THE US government, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has launched a two-year 1.2 million US dollars (2.8bn/-) activity aimed to support positive youth engagement and strengthen their participation in local governance processes in Mtwara region.
A statement availed to the media yesterday by the US Embassy in Dar es Salaam said that in the next few years, the Tanzania’s population will grow by 10 million people.
It said the average Tanzanian is 17.5 years old, and 44 percent of the population is under the age of 15. According to the statement in Mtwara region alone, approximately a third of the population is youth.
Like youth around the globe, Mtwara’s youth face broad challenges, including access to education and employment, as well as the desire to become more active in their communities, reads part of the statement.
Speaking at the event yesterday, USAID Democracy Rights and Governance Office Director, Bret Saalwaechter remarked, “It is crucial to have youth represented, participate in, and lead their communities. This is a collaborative effort, and I have no doubt that Tanzania’s youth are ready and capable to take on new and higher levels of leadership in service to the country.”
Implemented by the International Rescue Committee, in collaboration with the Mtwara Society Against Poverty, and Door of Hope to Women and Youth Tanzania, the Youth-First! activity identifies and empowers young change makers who facilitate dialogues, mobilize their peers, lead awareness raising and empowerment activities in their communities, and serve as a link with local government, traditional and faith leaders.
Youth led organizations will also be empowered to strengthen youths’ voices in local governance.
