Background
The Maasai community in rural Arusha, Tanzania, primarily depends on raising livestock for their income. However, their traditional way of life is under threat due to climate change, which affects their livestock, and land problems that limit their farming options. Many Maasai children can’t attend school because they need to help their families. Poor access to banking services and bad roads make it difficult for them to sell their products at fair prices.
Project Overview
Ndoto In Action (NIA), in collaboration with Rural Inclusion and Made with Hope, has initiated a project aimed at addressing these economic challenges by focusing on entrepreneurship. The project seeks to transform the economic landscape for young people in the Nduruma ward by equipping them with the skills, knowledge, and resources needed to establish and sustain small enterprises.
In launching the youth entrepreneurship project, we held an inception meeting at Nduruma and Olmedeye Secondary School. This meeting brought together teachers, village leaders, and parent representatives, where we discussed the project’s objectives and significance. The primary aim is to assist students finishing secondary education in starting small businesses that will empower them and prepare them for future livelihoods.
Beyond supporting these students, the project will also engage young people throughout the community, offering them resources and mentorship to develop their own entrepreneurial skills. Each participant shared insights and experiences, establishing a strong foundation for collaboration among the school, community, and parents to ensure the success of this vital initiative. The meeting demonstrated the community’s enthusiasm and commitment to promoting youth development and enhancing entrepreneurship in our area, paving the way for a brighter future for all young people involved.
The Inception meeting with teachers, community representatives and community leaders
Implementation Strategy
- Training Program: NIA will deliver a comprehensive entrepreneurship curriculum developed by Rural Inclusion. The program will cover essential topics such as organic farming, animal keeping, and micro-enterprise management through workshops and practical sessions.
- Knowledge Spread: Participants from the initial training will mentor and train an additional 30 young people, ensuring wider dissemination of skills and knowledge.
- Youth Enterprise Groups (YEGs): Establish YEGs to provide ongoing support, improve access to capital, and facilitate collective resource management and market access.
- Network and Financial Support: Develop partnerships with local financial institutions and support the creation of Village Community Banks (VICOBA) to enhance financial inclusion and business sustainability.
Objectives:
- Training: To provide comprehensive entrepreneurship training to up to 50 young people aged 18-35 in the Nduruma ward.
- Knowledge Transfer: To ensure that trained individuals cascade their knowledge to an additional 30 young people, focusing on organic farming, animal keeping, and micro-enterprises.
- Enterprise Development: To support the creation of Youth Enterprise Groups (YEGs) that will enhance access to capital, resources, and markets.
- Sustainability: To build strong networks and support systems, including Village Community Banks (VICOBA), for long-term enterprise sustainability.
Expected Outcomes
- Economic Empowerment: By June 2025, up to 50 young people will have acquired entrepreneurial skills, leading to the establishment of sustainable enterprises that will contribute to economic stability in the community.
- Knowledge Dissemination: The knowledge transfer model will extend the impact of the training, with an additional 30 young people benefiting from the skills and insights shared by their peers.
- Increased Financial Inclusion: The creation of YEGs and VICOBA will improve access to financial resources and market opportunities, addressing the community’s financial exclusion.
- Sustainable Development: Strengthened infrastructure, better market information, and enhanced business acumen will foster long-term economic growth and stability in the Maasai community.
Quotations;
Launching this project is more than a program; it’s a movement towards empowering our youth to take charge of their futures. By fostering entrepreneurship, we are not only enhancing individual lives but also strengthening our community as a whole. Together, we can unlock the potential of our young innovators. _ Hussein Salim, Director Ndoto In Action
My name is Ernest,Teacher of Nduruma Secondary School: This initiative is a vital step in empowering not just students but all young people in our community. By providing resources and mentorship in entrepreneurship, we are equipping them with essential skills like creativity, problem-solving, and financial literacy. These skills will enable them to thrive in any career path they choose and become confident contributors to our economy. The ability to innovate and start their own businesses opens up a world of opportunities, fostering independence and resilience among our youth.
This program serves as a strong driver for transformation in our community, benefiting all young individuals, not just students. By promoting entrepreneurship, we’re providing our youth with essential skills and a mindset that nurtures independence and ambition. This project will empower them to shape their own futures, motivate their peers, and enhance our local economy.
_ Lukumay the community member of Nduruma ward
Conclusion
The collaboration between Ndoto In Action, Rural Inclusion, and Made with Hope represents a strategic approach to overcoming the economic challenges faced by the Maasai community in rural Arusha. By empowering young people with the skills and resources necessary for entrepreneurship, this project aims to create a lasting impact that addresses both immediate and systemic issues of poverty. Through targeted training, knowledge sharing, and the development of supportive networks, the initiative seeks to transform the economic landscape and improve the livelihoods of the Maasai community.