VETA peace programme empowers youth for self-employment

KIGOMA: SIXTY young Tanzanians have pledged to use newly acquired vocational and entrepreneurship skills to create jobs, promote peace and contribute to national development after completing specialised training under the Dumisha Amani Project.

The graduates underwent a two-week intensive programme at the Vocational Education and Training Authority (VETA) Kigoma Centre, combining technical skills with entrepreneurship, life skills and peace-building to prepare them for self-employment and leadership in their communities.

The project, funded by the United Nations Peace and Development Fund (UNPDF), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Global Peace Foundation (GPF) and China Petroleum Pipeline (CPP), seeks to empower 240 young people from Kigoma, Lindi, Mtwara, Ruvuma and neighbouring regions as ambassadors of peace and economic development.

The beneficiaries were selected from among VETA graduates who completed long- and short-term training over the past two to three years.

Closing the two-week training programme on Saturday , Kigoma District Commissioner Dr Rashid Chuachua said the government continues to invest heavily in vocational education as part of efforts to tackle youth unemployment and strengthen social stability.

He said reforms in the education system, including integration of vocational skills into primary and secondary education, are designed to equip young people with practical competencies that enable them to become self-reliant.

“Today’s youth need opportunities to acquire skills that enable them to earn a living, support their families and become productive members of society. A skilled and economically empowered youth population is also essential for sustaining peace,” Dr Chuachua said.

He urged the graduates to take advantage of government loan schemes available to youth, women and people with disabilities to establish businesses and create employment.

The District Commissioner commended UNDP, GPF and CPP for supporting the programme, describing it as an important investment in Tanzania’s future.

UNDP Project Officer Josephine Sepeku said the programme extends beyond classroom training by connecting graduates with employment opportunities through private-sector partnerships.

She announced that UNDP will establish Youth Centres at participating VETA colleges to provide equipment and facilities that will help graduates expand their businesses and continue developing their skills.

Each centre will receive support worth approximately 42,000 US dollars, with equipment tailored to local economic needs.

“This project does not end with today’s graduation. We want these young people to continue growing through the Youth Centres and become successful entrepreneurs and role models in their communities,” she said.

VETA Kigoma Centre Principal Eng Paulo Kimenya said the Dumisha Amani Project is designed to strengthen peace, resilience and economic development by equipping young people and women with vocational skills while encouraging them to engage in productive economic activities instead of conflict.

He said the training provides participants with a solid foundation for self-employment and entrepreneurship, enabling them to improve their livelihoods while contributing to national development.

“The skills you have acquired are valuable capital. Use them to establish income-generating activities, continue learning and work together through entrepreneurship groups so that the objectives of this project are fully realised,” Eng Kimenya said.

He added that the project’s broader objective is to economically empower youth through vocational training, promote entrepreneurship, strengthen peace-building and conflict resolution, and enhance social cohesion in communities.

Eng Kimenya also thanked UNDP, GPF Tanzania, CPP and the Government through VETA for supporting the initiative, saying their partnership had enabled young people to acquire skills that prepare them to participate meaningfully in economic development while promoting peaceful and resilient communities.

Senior Curriculum Development Officer at VETA headquarters, Alphoncina Mshana, said the combination of vocational training, entrepreneurship and life skills would enable graduates to secure employment, establish businesses and contribute to Tanzania’s industrialisation agenda.

She emphasised that economic empowerment plays a vital role in preserving peace by giving young people productive opportunities.

Presenting a statement on behalf of the graduates, Amina Issa pledged to use the knowledge responsibly to create jobs, promote peace and contribute to national development.

She said the training had enabled participants to identify economic opportunities, establish income-generating ventures, work collectively through entrepreneurship groups and promote peace and social cohesion.

“We recognise that the skills we have acquired are a valuable asset. We pledge to use them with integrity, innovation and hard work to create self-employment, employ others where possible and contribute to national development,” she said.

The participants received practical training in domestic electrical installation, plumbing, cookery, fashion and garment technology, alongside entrepreneurship, life skills and conflict-resolution training aimed at preparing them for sustainable livelihoods.