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Fisheries College (FETA) Mwanza Embarks on Becoming Centre of Excellence with Enabel Support
Mkama MWIJARUBI | 19/05/2025
The Fisheries Education and Training Agency (FETA) Mwanza campus convened representatives from industry, regulators and businesses in the fishing value chain to explore potentials areas of collaboration that will ensure the institution remains relevant, responsive and sustainable. The meeting on 19 May bought together companies and government institutions with interests in the fishing sector in Nyamagana and Ilemela districts learned about possible areas of partnership with FETA Mwanza in the bid to implement the institutions roadmap to becoming the centre of Vocational Excellence in fisheries and aquaculture training. They discussed areas for improvement for FETA Nyegezi to achieve the status of a Smart Centre, contribution that can be made by each stakeholder, labour market needs in the fisheries and fish farming and, methods to ensure that training provided is inclusive and sustainable. With implementation support from Enabel Tanzania through the European Union funded IncluCities Project; FETA is now implementing a road map that will see the institution strengthen its support the fishing, a sector that hinges the economy of Mwanza and neighboring regions. Currently FETA Mwanza produces 100 graduates annually in four courses namely: certificate/Ordinary Diploma in Fisheries Management and Technology, Certificate/Ordinary Diploma in Fisheries Science and Technology, Certificate/Ordinary Diploma in Aquaculture Technology and Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanics. This set to change, as the college listed 12 new courses. More importantly, FETA road map to CoVE, involves strong partnership with private sector, aligning training with industry needs, strengthening practical and technical skills, promoting innovation and sustainability in the blue economy and enhancing regional and international recognition. FETA’s National Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Semvua Mzighani, officiated the meeting, encouraging the private sector participants to seize the partnership opportunities. “You have a unique role to play in this transformation journey. Your participation is crucial, especially in the evaluating our curriculum, providing field attachment opportunities, participating as temporary trainers from industry, providing expert advice, improving or donating training facilities and infrastructure,” said Dr. Mzighani. FETA Mwanza convened the meeting following participation of its leadership in SASA sponsored TVET COVE roadmap training organised by Enabel two weeks ago for leaderships of all TVET colleges that collaborate with Enabel to implement the skill development program in Inclu-cities Project. Fish farmers, trainers, regulators, fishing lab officers, cage markers, factories, fish processors, pooled ideas and observations; then had a tour of FETA to look at physical infrastructures where they can invest in partnership with FETA Mwanza. With funding from the European Union, Enabel Tanzania implement INCLUCITIES project that involves skill and business development in fishing sector.
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Understand the Beekeeping Value Chain in Tanzania
Deogratius KIMENA | 07/05/2025
View the video here https://youtu.be/jnTpJJelj_0
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Tanzania: Team Europe launches joint office in Mwanza, hosted by Enabel
Mkama MWIJARUBI | 11/04/2025
A high-level delegation of Heads of Cooperation from the European Union and its Member States this week visited projects that TeamEurope supports in Mwanza City to strengthen the EU-Tanzania partnership and advance new investments in sustainable urban development. During the visit the delegation teamed with their host, the Mwanza regional administration, to visit a water treatment plant in Butimba and inaugurate the Team Europe Programme Office in Mwanza. The Butimba Water Treatment Plant, a flagship investment under the Lake Victoria Water and Sanitation Project, supplies piped clean water to nearly 500 people in Southern part of Mwanza. The TeamEurope’s visit also marked the official launch of the Team Europe Programme Office in Mwanza, a joint space established under the Green and Smart Cities SASA Programme to enhance coordination and collaboration between implementing partners on the ground. Graced by the Assistant Regional Administrative Officer, responsible for Industry, Investment, and Trade, Mr. Patrick Karangwa, the office launch ceremony gathered heads of cooperation from Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Sweden, and the Netherlands. Mr. Karangwa said the regional administration will ensure continued collaboration for the impactful use of SASA resources and expertise to bring anticipated results. “I’m particularly optimistic that SASA results will be sustainable and replicable to other cities in Tanzania because the program builds on local expertise and resources,” he said. Enabel Tanzania hosts the SASA office in Mwanza and implements TeamEurope’s