While the economy in Tanzania, as in many other Africa countries, is dominated by the informal sector, many youths are not well equipped with skills to contribute and earn their living. Formal education provides academic knowledge.  

When someone ejects from the formal education pipeline, as Agnes Fundisha did in 2021 after lower secondary education, their chances are limited in the labour market. 

She joined a family member who was making soap and home detergents and started learning about the trade. But she always thought she wanted to do more in the same line or something different. 

Her expectations met an open door when she heard an announcement of courses in plumbing and other skilled trades at Vocational Education Training Authority (VETA) Mwanza. 

Under TeamEurope funded Inclu-cities project, Enabel Tanzania partnered with VETA to offer job readiness skills trainings in phone repair, gas welding, motorcycle repair, electrical installation and plumbing. Agnes chose plumbing. 

“We participated in classroom and workshop sessions for three months at VETA Mwanza campus. I had my doubts about the course I chose but as days passed came to affirm by resolve and choice,” The skilling program under INCLU-CITIES emphasizes practical training of learners with private and public institutions and master crafts to equip them with technical and non-technical skills that make them ready for jobs. 

Agness says the practical training attachment with the Mwanza City Water and Sewerage Authority— a parastatal organization— helped to equip her with technical skills and confidence. 

“Things we learned in the college workshop have been repeated and we practiced them. I also learned new things during practical training,” she said. 

More importantly, Agnes says that the practical training erased any doubt she had about whether she could get employment in plumbing. ends 

•