Who we are
YITA
In Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, UpToYouToo works with Youth Initiatives Tanzania (YITA).
Youth Initiatives Tanzania (YITA) supports youth groups between the age of 15-35 in the disadvantaged areas of Dar es Salaam. YITA provides these self-help groups with training in all aspects of entrepreneurship.
History
Because of the success of YIKE in Nairobi, UpToYouToo felt youth in other cities could benefit from this 3-year capacity buildings program as well. Therefore, in 2008 UpToYouToo conducted field research in Dar es Salaam. It was found that the youth in this city face similar problems to the youth in the slums of Nairobi. Youth engage in groups to generate an income, but face difficulties like unemployment, lack of education, lack of capital and lack of access to the (in)formal market.
Method
YITA started a pilot in 2009. Eight youth groups are currently being trained in different aspects of entrepreneurship every three months. Between the trainings the development of the groups will be evaluated. There shall be a follow-up in which groups get advice and can discuss problems. Advanced groups will be role models for the groups that are new in the program.
Community Events:
YITA organizes social activities, such as exhibitions and community events, where the youth groups can present themselves. Youth show in what activities they are involved and show life in the community from youths’ perspective. The purpose of these activities is to bring youth and the elder in the community together. By doing so, they can collectively address their problems and issues at the community level. It will make the community aware of what their youth is doing. People see how important their initiatives are for development in the community and will realize that youth are not so idle as they seem to be. It will thus open up opportunities for youth-adult partnerships in different activities geared towards development. This opposes to the current experience where young people are seen as inexperienced trouble makers in society.
Youth Information Center:
The goal of the Youth Information Centre is to create access to high quality information for youths from the marginalized areas. Internet access, educational games and repackaged content are available. The centre is situated in a central area surrounded by Kinondoni’s marginalized areas, close to the target group. Courses will be given and information officers will be present to answer questions the youth might have. The centre also houses a library with information about entrepreneurship and issues youth have to deal with in their community such as HIV/ AIDS, drug abuse and the position and role of women in the society