Our Programs
Our Activities at glance
At Youth Empowerment Africa (YEA), we focus on empowering the youth of Tanzania and Africa by addressing key areas critical to their development. Each of our programs is carefully crafted to solve pressing challenges, align with national and global frameworks, and create sustainable impact. Explore our five transformative programs below.
Economic Empowerment
Economic independence is vital for youth to thrive and drive community development. Through this program, we provide entrepreneurship training, financial literacy workshops, and access to resources that empower youth to create, manage, and sustain successful ventures. By fostering partnerships with local businesses and microfinance institutions, we bridge the gap between opportunities and young entrepreneurs.
Digital Literacy and Innovation
In an increasingly digital world, having the right skills can open doors to countless opportunities. This program focuses on equipping youth with essential digital competencies, from basic productivity tools to advanced tech-driven solutions. We also encourage innovation by organizing hackathons and providing access to resources for digital entrepreneurship, ensuring young people are prepared to navigate and shape the future.
Mental Health and Well-Being
Mental health is a cornerstone of overall well-being, yet it remains a neglected area for many young people. Our program aims to destigmatize mental health issues, raise awareness, and provide accessible support through peer-led networks, community discussions, and partnerships with mental health professionals. We focus on building resilience and fostering environments where youth feel supported and valued.
Gender Equality and Inclusion
Gender equality is not just a goal—it is a foundation for sustainable development. Our program empowers young women and marginalized groups through mentorship, advocacy, and inclusive community projects. By addressing gender-based challenges and promoting policies that foster equality, we strive to create an inclusive society where everyone has an equal chance to thrive.
Environmental Conservation and Sustainability
The fight against climate change and environmental degradation begins with local action. This program engages youth in sustainable practices, including waste management, tree planting, and community clean-ups. We also provide training on green innovation and income-generating opportunities like carbon credit initiatives, ensuring that young people lead the way in creating a more sustainable future.
Strategic Alignment of YEA with National and Global Development Frameworks
Tanzania FYDP-III (Third Five-Year Development Plan)
YEA’s initiatives contribute to Tanzania’s goals under FYDP-III by focusing on:
Industrialization and Enterprise Development
Through our economic empowerment program, we support youth in developing entrepreneurial skills, launching small businesses, and accessing markets, aligning with the national vision for a skilled workforce driving industrialization.
Digital Transformation
By promoting digital literacy and innovation, we equip youth with the technological skills needed to thrive in a rapidly digitizing economy, addressing FYDP-III's priority for digital transformation.
Social Development
Our mental health and gender equality programs aim to foster cohesive, healthy communities, contributing to the social development goals outlined in FYDP-III.
Sustainable Resource Management
Our environmental conservation initiatives align with Tanzania’s focus on managing natural resources sustainably while engaging youth in reforestation, waste management, and climate action.
National Youth Development Policy (Revised Edition 2024)
YEA’s programs align closely with the objectives of the National Youth Development Policy (2024) by:
Promoting Economic Empowerment
Delivering entrepreneurship training, financial literacy workshops, and support for freelancing opportunities to address youth unemployment and foster financial independence.
Enhancing Digital Literacy
Bridging the digital divide by offering practical digital skills training, hosting innovation hackathons, and partnering with technology providers to expand access to digital tools.
Advancing Mental Health and Well-Being
Conducting awareness campaigns, peer-led support initiatives, and affordable counseling services to address mental health challenges among youth.
Fostering Gender Equality and Inclusion
Empowering young women and marginalized groups through mentorship, advocacy campaigns, and programs that address gender-based barriers.
Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want
This African Union framework envisions a prosperous and people-driven continent, and YEA aligns with several of its aspirations:
Aspiration 1
Aspiration 1 envisions Prosperous Africa Based on Inclusive Growth and Sustainable Development. YEA’s economic empowerment and digital literacy programs provide youth with tools to enhance employability and entrepreneurship, fostering sustainable economic growth.
Aspiration 6
Aspiration 6 shows an Africa Whose Development is People-Driven, Relying on the Potential of its Youth. Our programs are youth-led, emphasizing inclusivity and empowerment to ensure young people drive transformative change.
Aspiration 7
Aspiration 7 envisions for Environmentally Sustainable and Climate-Resilient Economies. Through environmental conservation projects, YEA supports sustainable practices, ensuring that youth are at the forefront of climate resilience and environmental stewardship.
African Youth Charter
As a youth-centered organization, YEA aligns with the African Youth Charter by:
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
YEA directly supports several SDGs through its programs:
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being
By addressing mental health awareness and providing support systems, we enhance the overall well-being of youth in our communities.
SDG 4: Quality Education
By enhancing digital literacy and offering training programs, we promote lifelong learning opportunities for youth.
SDG 5: Gender Equality
Our initiatives to empower young women and combat gender-based challenges foster gender equality and inclusivity.
SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
Through entrepreneurship, freelancing, and skill-building programs, we help youth secure dignified work opportunities.
SDG 13: Climate Action
Our environmental conservation projects engage youth in reforestation, waste management, and climate advocacy, contributing to climate resilience.
United Nations Youth Strategy (Youth 2030)
This strategy emphasizes empowering youth as catalysts for sustainable development. YEA aligns with its core priorities by:
Promoting Youth Economic Opportunities
Providing practical skill-building and mentorship to create pathways to employment and entrepreneurship.
Civic Engagement
Encouraging youth to actively participate in shaping their communities through advocacy and leadership.
Improving Health and Well-Being
Addressing mental health and resilience through peer-led programs and partnerships with local mental health services.
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)
YEA’s environmental conservation initiatives support the goals of the UNFCCC by:
UN Women’s Strategic Plan
Our gender equality program aligns with the goals of UN Women by:
Why This Alignment Matters
By aligning our programs with these frameworks, YEA ensures that our efforts:
- Contribute to Tanzania’s national development goals and vision.
- Amplify Africa’s collective agenda for prosperity and inclusion.
- Address global challenges in ways that empower youth as leaders and changemakers.