Inclusive Green and Smart Cities Project (INCLU-CITIES). Besides the water and sanitation project, SASA has supported the improvement of the Mwaloni fish market and the City’s abattoir. “Through the SASA programme, we’re supporting cities to become more inclusive, resilient, and better equipped to meet the needs of their growing populations,” said Marc Stalmans, EU Head of Cooperation. “This partnership is not only about infrastructure—it’s about dignity, access, and opportunity for the people of Tanzania.” Mwanza is one of the fastest-growing cities in Sub-Saharan, Africa. The World Bank estimates that its population will double by 2035. “Mwanza needs climate-resilient urban planning to provide important services to its citizens. Water supply needs to reduce losses, and sanitation needs to reach its customers,” said Tobias Godau, GIZ Programme Manager for Water and Climate Change. He represented GIZ Country Director at the event. The Enabel Country Director, Mr Koenraad Goekint said, “This initiative represents a significant milestone in our collective efforts to foster sustainable urban development. The Green and Smart Cities Project is not just about modernizing infrastructure; it is about creating resilient, inclusive, and environmentally friendly urban spaces that can thrive in the face of future challenges.” The Green and Smart Cities SASA Programme is designed to improve urban living in Mwanza, Tanga, and Pemba, supporting Tanzania’s efforts to address rapid urban growth. With total investment of over TZS 813 billion (EUR 325 million) focuses on expanded urban service delivery, increased local revenue mobilization and economic opportunities for women and youth in underserved communities. In Mwanza, SASA through Enabel focuses on building a sustainable local economy - enhancing food processing, supporting the fishing industry, and promoting a circular economy. These initiatives are designed to create jobs, boost local businesses, and ensure that economic growth is both inclusive and environmentally sustainable. Utilising a common office space facilitates collaboration among organizations that implement SASA Programme, which are GIZ from Germany, Enabel from Belgium, and AFD from France.
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Enabel joins celebrations of 50 years of provision of vocational education in Tanzania
Mkama MWIJARUBI | 11/04/2025
Vocational education is gaining popularity in Tanzania, country where youth, aged 35 and below make 70 percent of the population. In that light, the Vocational Education and Training Authority (VETA) marked a significant milestone in 2025 by celebrating 50 years of vocational education and training (VET) in Tanzania and 30 years since the establishment of VETA as an autonomous agency. The celebrations culminated in a national event from March 18th to 21st, 2025, at the Julius Nyerere International Conference Centre (JNICC) in Dar es Salaam. The event was graced by high-ranking government officials, including Prime Minister Hon. Kassim Majaliwa Majaliwa for the opening ceremony and Deputy Prime minister Dr. Doto Biteko for the closing ceremony. Enabel Tanzania participated in the commemoration activities as one of the main sponsors with the main objective of positioning Enabel as a leading partner in Tanzania’s TVET and skills development sector. Enabel exhibition booth was strategically placed and branded with the key message “supporting Skilling Youth for Decent Jobs” highlighting our work with VETA in our Wezesha Binti and Inclucities programmes. The booth got was visited by various participants, including the Prime Minister, Kassim Majaliwa, who received an explanation of the agency’s mission and impact. The Enabel team was represented by the Country Director, Mr. Koen GOEKINT on the opening day, who delivered a speech to the attendees and was awarded a Certificate of Excellence in contribution to vocational education from the Prime Minister. During the four days at the booth and participation in the presentations, Enabel staff interacted with participants and informed them of its mission and impact on TVET and other projects. Most of these interactions happened at the booth where staff responded to inquiries from media, students, parents and the general public about Enabel programmes and its work on TVET. Enabel TVET experts actively participated in discussions centred on best practices and the future of TVET in Tanzania. On the closing day, the Wezesha Binti Project Manager Ms. Christine Karungi represented the development partners and delivered a speech before the Deputy Prime Minister. Ms Karungi is a chairperson of TVET Working Group that discusses and advises the government on TVET policy. The VETA Director General presented a Certificate of Appreciation to the sponsors—including Enabel— in recognition of their contributions to vocational education development. Different topics were discussed during the 4 days of commemoration including the impact of vocational education on socio-economic development, Future Prospects in Vocational Education, Vocational Education in Secondary Schools, and Industry Partnerships and Collaboration.
