectations, highlighting the effectiveness of combining digital literacy, sustainable agriculture, and entrepreneurship for Tanzania’s rural youth. Experiencing the empowerment and hope in these youths has been a rewarding journey for Salomé and Hand in Hand.
In conclusion, the efforts to support young entrepreneurs in Tanzania are crucial for creating a sustainable future for the country’s youth. Through education, empowerment, and community support, organizations like Hand in Hand are making a tangible difference in the lives of Tanzanian youth, offering them a pathway out of poverty and towards a brighter future.