Investing in Tanzania’s Youth: SBL & NCT to Shape Sustainable Tourism Industry

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DAR ES SALAAM: FOR many young Tanzanians, winding a career in the hospitality industry feels like a far-off dream from achievement yet the tourism and hospitality industry remains the most robust and fastest-growing sector in the country.

Serengeti Breweries Limited (SBL) in partnership with the National College of Tourism (NCT), has stepped forward to bridge this gap offering a solution through their Learning for Life programme. An initiative that offers practical training sessions, giving youth the chance to turn their passion for hospitality into dreams come true.

Commercial Director of Serengeti Breweries Limited Mr. Christopher Gitau, speaking during the launch of the second phase of the “Learning for Life” program in collaboration with the National College of Tourism in Arusha. The program aims to benefit over 150 young people in the city while engaging key stakeholders from the country’s tourism sector.

After a successful initiation in Dar es salaam last year, where over 100 young people successfully completed the training bugging job opportunities with top notch Tourism employers. The programme has now expanded its wings to Arusha, the hub of tourism in Tanzania. This second phase is much bigger and broader, enrolling to a tune of150 students.

Training is hands on and well detailed, from Classroom sessions to internship opportunities in leading Hospitality and Tourism outlets. The Diageo Bar Academy is generous enough to offer modules on Mixology, customer service, and bar operations. Beyond technical skills, students also learn communication, leadership and personal branding – tools enough to render them market ready for employment.

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As NCT Principal, Dr. Florian Mtey, said “This training goes beyond the classroom, giving students real life exposure and the confidence to meet employer expectations”

Principal of the National College of Tourism Dr. Florian Mtey, speaking during the launch of the second phase of the “Learning for Life” program in collaboration with Serengeti Breweries Limited in Arusha. The program aims to benefit more than 150 young people in the city.

SBL’s Commercial Director, Mr. Christopher Gitau, also echoed the same sentiments saying “Employers who hired students from the first batch have been impressed by the end product, no complaints, only success stories and we expect the same in Arusha”

The programme also gives priority to Women and the less privileged youth putting a focus on inclusivity. Many of the already graduated students from cohort one have landed permanent jobs in hotels, lodges and tour companies while others chose to venture in entrepreneurship and self employment.

Backed strongly by the government as a good example of public- private patnership, Learnig for life isn’t just a partnership between SBL and NCT but an economical catalyst opening doors, creating jobs opportunities and giving hope for the future for Tazania’s youth.