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Enhance capacity to conduct Api-tourism in Tanzania
Deogratius KIMENA | 11/03/2025
With the growing awareness and increasing demand for api tourism in Tanzania, Enabel is strengthening the capacity of training institutions both mainland Tanzania (The Beekeeping Training Institute) and Zanzibar (The School of Agriculture under the State University of Zanzibar). This initiative aims to enhance local institutions' ability to support the need of the sector more effectively while leveraging new opportunities in beekeeping, ultimately contributing to the expansion of the country's tourism industry.
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Tanzania: Inclucities promotes co-creation to tackle urbanisation issues
Mkama MWIJARUBI | 04/03/2025
The drive to generate solutions for problems inherent to rapid urbanisation in Mwanza is gaining momentum as Enabel continues the implementation of EU funded Inclusive Green and Smart Cities Project (Inclucities). In the spirit of fostering home-grown solutions, Inclucities project introduced the concept of Living Lab and co-creation to a galaxy of stakeholders in the fishing and waste management value chains. The group will in turn guide a sustained journey to identify relevant difficulties, develop solutions, test them in real life situations, retest, and perfect the solutions for application. Co-creation is a collaborative approach where local governments, residents, businesses, and civil society organizations work together to design and manage urban spaces to meet diverse community needs. “The complexity and interconnectedness of opportunities and challenges in fast-growing cities like Mwanza justify the application of co-creation methods to set of co-created solutions,” said Mr. Kikolo Mwakasungula, Inclucities Project Manager. The workshop provided participants with the necessary tools, methods, and frameworks to effectively collaborate and innovate in urban settings using co-creation methods and interactive approaches. Through the lens of living lab and co creation, participants of the workshop identified problems in the fishing and solid waste management. While urbanisation spikes demand and prices for fishing products, the sector now contends with overfishing, illegal fishing and pollution. Over the past decade dwindling stock has forced six fish processing factories out of business. In the context of living lab, fishermen, business persons, solid waste dealers, municipal officials, local leaders, community groups, academics, non-governmental organizations and civil society examined identified and examined specific problems. Specifically, they picked to work out practical solutions for solid waste pollution on the Lake Victoria and glass bottles in the municipal. Besides working in the workshop, living lab and co creation participants visited live example of living lab at a fishing shore in Kayenze Ndogo, 45 kms from Mwanza central business district. Organised by OSOBO, Dutch based start up, the living lab goal is developing economically viable electric outboard engines to fishers on Lake Victoria to reduce emissions and improve the lives of fishers. Joab Omondi, a coordinator at OSOBO in Mwanza, said that they actively apply living lab frameworks to identify issues as fishers use the battery and the outboard engines. “We have improved four versions of the outboard engine, and migrated from lithium rechargeable batteries to sodium batteries. The weight that packs energy in a battery has been cut by half over five years of developing, using and improvements,” said Omondi. The current model of the outboard engine can work nearly five hours a day for up to seven months without need of maintenance. The sodium battery weighs 48 kg and powers a fishing boat for four hours. “I’m amazed by the battery that cuts fuel emissions, cheaper than petrol and the quietly powers a loaded boat,” said Bakari Kadabi chairperson of the Federation of Fishermen Association of Lake Victoria. After this initial session of living lab and co creation, Inclucities implementing partner, SIDO, a government agency that incubates industrial innovation, will coordinate the Living Lab and Co creation in Mwanza to ensure the identified problems and solutions are followed through. By handling the baton of organising living labs and co creation platform to government institutions, it is expected that Enabel support during the project lifetime will yield convincing results that will incentivise the government to sustain the platform, applying the methods to address different issue. The ultimate goal is contributing to an inclusive local economy in Mwanza. Meanwhile, different media houses developed stories from listening in the sessions of the living lab. Some of stories were published on nation wide TV, Kiswahili newspapers radio, several blogs.
