Songea. Sixty young people have graduated from a vocational training programme in Ruvuma Region designed to enhance employability while promoting peace, patriotism and social responsibility among Tanzania’s youth.
The graduates were beneficiaries of a vocational skills training programme implemented under the Dumisha Amani Project, an initiative funded by the United Nations Peace and Development Fund (UNPDF), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and China Petroleum Pipeline (CPP), in partnership with Global Peace Foundation (GPF) Tanzania.
The programme aimed to equip young people with practical vocational skills, enhance employability, promote entrepreneurship and contribute to peacebuilding efforts in local communities. Participants received training in various trades, enabling them to pursue self-employment opportunities and improve their livelihoods.
Speaking during the graduation ceremony on July 30, the Guest of Honour, Ms Suzan Magani, Director of VETA Southern Highlands Zone, said the programme demonstrates how skills development can contribute to both economic empowerment and social cohesion.
“This initiative has equipped young people not only with technical competencies but also with values that promote peace, national unity and responsible citizenship,” she said.
The programme trained 60 youths in electrical installation, motor vehicle mechanics, auto-electrics, plumbing, and fashion and textile design. The two-week training combined classroom instruction with practical, hands-on learning to prepare participants for opportunities in the labour market.
Trainees were introduced to emerging technologies and business opportunities, including solar-powered CCTV systems linked to mobile phones, vehicle diagnostic equipment, modern irrigation technologies, and value-addition activities such as batik and soap production.
Ms Magani urged the graduates to use their newly acquired skills to create employment, contribute to community development and serve as ambassadors of peace.
“True development cannot flourish in the absence of peace. The responsibility now rests with you to use these skills productively and become role models in your communities,” she said.
VETA Songea Principal Rahabu Mwakatundu said the project was intentionally designed to go beyond technical training by incorporating life skills, patriotism, conflict resolution and ethical leadership.
“The objective is to produce competent professionals who are also responsible citizens capable of contributing positively to national development,” she said.
According to Ms Mwakatundu, trainees received specialised instruction aligned with current industry demands. Electrical installation students learned how to install solar-powered surveillance systems, plumbing trainees gained experience in modern irrigation technologies, while automotive students were introduced to vehicle diagnostic machines commonly used in modern garages.
Participants in fashion and textile design also acquired entrepreneurship-oriented skills, including batik production and soap-making, aimed at expanding self-employment opportunities.
She challenged graduates to uphold professionalism, integrity and ethical conduct in their future careers, noting that technical expertise must be complemented by strong values.
“Skills alone are not enough. Integrity, discipline and respect for others are equally important in building successful careers and strong communities,” she said.
UNDP Project Officer Josephine Sepeku said youth empowerment remains central to Tanzania’s development agenda, noting that young people account for about 77 per cent of the country's population according to the 2022 Population and Housing Census.
She described the training programme as an important investment in the country's future workforce and peace-building efforts.
“These skills are a key that can open doors to employment, entrepreneurship and personal growth. They also help young people become active contributors to peace and development,” she said.
Ms Sepeku said the 60 graduates from Songea are part of a broader programme that has reached 240 young people across the regions of Lindi, Mtwara and Ruvuma.
To strengthen the programme’s long-term impact, she announced that UNDP will support the establishment of a youth centre and provide equipment valued at more than USD 42,000 to expand access to vocational training opportunities.
She also acknowledged support from the Government of China through the United Nations Peace and Development Trust Fund, alongside contributions from China Petroleum Pipeline and other development partners.
Speaking on behalf of the graduates, Godlove Komba pledged that beneficiaries would apply the knowledge gained to pursue self-employment, create opportunities for others and promote peace within their communities.
Stakeholders expressed optimism that similar initiatives will be expanded to reach more young people, particularly in underserved areas where access to technical skills training and employment opportunities remains limited.
The project highlights the growing recognition of vocational education as a strategic tool for tackling youth unemployment while fostering social stability and sustainable development.
