As 2024 draws to a close, TangaYetu celebrates a transformative year marked by impactful initiatives, strategic collaborations, and continued growth. From empowering local communities to fostering global connections, our work this year has reinforced our commitment to creating opportunities for the youth of Tanga.
Recruitment and Leadership
This year began with significant organizational advancements. We welcomed six new experts to the TangaYetu team, each bringing specialized knowledge to drive our program forward. Additionally, the appointment of nine distinguished Steering Committee members set the stage for strategic oversight, ensuring that TangaYetu’s vision remains clear and impactful.
Steering Committee Meetings
Two pivotal Steering Committee meetings marked the year. The 11th meeting in July saw the conclusion of terms for outgoing members and a review of program progress. Shortly after, the 12th meeting brought together the new committee members to establish priorities for the next phase of TangaYetu’s journey.
Workshops and Strategy Development
To align our goals for Phase II, we organized a Theory of Change Workshop in collaboration with Rural Senses. This workshop identified six thematic areas to guide our activities:
- Educational Enhancements
- Health and Well-being
- Economic and Social Empowerment
- Innovation and Technology Adoption
- Life Skills and Community Engagement
- Evidence-based Decision Making
New Steering Committee members also participated in an orientation session, gaining firsthand insights into ongoing projects and the overarching mission of TangaYetu.
Communication and Outreach
November 12-13 marked the Youth Conference in Tanga, a gathering that brought together young people from across the region. This event served as a platform for sharing ideas on innovation, entrepreneurship, and youth empowerment, reinforcing our commitment to nurturing the leaders of tomorrow.
The conference was officially opened by Hon. Ambassador Dr. Batilda Salha Burian, Regional Commissioner for Tanga. Joining the event were Hon. Abdulrahman Shiloow, the Lord Mayor of Tanga, and Hon. Ummy Mwalimu, Member of Parliament for Tanga constituency, among other esteemed leaders.
Participation in National Events
Protein Week Exhibition (May 13-14):Held at the Parliament grounds in Dodoma, this event highlighted the achievements of youth entrepreneurs supported by TangaYetu’s fisheries and poultry projects. Beneficiaries showcased innovative products and sustainable practices, demonstrating the program’s success in empowering local communities.
National Education, Skills, and Innovation Week (May 25-31):We were delighted to participate in the National Education, Skills, and Innovation Week held in Tanga City.
During this week-long event, TangaYetu had the opportunity to:
- Share the progress and achievements in education and skills development in Tanga City.
- Showcase innovative projects and products from the TangaYetu program.
- Participate in the Education, Skills, and Innovation Symposium, which focused on leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) to foster innovation in the education sector.
Our participation in the National Education, Skills, and Innovation Week reaffirms TangaYetu’s commitment to shaping a brighter future for the youth in Tanga through education, skill development, and innovation.
International Engagement
In May, our team traveled to Cluj-Napoca, Romania, to participate in the OurCity Initiative workshop organized by Fondation Botnar. This workshop provided a unique opportunity to exchange ideas with representatives from five other programs. Additionally, the team attended the EUROCITIES annual conference, where discussions on urban development inspired potential strategies to improve youth well-being in Tanga.
Global Reach and Learning
On September 17, 2024, we had the pleasure of hosting 24 students from Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz in Mainz, Germany, who traveled to Tanga to learn about our approach and the projects implemented under the TangaYetu Initiative.
The day began at the TangaYetu office, where they were introduced to our various projects and learn about the TangaYetu Initiative. The delegation explored key areas like data use for city management, innovation, and sustainable economic pathways.
From visiting the STEM Park to learning about e-mobility, they witnessed firsthand the transformative impact of our projects. This visit marks an important milestone, reflecting the growing global interest in our work. As we continue to align our activities with the E2A (Evidence to Action) Framework, this experience will contribute significantly to two Domains of Change: Global Reach and Global Learning.
Monitoring and Follow-Up
The Tumbilini Youth Empowerment Centre continued its mentorship of young farmers involved in horticultural production, demonstrating the sustained success of agribusiness initiatives. Simultaneously, a comprehensive documentation effort captured the transformative stories and lessons from Phase I projects, offering valuable insights for future endeavors.
Spotlight: STEM Day at STEM Park Tanga
This year’s World STEM Day brought over 270 students to STEM Park Tanga, the first of its kind in Tanzania. Through hands-on activities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, students explored everything from astronomy to augmented reality.The event was a celebration of curiosity, inspiring young minds to see STEM as a gateway to brighter futures.
This year’s achievements reflect the collective efforts of our team, partners, and the communities we serve. As we continue to innovate and grow, we remain dedicated to creating opportunities that empower Tanga’s youth and drive sustainable development.
Looking Ahead
As we plan for 2025, TangaYetu is gearing up to launch new initiatives, including:
- A feasibility study for a horticultural shared facility.
- A youth entrepreneurship program in poultry farming, set to support 250 young people with affordable credit.
- Other projects that will empower youth in Tanga and improve their health and well-being.
We remain committed to empowering Tanga’s youth and fostering sustainable development, thanks to the collective efforts of our team, partners, and communities.