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Wezesha Binti Project Drives Transformative Change in Kigoma Through Community Empowerment
Sharon MARIWA | 11/02/2025
The Wezesha Binti Project, a groundbreaking bilateral initiative led by the Belgium Development Agency (Enabel) in partnership with the Tanzanian Government, has sparked a wave of community-driven action in the Kigoma region. By addressing the systemic barriers faced by young women and youth, the project has ignited a collective effort to promote gender equality, improve access to education, and create sustainable economic opportunities. Through a series of inclusive community dialogues and impactful video screenings across 25 wards in five districts, the initiative has not only raised awareness but also inspired tangible solutions to long-standing challenges. A Platform for Open Dialogue and Collective Action From December 2 to December 17, 2024, the Wezesha Binti team, supported by Jamii-Lab consultants, brought together local leaders, parents, students, educators, and community members to tackle critical issues such as menstrual hygiene management (MHM), violence against women and girls (VAWG), youth unemployment, and sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR). The innovative approach of combining facilitated discussions with thematic video screenings created a safe and inclusive space for participants to confront deeply entrenched societal norms. "The dialogues allowed communities to move beyond simply identifying problems to actively proposing solutions," shared a Jamii-Lab facilitator. "It was inspiring to see people commit to actionable steps that could transform lives." Uncovering Challenges, Proposing Solutions The dialogues highlighted several pressing issues that continue to impede the progress of young women and youth in Kigoma: Menstrual Hygiene Challenges Issue: Many schools lack adequate MHM facilities, forcing girls to miss school during their menstrual cycles. Solutions: Build gender-sensitive toilets, distribute reusable sanitary pads, and integrate menstrual health education into school curricula. Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Issue: Cultural stigma and fear of reprisal prevent survivors from reporting gender-based violence. Solutions: Establish GBV support desks in schools and community centers, train law enforcement to handle cases sensitively, and launch awareness campaigns to challenge harmful norms. Youth Unemployment and Skills Gaps Issue: Limited access to vocational training and mentorship programs restricts economic opportunities, particularly for young women. Solutions: Expand vocational training in emerging sectors like green jobs, create mentorship networks, and provide seed funding for youth-led entrepreneurship initiatives. Long Commutes to Schools Issue: Many students, especially girls, drop out due to the dangers and exhaustion of traveling long distances to school. Solutions: Construct hostels near schools and improve affordable, safe transportation options for students. A Community Ready for Change The dialogues revealed a strong desire among community members to break free from cultural barriers and embrace progress. Local leaders played a pivotal role in mobilizing participants, while young people actively contributed ideas for shaping their futures. However, participants emphasized the need for sustained support and resources to ensure the proposed solutions are implemented effectively. A Call to Action for Sustainable Impact As the Wezesha Binti Project moves into its next phase, stakeholders are calling for continued collaboration between government agencies, NGOs, and local communities. "This initiative has laid a strong foundation, but lasting change requires ongoing investment in education, gender-sensitive policies, and economic empowerment programs," emphasized a regional education officer. The project's next steps will focus on implementing the district-specific action plans, strengthening partnerships with vocational institutions, and securing funding for infrastructural improvements. With the momentum generated by these community dialogues, Wezesha Binti is set to be a catalyst for positive change in Kigoma, fostering a future where young women and youth can thrive in a more equitable and supportive society.
