IPOSA training equips out-of-school youth with self-employment skills

DODOMA: THE government, in collaboration with UNICEF, has launched a 13-day training programme aimed at equipping out-of-school youth with financial literacy, entrepreneurship and vocational skills to enhance self-employment and economic independence.

The training, conducted under the Integrated Programme for Out-of-School Adolescents (IPOSA), was officially opened recently by the Assistant Regional Administrative Secretary in Industry, Trade and Investment unit in Tabora Region, Mr Jordan Salamba, at Tabora Girls Secondary School.

Speaking on behalf of the Regional Administrative Secretary, Mr Salamba said the programme offers youth outside the formal education system an opportunity to acquire knowledge and practical skills that can transform their lives and enable them to contribute effectively to community development.

“This initiative focuses on building life skills, vocational and production capabilities, as well as entrepreneurship,” he said.

Mr Salamba said the training is part of preparations to establish Economic Empowerment Clubs in IPOSA centres in Kaliua and Sikonge district councils.

ALSO READ: Tanzanian expert calls on students to use economics to create self-employment

“Through the clubs, youth especially adolescent girls will be trained in budgeting, saving, managing income and expenditure and the productive use of loans,” Mr Salamba urged participants to take full advantage of the training by identifying business opportunities in their localities, developing simple business plans, calculating costs and profits and learning how to overcome business challenges.

He also called on facilitators to ensure effective management of the clubs, provide mentorship to the youth and link them with government programmes, financial institutions, the private sector and other stakeholders offering economic empowerment support.