The journey to make Tanga a city where youth thrive reached a new milestone on 1st July 2025, as the TangaYetu program officially launched seven additional projects under Phase II during the Inception Workshop (Batch Two) at Regal Naivera Hotel. With these additions, TangaYetu Phase II now has 13 active projects, making it one of the largest coordinated youth-focused efforts in Tanga City’s history.
Opened by the District Commissioner of Tanga, Hon. Dadi Kolimba, the workshop brought together implementing partners, government leaders, development stakeholders, and youth voices. In his keynote, Hon. Kolimba emphasized the importance of sustainability, saying:
“We will continue to create a supportive environment for all development partners and investors with a genuine interest in improving the lives of Tanga’s people.”
The seven newly launched projects complement the initial six projects introduced earlier in Phase II, collectively addressing critical challenges in health, education, economic empowerment, sports, child protection, governance, and youth participation.
1. Kijana Togora: Tunakusikiliza
This project tackles the often-overlooked issues of mental health, substance abuse, and sexual and reproductive health (SRH) among adolescents and youth in Tanga. Through safe spaces, peer engagement, and digital platforms like the Kijamvi Salama talk show, it promotes open dialogue and health-seeking behavior.
Dr. Isaac Maro of AfyaCheck noted, “There’s still a large number of youth struggling with mental health. This project creates space to listen, learn, and support youth where they are.”
2. Pamoja Tuwalinde
Violence against children and adolescents remains a concern in many communities. Pamoja Tuwalinde aims to strengthen child protection systems across all 27 wards of Tanga City, benefiting over 50,000 young people directly. By working with parents, teachers, local leaders, and youth, the project builds safer environments through awareness, training, and referral systems.
George Bwire, Director of TAYOTA, shared, “We aim to strengthen systems of protection using data, training, and improved response mechanisms. This is how we stop violence before it starts.”
3. Focus on Youth, Not the Substance
Addressing the growing concern of substance abuse, this project implemented by Gift of Hope Foundation uses a community-centered approach combining peer education, awareness campaigns, and sports festivals. Its aim is not to scare youth away from harmful substances, but to equip them with life skills and networks of support.
“There’s very low awareness of the effects of substance use. We’re bringing education to schools and youth hubs—even through sports festivals,” said Said Bandawe.
4. Transforming Early Childhood Development
Recognizing that a child’s wellbeing starts early, this project works to improve the quality of Early Childhood Development (ECD) services in Tanga. It trains caregivers, improves the learning environment in ECD centers, and provides essential learning materials to children aged 0–8.
Dr. Samwel Mtullu of UHTC emphasized, “We aim to improve the entire ECD system—because early childhood care sets the foundation for everything that follows.”
5. Michezo Plus
Sports aren’t just a leisure activity—they are a powerful development tool. Michezo Plus, a project by Tanga City Council uses structured sports programs to improve youth mental health, social inclusion, and resilience. It equips coaches and sports leaders with safeguarding skills while expanding access to inclusive sports facilities citywide.
Lucy Protas from Tanga City Council explained, “Sports speak louder than words. We want to use sports and games to address mental health and prevent risky behavior.”
6. Boosting Youth Entrepreneurship
With youth unemployment posing a major challenge, this project helps young people and women build sustainable, climate-resilient businesses. It provides business incubation, financial literacy, and mentorship—creating pathways for long-term economic empowerment.
“Many youth begin businesses without access to knowledge, tools, or strategy. We’re filling that gap with training and mentorship,” said Martha Laurent of IMED Foundation.
7. Shiriki Tujenge Tanga Yetu
Young people in Tanga are taking the lead in shaping governance. This project trains Youth Accountability Advocates (YAAs) who educate their peers on civic rights and responsibilities, conduct community dialogues, and work closely with local leaders to ensure youth voices influence decisions.
“Despite progress, youth inclusion in decision-making remains limited. We’re working to change that,” shared Laurent Soya of Restless Development.
With these seven new initiatives, TangaYetu Phase II now supports 13 projects, collectively creating a broader, more coordinated ecosystem for youth wellbeing in Tanga. These projects are not short-term pilots but long-term efforts rooted in the realities and priorities of young people in the city. They reflect a shared vision where public institutions, development partners, and communities work hand in hand to build a brighter future for the next generation.
The TangaYetu program is funded by Fondation Botnar, managed by INNOVEX, and implemented in collaboration with the Tanga City Council and various local partners.
As the District Commissioner reminded participants, the challenge now is not only to launch projects but to ensure their sustainability, community ownership, and lasting impact. With continued collaboration and support, TangaYetu is moving closer to its vision of making Tanga a city where youth thrive.