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Breaking barriers, Building Dreams: A policy dialogue to advance gender equality for young women and girls in Kigoma
Sharon MARIWA | 10/02/2025
A passionate call to dismantle systemic barriers facing Tanzania’s women and girls dominated a landmark high level policy dialogue held in Kigoma, bringing together over 50 government, civil society and private leaders united to demand urgent action on education and economic justice. Organized by Enabel’s Wezesha Binti (Empower a Girl) project and titled “Advancing Gender Equality: Accelerating Secondary Education and Improving Economic Opportunities for Young Women and Girls” with one rallying cry of no more broken promises. The participants were moved by an emotional testimony from a 17-year-old young mother who defied stigma to reclaim her education. “I want to be a doctor, but my community says I’m ‘spoiled.’ How can I prove them wrong if even teachers don’t know the re-entry rules? she stated, detailing how unclear re-entry policies and teacher bias nearly denied her a chance to continue with her education. Her story is anchored from a presentation by Dr. Wilberforce Meena of Haki Elimu (Right to Education), a leading NGO on education sector in Tanzania, on a study they conducted on Tanzania’s 2021 re-entry policy, allowing teen mothers back to school. While the law revived hope for many teenage mothers when it was introduced in 2021, Dr. Meena revealed glaring gaps that only 12% of schools in the country fully comply with stigma, untrained staff, and inconsistent implementation locking young mothers out of school. “We need nationwide teacher training, community anti-stigma campaigns, and clear guidelines to prevent arbitrary implementation of the re-entry policy.” On the discussion about economic empowerment, the panelists highlighted economic exclusion of women in high-growth sectors like renewable energy and construction despite Tanzania’s push for “greener jobs” in climate-resilient sectors. Women entrepreneurs flagged persistent challenges citing exclusion from male dominated industries, limited access to financing as banks demand collateral, complex business registration processes and punitive tax regimes that discourage formalization of their businesses. They pushed for faster reforms—simplified business licensing, gender-responsive financing, and tax incentives to formalize women-led enterprises. The government through Vocational Education and Training (VETA) centres is tasked with coming up with strategies to attract young women and girls to join Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programs by revising the curricula to align with job market demands, offering scholarships, childcare support and mentorship led by women. In his closing remarks, Mr. Msafiri Nzunuri, Kigoma’s Regional Community Development Officer and Wezesha Binti regional focal point, pledged collaboration with all stakeholders “We cannot solve these issues in silos. From enforcing anti-GBV laws to supporting women’s markets, this is a collective fight.” He lauded Enabel’s role in fostering dialogue but urged faster action: “Let’s move from talk to tangible change—our girls are watching.” As the teenage mother who stirred the room later said the dialogue was a lifeline: “Today, I feel heard. Maybe now my daughter won’t face the same battles.”
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Collaboration for Change: Enabel's Commitment to Gender Equality in Tanzania
Proscovia GREGORY | 05/12/2024
Ending gender-based violence is a goal we all share, but achieving it requires everyone—governments, organizations, communities, and individuals—to work together. This was the powerful focus of the National Gender Dialogue in Tanzania, part of the global 16 Days of Activism campaign, where voices from across the country discussed creating a safer, more equal society for women and girls. During the event, the Belgian Ambassador to Tanzania delivered a clear and urgent message: 'Is what we do enough? By no means. Can we do it alone? Certainly not.' He explained how Belgium actively supports the fight against gender-based violence through funding, partnerships, and community-driven programs. 'We are committed to keep doing our share, working in partnership with authorities and civil society to prevent and combat violence against women and domestic violence,' he added. These sentiments align closely with our mission in Tanzania, particularly through initiatives like the Wezesha Binti project in Kigoma. This program empowers women and girls by providing education and economic opportunities within gender-equal environments. However, as our Gender and Social Inclusion Expert, Jovitha Mlay, emphasized during the dialogue, addressing gender-based violence is a complex challenge that demands more than individual programs. ‘The 16 Days of Activism Campaign is a vital starting point, but lasting change requires continuous efforts that reach across every sector and institution, ’Jovitha underscored. She highlighted the importance of engaging men in the fight against gender-based violence, citing programs like Baba Salama, Familia Salama, and Baba Bora, which challenge harmful masculinities and nurture healthier family dynamics. However, she stressed that economic empowerment alone cannot drive meaningful change—it must go hand in hand with addressing power imbalances and transforming deeply rooted social norms. 'How do you change that?' she posed, urging reflection and action.Our holistic approach to development tackles systemic issues by fostering collaboration across sectors and actively engaging both men and women in the pursuit of gender equality. This strategy aligns closely with Belgium’s broader development priorities in Tanzania, as emphasized by the Ambassador. 'Prevention of violence remains a critical focus, both here and back home in Belgium,' he remarked, highlighting the interconnectedness of global and local effortsAs the dialogue concluded, one resounding message emerged: meaningful change demands more than words. It requires action, sustained partnerships, and a shared commitment to a future where every woman and girl can live free from violence. For us at Enabel, this commitment is a continuous journey toward equity, dignity, and empowerment for all. Together, we can create the change we want to see.
