TANZANIA: IN Tanzania, thousands of children and young people face the daily struggle of surviving on the streets.
Many have fled homes marked by poverty, neglect, or abuse, arriving in urban centres like Mwanza and Dar es Salaam with hopes of a better life.
Unfortunately, the reality they encounter is often far harsher, filled with violence, exploitation and neglect. Without access to basic healthcare, education, or social services, these children are left vulnerable, forced to navigate a world where they are unprotected and at risk.
This crisis calls for more than just compassion; it demands structured and sustainable support. Recently, Citi Foundation announced the selection of 50 community organisations worldwide, each set to receive USD 500,000 (1.36 bn/-) in catalytic funding as part of the 2024 Global Innovation Challenge.
This year’s challenge sought solutions that address homelessness, with a particular focus on providing sustainable and scalable responses.
In Tanzania, Railway Children Africa has been named one of the 50 grantees. The project aims to support 480 street-connected youth in Dar es Salaam and Mwanza, offering safe housing and opportunities to develop sustainable incomes.
Using a peer support model, the initiative will provide vocational and entrepreneurship training, empowering young people to achieve self-sufficiency.
At a recent handover event, Citi Foundation President and Head of Citi Community Investing & Development, Ms Brandee McHale, expressed her enthusiasm about the impact of these grants.
She noted that since the inaugural Global Innovation Challenge launched in early 2023, it has become evident that community-based solutions can create lasting change on the ground.
“We call this grant support ‘catalytic’ because of the multiplier effect it can have on low-income communities,” Ms McHale said.
“Each organisation will not only help people in crisis today but also create models that can be replicated in other communities worldwide.”
For over 14 years, Railway Children Africa has been working tirelessly to improve the lives of streetconnected children in Tanzania.
The organisation has developed effective strategies to address both immediate needs and long-term challenges.
Through its four-pillar approach, protecting vulnerable children, empowering communities, strengthening child protection systems and advocating for policy change, the organisation has brought about meaningful improvements in the lives of many children.
Mr Musa Mgata, Executive Director of Railway Children Africa, emphasised the profound impact of their work with street youth, noting that their interventions have gone beyond immediate support to help break the cycle of homelessness.
“We are excited to be part of the 2024 Global Innovation Challenge,” said Mr Mgata.
“The funding from Citi Foundation will help us create an enabling environment for sustainable change in the lives of homeless youth and those at risk on the streets. This grant will allow us to help 480 young people increase their resilience and self-sufficiency.”
He explained that their work includes providing safe spaces for street-connected youth and offering vocational and entrepreneurship training to empower them for a brighter future.
The organisation also works in collaboration with civil society, the government, the transport sector and the wider public to protect these vulnerable members of society.
“We truly appreciate the contribution of 1.36 bn/-, which will provide young people with access to safe accommodation, build their resilience and help them acquire the skills they need to become self-reliant,” Mr Mgata added.
Housing insecurity is a global issue, with the United Nations estimating that 1.8 billion people worldwide lack adequate housing.
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This philanthropic investment further underscores Citi and the Citi Foundation’s commitment to catalysing economic opportunity globally.
Citi has been the largest affordable housing lender in the US for 14 consecutive years and has supported housing development in both developed and emerging markets as part of its 1 US dollar trillion Sustainable Finance Goal.
Homelessness is a complex issue and Citi Foundation has been inspired by the innovative solutions proposed by applicants, which address the diverse needs of communities worldwide. Programmes funded by these grants will be implemented over the next two years.
Grantees will also have access to a learning community facilitated by IDEO.org, a nonprofit organisation focused on designing products and services in the social impact sector.
Through this community, grantees will be able to build deeper connections, share lessons learned and exchange best practices.
Railway Children Africa’s ‘Youth Association’ model will engage streetconnected youth through weekly meetings, providing information and skills designed to create positive behaviour changes.
The programme will also train participants in leadership, entrepreneurship and vocational skills, enabling them to earn a living and break free from the cycle of homelessness.
