Zanzibar – Representatives from the United States government, and the Government of Zanzibar gathered at the Maisara grounds in Zanzibar for the launch of a new $10.6 million youth-focused project. The four-year U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Kijana Nahodha (“Young Captain”) project aims to provide new skills to Tanzania’s youth and help them become effective agents of change in their communities. Kijana Nahodha is implemented by T-MARC, an independent, locally managed non-governmental organization, and will have a presence in Dar es Salaam, Morogoro, and Zanzibar (Unguja and Pemba Islands).
The launch was officiated by Hon. President of Zanzibar, Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi as the Guest of Honor. In attendance were delegates from ministries, Zanzibar regional representatives, other government agencies, international development agencies, civil society organisations and youth across Zanzibar.
USAID’s Kijana Nahodha, a cross-cutting program that works on employment, education, agriculture, governance, and health, aims to build the capacities of young people ages 15-25. This capacity building includes increasing access and quality of remedial skills; vocational training; improved awareness of mental health services through in-person, peer-led and digital educational tools; and strengthening clear channels of communication between youth and local government to elevate youth’s voices in civic life, politics, and policymaking.
Speaking at today’s event, USAID Mission Director V. Kate Somvongisiri remarked, “Through Kijana Nahodha, we aim to empower youth with a range of new skills: the appropriate knowledge to run a business; the support needed from their families, community, and government; and gain market-relevant education and skills.”
The Kijana Nahodha project expects to empower more than 45,000 youth – approximately 10,000 in Zanzibar and 35,000 in the two targeted mainland regions.