In communities where unemployment is high and opportunities are scarce, youth groups are proving to be powerful engines of change—bringing unity, purpose, and a better future for young people and their families.
Felister Mathias, a 26-year-old from Masemele Street in Shibula Ward, Ilemela District, once faced a future clouded by uncertainty. Despite completing her secondary education, she had no formal job and spent her days doing house chores and odd tasks. With no income to support herself or her family, she often considered becoming a housemaid or marrying early, like many girls in her community.
But Felister’s story took a turn when a friend introduced her to the VIJANA NGUVU KAZI GROUP, a youth initiative supported by TAHEA Mwanza. Encouraged to join in 2017, Felister began attending capacity-building sessions that opened her eyes to new possibilities. She discovered a passion for tailoring and used her group savings to launch a small tailoring shop in November 2018.
Her business quickly gained traction thanks to her unique designs and community support. “I bought another sewing machine which I now use to train other girls in the community,” she shared proudly. For just 15,000 TZS per month, young women receive hands-on training—turning Felister’s shop into a hub of empowerment.
Felister credits TAHEA Mwanza for igniting her journey. “The money I earn helps me support my family. I pay for my younger brother’s secondary school and my sisters’ primary school needs,” she said. “Being in the youth group has given me confidence, entrepreneurial skills, and leadership abilities that guide me in my business.”
TAHEA Mwanza acknowledges the challenges of working with youth but celebrates success stories like Felister’s. Her transformation from idle to impactful is a testament to the power of youth groups in fostering sustainable development and inspiring others to rise.
From Idle to Impact: How Youth Groups Sparked Felister’s Transformation
In communities where unemployment is high and opportunities are scarce, youth groups are proving to be powerful engines of change—bringing unity, purpose, and a better future for young people and their families.
Felister Mathias, a 26-year-old from Masemele Street in Shibula Ward, Ilemela District, once faced a future clouded by uncertainty. Despite completing her secondary education, she had no formal job and spent her days doing house chores and odd tasks. With no income to support herself or her family, she often considered becoming a housemaid or marrying early, like many girls in her community.
But Felister’s story took a turn when a friend introduced her to the VIJANA NGUVU KAZI GROUP, a youth initiative supported by TAHEA Mwanza. Encouraged to join in 2017, Felister began attending capacity-building sessions that opened her eyes to new possibilities. She discovered a passion for tailoring and used her group savings to launch a small tailoring shop in November 2018.
Her business quickly gained traction thanks to her unique designs and community support. “I bought another sewing machine which I now use to train other girls in the community,” she shared proudly. For just 15,000 TZS per month, young women receive hands-on training—turning Felister’s shop into a hub of empowerment.
Felister credits TAHEA Mwanza for igniting her journey. “The money I earn helps me support my family. I pay for my younger brother’s secondary school and my sisters’ primary school needs,” she said. “Being in the youth group has given me confidence, entrepreneurial skills, and leadership abilities that guide me in my business.”
TAHEA Mwanza acknowledges the challenges of working with youth but celebrates success stories like Felister’s. Her transformation from idle to impactful is a testament to the power of youth groups in fostering sustainable development and inspiring others to rise.
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TAHEA Mwanza