Over 300 teen mothers empowered in Dodoma

DODOMA: MORE than 300 young mothers who became pregnant at an early age in Dodoma Region have been economically empowered through the Kijana Imara project, receiving start-up kits to support their livelihoods and raise their children.

The project, implemented by Restless Development Tanzania, is funded by United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

 It targets first-time mothers aged between 10 and 24, including those who fell pregnant while still in school, were victims of early marriages or sexual abuse, or lacked access to reproductive health education.

Currently being rolled out in five districts, including Dodoma City, Chamwino, Kongwa, Bahi, and Kondoa DC, the project addresses several thematic areas, including gender and reproductive health education, livelihood and education, climate change, Advocacy and Awareness.

Speaking during the distribution of the start-up kits in Buigiri Ward, Chamwino District, Project Officer Mr Ally Saad said the initiative aims to economically and socially uplift adolescent mothers who are often isolated or stigmatised by their communities and families.

“This group is frequently forgotten and excluded. Through this project, we build their confidence, offer education, and help them restore their dreams,” Mr Saad said.

He noted that the main objective is to reduce the chances of a second pregnancy by ensuring that these young mothers can earn an income and make informed decisions for their families and future.

ALSO READ: AMDT to support over 28,000 young farmers in five regions

“The start-up kits are not loans; they are part of the project’s empowerment strategy. With the support from UNFPA, , we provide training based on the beneficiary’s interest and capacity, and only after that are they equipped with relevant tools,” he explained.

Beneficiaries have been enrolled in training institutions such as VETA and SIDO, specialising in tailoring, beauty and salon services, catering, restaurant operations, and pig farming. In collaboration with CRDB Bank Foundation, the girls also receive financial literacy training.

Mr Saad said the project links the girls with local government authorities to facilitate registration and enable them to join groups that can access the 10 per cent municipal development fund set aside for youth, women, and people with disabilities.

He said follow-ups and mentorship are also conducted to ensure sustainability and proper use of the resources provided.

During the latest distribution, eight girls from Buigiri, Chamwino, Msanga, Mwegamile, and Chinangali wards received equipment including sewing machines, salon kits, modern pigsties, improved breed pigs, aluminium shop doors, and six months of pre-paid shop rent.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, Buigiri Ward Community Development Officer, Ms Veronica Baluwa, urged the girls to treat the opportunity as a turning point in their lives.

“You’ve been given a chance that many others have not. Work hard and ensure that in the next six months, your success begins to show. Be role models for your peers,” she stressed.

Chamwino District Community Development Officer, Ms Nekiweti Gayewi, echoed the sentiment, encouraging the beneficiaries to treat the donated tools as if they were earned through their sweat.

“This is the beginning of a transformation in your life. Value the support you’ve received and use it wisely,” she said.

One of the parents, Mama Nyemo, whose daughter benefited from the initiative, expressed joy and appreciation for the programme.

“I advise my daughter to take her salon work seriously. I believe this opportunity will help her raise her child without being dependent again,” she said proudly.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mariam Dickson from Chamwino Ward expressed gratitude to the implementing organisation.

“We have received tools such as sewing machines, salon kits,modern pig housing equipment , and have also been trained in financial literacy, reproductive health, entrepreneurship, and leadership. We are committed to working hard and breaking free from dependency,” she affirmed.