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Tanzania : Circular economy entrepreneurs provoked to set up bankable businesses
Mkama MWIJARUBI | 22/11/2024
Three hundred entrepreneurs in Mwanza and Tanga, participated in a two-day session geared to stimulate learning, exchange and developing viable business models in management of waste. Bringing together their varied backgrounds and experiences in waste management, the participants were excited to learn and exchange knowledge about solid waste business opportunities ranging from crafting decorations, making furniture and animal feed. Enabel supported the learning as an implementer of the EU funded Inclusive, Green and Smart Cities Programme (SASA). Under SASA programme, Enabel leads INCLU-CITIES project that focuses on sustainable urban development to create resilient, inclusive and environmentally friendly cities that can thrive in the face of future challenges. Developing viable businesses in the circular economy is at the centre of Enabel’s activities under INCLU-CITIES in three urban areas— Mwanza, and Tanga on Tanzania Mainland and Pemba in Zanzibar. The training rooms vibrated with ideas and insights, as trainers probed entrepreneurs to approach waste not only as a resource for petty income but commercial viable businesses. In Tanga, an exhibition of products from waste recycling and reusing preceded indoor sessions while in Mwanza, a street clean up session followed indoor sessions. Tanga produces 230 tons of solid waste every day. The City council collects 60% of these and private waste management entrepreneur’s process up to 40%, “With the collaboration with INCLU-CITIES, we need to increase the capacity of private entrepreneurs to process a higher percentage of the current and future waste as viable businesses,” said Kizito Mkwabi, Tanga City Environment and Sanitation Officer. Enabel support will catalyse circular economy entrepreneurs to up their game through acquisition of technology, capital, networks and markets for products and services. To achieve this multi-pronged objective Enabel collaborates with multiple partners: municipal authorities in Mwanza and Tanga and implementing partners—Rikolto, TRIAS, Westerwelle, Financial Sector Deepening Trust, Vocational Education Training Authority (VETA) and Small Industries Development Organization (SIDO).
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Enabel teams in Uganda and Tanzania embrace action research to enhance education
Proscovia GREGORY | 29/10/2024
From September 24 to 29, Enabel’s teams from Uganda and Tanzania came together at the National Teacher Training College in Kaliro, Uganda, for a specialized training on Action Research in Education. This training, led by Prof. Geert Kelchtermans and Dr. Ann Deketelaere of the Centre for Innovation and the Development of Teacher and School (CIDTS) at KU Leuven, was a significant step in strengthening our approach to innovation in educational practices. By equipping our teams with skills to assess the impact of their initiatives, action research provides a rigorous framework to refine strategies that address regional challenges while contributing to the wider discourse on effective education interventions. As one of our trainers noted, “Action research is a mindset as much as it is a method.” This mindset is essential in educational settings where ongoing reflection and critical questioning are paramount. By continuously evaluating our assumptions and adapting our strategies based on evidence, we create dynamic, responsive approaches that maximize our impact. Action research allows for this flexibility, grounding our practices in data-driven insights while helping us identify the best pathways forward. During the training, participants outlined six key questions that will steer our upcoming action research projects and address priority areas within Enabel’s educational programs: 1. What are the determining factors for the use of mobile digital toolkits in lower secondary schools in the Kigoma region? As we work to enhance digital access and learning, identifying the factors that affect the use of mobile digital toolkits is essential. This question will enable us to analyze how digital tools can most effectively contribute to learning outcomes in lower secondary schools, particularly in the Kigoma region. By better understanding these factors, we can optimize toolkit deployment to foster digital literacy and improve student engagement. 2. Does community outreach influence parents' attitudes towards education?Community involvement plays a pivotal role in shaping attitudes toward education, especially for marginalized groups. Through action research, we aim to measure how outreach initiatives impact parents’ support for their children’s education, particularly for girls, and evaluate their role in promoting sustained school attendance. 3. What is the effect of school-led projects on student access and retention in lower secondary education?School-led projects, such as the Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) initiatives, are critical in addressing barriers to education. These initiatives have already shown a positive effect on girls’ attendance. Through this research, we aim to assess how various school-led efforts influence student retention and contribute to a supportive educational environment. 