Mwanza — THE future of every nation depends on the character, values and abilities of its young people.
Honesty, discipline, responsibility, accountability and respect are more than personal virtues; they form the foundation of peaceful communities, economic growth and sustainable national development.
Young people raised with strong values are better equipped to make informed decisions, overcome challenges and contribute positively to their families, communities and the nation.
Follow us on WhatsApp | LinkedIn for the latest headlines
Strong moral guidance prepares young men and women to become responsible citizens capable of driving progress in agriculture, business, technology, entrepreneurship and other productive sectors.
Without such values, they become more vulnerable to drug abuse, crime, corruption, genderbased violence and other social challenges that undermine development.
Recognising the importance of investing in young people, several organisations across Tanzania complement government efforts by providing mentorship, life skills and educational opportunities.
Among them is the Hope for Youth Development Organisation (HYDO), a registered youth-led and youth-serving organisation dedicated to improving the lives of children, adolescent girls, young women and young men.
Through community-based programmes and strategic partnerships, HYDO promotes social, educational, health and economic empowerment while encouraging young people to participate actively in community development.
According to HYDO Director Anitha Dotto, the organisation was founded on the belief that lasting social change requires the active participation of every member of society.
While HYDO focuses on empowering girls and young women, it also recognises the important role boys and men play in promoting gender equality, positive masculinity and social transformation.
"Our mission is to empower children, youth and women by equipping them with innovative skills, knowledge and opportunities that enable them to become self-reliant and active members of their communities," she said.
HYDO works with young people aged 15 to 24, both in and out of school. To maximise its impact, it collaborates with parents, caregivers, healthcare providers, local government authorities, the Police Gender and Children's Desk, civil society organisations and the media.
These partnerships help address key issues affecting young people, including gender-based violence, sexual and reproductive health and rights, inclusive education and economic empowerment.
Ms Dotto said one of the organisation's priorities is providing adolescents with accurate information and safe spaces where they can freely discuss issues affecting their lives.
"Through education and mentorship, HYDO equips young people with the confidence and knowledge needed to make informed decisions about their health, relationships and future aspirations," she said.
Among HYDO's flagship initiatives is the My Voice, My Power programme, implemented in primary and secondary schools in Nyamagana and Ilemela districts in Mwanza Region.
The programme has established Hope Clubs, where girls and boys discuss issues affecting young people while developing leadership, communication and life skills. The clubs also promote gender equality, peer support and responsible decision-making.
The initiative currently operates in four secondary schools and one primary school, reaching 100 students, including 40 girls and 60 boys.
Through mentorship sessions, discussions and awareness campaigns, participants are encouraged to become agents of positive change in their schools and communities.
HYDO also implements the YouLead Programme, which initially focused on empowering outof-school girls through the Binti Kiranja Project.
The programme provides knowledge on genderbased violence, sexual and reproductive health and rights, leadership and life skills to help young women build confidence and overcome social and economic challenges.
Recognising that lasting social transformation requires the involvement of boys and young men, HYDO later introduced the Vijana Amplifier component, targeting male youth, particularly students in higher learning institutions.
The programme promotes positive masculinity, responsible behaviour and gender equality.
According to Ms Dotto, involving young men in discussions on gender issues has contributed significantly to changing attitudes and behaviours.
Through training sessions and community dialogues, the programme has reached 1,197 young people, including 997 girls and 200 boys.
Another major initiative is the Big Sisters Project, which mentors girls and young women to reduce vulnerability to early marriage and unintended pregnancies.
The project combines mentorship, education and life-skills training to strengthen confidence, support informed decision-making and connect participants with positive role models.
To date, the project has reached 1,578 young people, including 989 girls and 589 boys. HYDO also runs the Bingwa Plus Project, a youth-led initiative that challenges harmful social norms while promoting positive values.
Initially designed for out-of-school girls, it was later expanded to include boys, recognising their role in preventing early marriages, teenage pregnancies and gender-based violence.
Through workshops, awareness campaigns and community dialogues, the programme has reached 1,117 young people.
Overall, HYDO's youth empowerment initiatives have benefited 3,992 young people, including 2,795 girls and young women and 1,197 boys and young men.
Ms Dotto said the organisation's Hope Clubs have created safe spaces where young people build leadership skills, support one another and develop confidence. HYDO has also strengthened partnerships with local and international institutions.
One notable collaboration is with Novia University in Finland, whose students undertake practical field placements with the organisation.
The partnership promotes knowledge exchange while exposing students to community development initiatives in Tanzania.
Despite these achievements, Ms Dotto acknowledged that many young people still face poverty, unemployment, limited educational opportunities and harmful cultural practices.
Addressing these challenges, she said, requires sustained commitment from government, development partners, civil society, communities and families.
Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters
Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox
"Our vision is to build communities where children, youth and women have equal opportunities to learn, lead, thrive and contribute to sustainable development. We envision a future free from violence, discrimination and harmful practices, where every young person can realise their full potential," she said.
Beneficiaries say HYDO's programmes have transformed their lives.
Nineteen-year-old Dotto Gerald from Sangabuye Ward, a participant in the Big Sisters Girls Mentorship Project, said the programme gave her confidence to speak out against violence.
She recalled witnessing her stepmother pour hot water on her brother during childhood but remaining silent out of fear. Her brother later died.
"That incident left me with deep pain and regret. Through the Big Sisters Project, I have gained confidence and decided never to remain silent when someone is subjected to violence," she said.
Another beneficiary, Moses Matembo, said the training changed his understanding of consent, respect and healthy relationships.
"I changed my attitude. Today, I understand that a girl can come to my room for conversation, advice or friendship, and that does not necessarily mean the situation has to involve sex," he said.
His testimony reflects HYDO's efforts to promote positive masculinity and respectful relationships based on consent and equality.
As Tanzania pursues social and economic transformation, organisations such as HYDO demonstrate that investing in young people is an investment in the nation's future.
By providing mentorship, education and opportunities, they are nurturing responsible citizens, strengthening communities and laying the foundation for a more inclusive, peaceful and prosperous Tanzania.
