UNDP boosts youth skills, entrepreneurship training
SONGEA: THE United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has invested more than 42,000 US dollars (about 110.9m/- to expand vocational skills and entrepreneurship training for young people in a move aimed at promoting self-employment, job creation and peace-building in Ruvuma Region.
The investment was announced during the graduation of 60 beneficiaries of the Dumisha Amani Project at Songea Vocational Training Centre (VTC).
During the event, VETA Southern Highlands Zone Director, Ms Suzan Magani urged the youth to use the practical skills acquired to establish businesses, create employment opportunities for others and contribute to national development.
She urged the graduates to use the practical skills acquired to establish businesses, create employment opportunities for other young people and contribute to national development.
“Today we celebrate the graduation of 60 young people in vocational fields that are critical to the country’s development.
These skills will enable them to secure employment, establish businesses and employ others,” she said.
Ms Magani also called on the graduates to become ambassadors of peace, patriotism and unity, noting that sustainable development depends on peaceful communities.
“There can be no meaningful development without peace. Use your education with integrity and accountability while promoting unity and hard work,” she urged. She further encouraged the graduates to continue improving their skills to remain competitive in a rapidly changing labour market.
UNDP Project Officer Ms Josephine Sepeku announced that the agency would invest more than 42,000 US dollars to establish and equip a youth centre that will provide vocational, entrepreneurship and innovation training.
She said the facility would expand employment opportunities and empower young people to become agents of peace and development.
“We recognise that many young Tanzanians face challenges in accessing employment. This programme equips them with practical skills to establish businesses and create opportunities for others,” she said.
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Songea VTC Principal Ms Rahabu Mwakatundu said the project had equipped participants with technical, entrepreneurial and life skills, alongside ethical values, patriotism and conflict-resolution techniques.
The graduates completed training in Electrical Installation, Motor Vehicle Mechanics, Auto Electrical, Fashion Design and Garment Technology and Plumbing.
Speaking on behalf of the graduates, Mr Godlove Komba pledged to use the acquired skills to promote peace, establish businesses and create jobs for fellow youth.
The Dumisha Amani Project is implemented by UNDP in partnership with the Global Peace Foundation Tanzania, China Petroleum Pipeline (CPP) and VETA, with support from the United Nations Peace and Development Fund. It targets 240 young people from Kigoma, Lindi, Mtwara and Ruvuma regions with vocational, entrepreneurship and life skills to promote self-reliance, employment and peace-building.
