Feed the Future Tanzania Advancing Youth Monthly Report: February 2021

The program is implemented by DAI Global, LLC, and is funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The livelihoods component of the program focuses on providing financial support to youth businesses through the establishment of Youth Savings and Lending Associations (YSLAs). As of February 2021, 444 youth had borrowed money from their respective YSLAs, with 237 from Iringa, 154 from Mbeya, and 53 from Zanzibar. The total value of money borrowed during the month was TZS 52,114,400 (USD 22,550), with the majority coming from Iringa region. In addition to financial support, the livelihoods component also provides entrepreneurship and business management skills training to young mothers. During the month, 122 young mothers received training in Zanzibar, Iringa, and Mbeya regions. The training focused on record keeping, financial management, and negotiation skills, which are essential for business growth. The young mothers who attended the training reported that it was beneficial and enhanced their skills and ways of doing business. The leadership component of the program aims to strengthen youth leadership and positive community engagement. In February 2021, 270 youth were selected to participate in leadership and community engagement trainings, with 120 from Zanzibar and 150 from Mbeya. The trainings were conducted in partnership with various organizations, including SHIVYAWATA, TCCIA, and Zanzibar University. The program also reported that 131 youth had participated in community decision-making processes in Mbeya and Zanzibar. In Zanzibar, 15 youth participated in district development meetings, while 21 youth participated in meetings organized by the Tanzania Media Women Association. The program's achievements in February 2021 demonstrate its commitment to empowering young people in Tanzania to improve their livelihoods and contribute to the country's economic development. The program's focus on financial support, entrepreneurship training, and leadership development has enabled young people to access markets, improve their businesses, and participate in community decision-making processes. The program's impact is evident in the testimonials from the youth beneficiaries, who report that the training and support have given them the confidence to tap into market opportunities and grow their businesses. The program's achievements also demonstrate its commitment to addressing the needs of young people with disabilities, as evidenced by the partnership with SHIVYAWATA. Overall, the Feed the Future Tanzania Advancing Youth program is making significant progress in empowering young people in Tanzania to improve their livelihoods and contribute to the country's economic development. The program's focus on financial support, entrepreneurship training, and leadership development has enabled young people to access markets, improve their businesses, and participate in community decision-making processes.