4. How effective is our CPD delivery in practice?Investing in teachers is central to Enabel’s education initiatives. This research question focuses on evaluating our CPD program's impact on teaching practices and classroom dynamics. By examining the program’s effectiveness, we can refine training to better equip teachers with the skills needed to create inclusive and responsive classrooms. 5. How do “friends of education” contribute to the access and retention of girls, vulnerable boys, and young mothers?Community mentors, known as “friends of education,” play an influential role in supporting girls, vulnerable boys, and young mothers. This question explores how these advocates contribute to students’ educational journeys, helping them overcome obstacles and stay engaged in school. 6. How does our menstrual hygiene management (MHM) model affect attendance and classroom engagement of adolescent girl students?Access to MHM resources has proven to be transformative in keeping adolescent girls in school. By analyzing the model’s impact on attendance and engagement, we aim to refine approaches that empower girls to continue their education confidently and comfortably. The cross-border collaboration among Enabel’s WeLearn/WeTeach (Uganda), Wezesha Binti (Tanzania), and the Digital Innovation for Education scaling project (Uganda/Tanzania/Rwanda) in partnership with KU Leuven’s CIDTS is crucial for advancing these action research initiatives over the next two years. This partnership enhances our professional capacity to make informed, data-driven decisions that improve educational access and quality in East Africa. A key aspect of this initiative is fostering South-South knowledge exchange. Participants from Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda will act as critical friends, supporting each other in refining research approaches, learning from peer experiences, and scaling effective practices regionally. This model of mutual accountability and shared learning strengthens our collective impact, providing a foundation for sustainable, region-specific solutions. The outcomes of this work will guide policy adaptations, support the refinement of educational practices, and contribute to creating environments where all students, especially girls, vulnerable boys, and young mothers, can thrive. Our commitment to rigorous action research and regional collaboration underscores Enabel’s dedication to building inclusive, resilient education systems across East Africa, empowering the next generation of learners to realize their full potential.
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Enabel and Government collaboration to mint digital entrepreneurs in Tanzania
Mkama MWIJARUBI | 28/10/2024
Mrs Nuru Michael, in her late twenties, enjoys her participation in the first cohort of trainees at Mwanza city’s first open digital innovation hub, thanks to Enabel’s collaboration with Ennovate Ventures and the government.“I’m excited to get an opportunity to participate in a guided learning about digital business; I’ll study digital marketing. I’m eager to learn and prove that girls can do what they need with technology. My success will prove to other girls that they can be good in technology as well,” she said. With funding from the European Union, Enabel provided Ennovate Ventures, a business development company, a grant to run a two-year initiative to empower youth’s as competitive entrepreneurs in the digital ecosystems. The upbeat tone reflected on the Senior Mwanza Regional economist Patrick Karangwa, who officially launched the lab on behalf of the Regional Commissioner on 15 October 2024.“We hope that this centre will help facilitating advancement of personal growth for youth and their families. Technology is critical for development. Our youth need technology skills because Tanzania must benefits from integrating in international markets,” said Patrick Karangwa. This is the first open digital innovation lab in Mwanza, giving youth access to internet, online courses that aim to make them tech-savvy to take on challenges of the digital economy. Tanzania’s urban population, currently estimated at 30% of its overall population, is expected to reach 50% around 2040. While the cities in Tanzania offer opportunities for job creation, innovation and inclusion, the promises are tainted with low level of professionalisation of business, limited access to technology, lack of financial literacy among other limitations. “Through Ennovate Ventures, Enabel supports the effort to transform youth into technology savvy entrepreneurs. Youth entrepreneurs, especially girls, face challenges including capital, business ideas, and markets. One of the solutions harness mobile technology for business,” said Thomas Ekaruwa, TVET Advisor with the INCLU-CITIES project. The two-year project, INCLU-CITIES is part of the European Union's bigger programme, dubbed SASA , that intends to create wealth and enhance the quality of life for people – in particular women and youth – of the cities of Mwanza, Tanga and Pemba through improving conservation of the environment and creating decent jobs. It is expected that by the end of the project a particular number of youths, like Nuru, in Mwanza will have valuable skills to the labour market and many more will be capable to venture on their own as business persons.
