Beneficiaries of the “Dumisha Amani” Project, a youth skills development initiative supported by international partners including UNDP Tanzania, UNPDF and CPP, have been urged to form organized groups to improve their access to government loans and enhance their participation in economic activities.
The call was made by Lindi District Commissioner Victoria Mwanziva during the official opening of vocational training for 60 students at the Lindi Vocational Education and Training Authority (VETA) college.
Mwanziva said group formation remains a key requirement for accessing various government funding windows, including council loans and the 10 per cent youth, women, elderly and people with special needs fund. She emphasized that organized groups with clear plans and relevant skills stand a better chance of benefiting from available opportunities.
She noted that the government has continued to expand access to soft loans at the local government level, but stressed that individuals are more likely to succeed when they are well organized.
“We have youth groups and development groups at council level. There are loans available, including the 10 per cent fund for youth, women, the elderly and people with special needs. These loans are accessible through groups. When you are organized and have skills plus a practical business plan, it becomes easier to benefit,” she said.
Mwanziva commended VETA, UNPDF, CPP and UNDP Tanzania for their continued support in equipping young people with practical skills, entrepreneurship knowledge and life skills that enable them to become self-reliant and competitive in the labour market.
She said such initiatives play an important role in reducing unemployment among youth while contributing to economic growth and social stability, noting that economic empowerment is closely linked to the preservation of peace.
Speaking at the same event, Senior Curriculum Development Officer at VETA Headquarters, Alphoncina James Mshana, urged the trainees to fully utilize the opportunity, describing it as rare and valuable.
She encouraged them to attend all sessions, maintain discipline, follow instructions from trainers and actively participate in both theory and practical sessions to maximize their learning outcomes.
On her part, UNDP Tanzania Peace Project Officer, Josephine Sepeku, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to supporting youth empowerment programmes that promote skills development and self-reliance, which in turn contribute to sustaining peace in communities.
She said empowering young people with practical skills reduces vulnerability and increases their ability to engage in productive economic activities that improve livelihoods and strengthen social cohesion.
Lindi VETA College Principal Harry Mmari said the trainees will undergo hands-on training in electrical installation, catering and hotel services, tailoring and textile technology, and plumbing.
He said the skills acquired will provide a strong foundation for self-employment, job creation and overall socio-economic development for the trainees, their families and the country at large.
The “Dumisha Amani” Project continues to play a significant role in empowering youth in Tanzania by combining vocational training with entrepreneurship and peace-building initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable development and self-reliance.