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In Tanzania, Enabel and partner VETA Mpanda train local tailors in beekeeping suit production
Deogratius KIMENA | 01/06/2024
In an effort to improve access to beekeeping inputs, Enabel and Vocational Education and Training Authority (VETA) Mpanda are facilitated bee suit making training to 15 local tailors from Nsimbo, Mlele, and Tanganyika districts from May 20th to June 1st, 2024. In addition to the technical skills, the trainees benefited with entrepreneurship skills.On picture, you can see skilled tailors wearing beekeeping suits they made after during their training.
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Empowering honey sellers in Tanzania: Ikungi-Singida vendors gain skills in hygiene, packaging, and business
Deogratius KIMENA | 01/06/2024
A roadside honey seller from Ikungi-Singida gears up with practical learning on best hygienic practices, packaging, record-keeping, and business skills.Sessions were facilitated in collaboration with Small Industries Development Organization (SIDO) Singida for roadside honey sellers from Ikungi, Itigi, and Uyui districts from May 30th to June 1st, 2024.
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Enabel celebates 40 years of collaboration with Tanzania
Proscovia GREGORY | 23/05/2024
On May 16, 2024, Enabel's office in Dar es Salaam buzzed with excitement as we celebrated three monumental milestones: 40 years of bilateral cooperation between Tanzania and Belgium, 25 years of Enabel's impactful presence in Tanzania, and the inauguration of the new Representation office in Dar es Salaam. This event marked not only our enduring partnership but also underscored our shared commitment to driving sustainable development and improving livelihoods across the country.The event started with a warm welcome from Enabel’s Country Director, Koenraad Goekint, who highlighted the significance of the occasion and Belgium’s enduring partnership with Tanzania. Following this, His Excellency Peter Huyghebaert, Belgian Ambassador to Tanzania, reaffirmed Belgium's unwavering commitment to supporting Tanzania's development priorities, emphasizing that Belgium’s cooperation programs aim to address socio-economic inequalities, climate change, and urbanization. Belgium and Tanzania established diplomatic relations four decades ago, focusing on shared challenges and opportunities for mutual growth. Ambassador Huyghebaert recounted key areas of cooperation over the years, including transport, health, education, water and sanitation, agriculture, natural resource management, and public finance management. He particularly noted Belgium's significant role in revamping Tanzania's rail network in the 1980s and supporting the port sector from the onset of bilateral relations.For a quarter of a century, Enabel has been deeply involved in Tanzania, addressing critical issues and promoting sustainable development across the country. Our initiatives have spanned various sectors, including natural resources management, local governance, value chain development, and infrastructure enhancement. Our commitment to value chain development has played a pivotal role in driving economic growth and improving livelihoods in the country. Through targeted interventions, we have supported farmers and entrepreneurs to enhance productivity, access markets, and increase their incomes. During his address, Koenraad Goekint emphasized Enabel’s dedication to creating gender-balanced environments for youth and entrepreneurs through collaboration with stakeholders for vocational training and entrepreneurship opportunities. He highlighted the launch of a new five-year bilateral program aimed at empowering young people, particularly girls, in Kigoma through education and skills development. Furthermore, he touched on projects like the Water and Sanitation Kigoma Region Project (WASKIRP) and the Sustainable Agriculture Kigoma Regional Project (SAKIRP), which have significantly transformed communities by improving access to clean water and sanitation and strengthening agricultural value chains.Ambassador John Ulanga, Director of International Trade and Economic Diplomacy at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation expressed gratitude for Enabel's efforts to support the country towards sustainable and inclusive development. He emphasized the importance of maintaining bilateral ties to utilize opportunities in various areas, including investment and trade, to further promote development.As part of our achievements over the past decades, we showcased a new chapter in Enabel's journey—the opening of our vibrant and dynamic office space in Dar es Salaam where we collaborated with local artists to create a living exhibition within the walls of Enabel. This new space symbolizes our unwavering commitment to Tanzania and our determination to continue making a positive impact in the years to come. With our collaborative atmosphere, this space serves as a hub for innovation, creativity, and partnership.In closing, Koenraad Goekint extended a warm invitation to all attendees to explore our new space, engage in enriching discussions, and cultivate new connections that will drive our collective mission forward. "To my esteemed colleagues, I envision this office as a sanctuary of inspiration and empowerment, where ideas blossom and aspirations soar. Karibuni sana, Ahsanteni," he concluded.
