In the Mkuranga District of Tanzania's Coast Region, a project called Taa ya Binti is helping girls rebuild their dreams and acquire practical skills for self-reliance. The three-month programme, implemented in partnership with the Human Development and Care Foundation (HUDEFO), brings together 20 girls aged between 15 and 25. They are learning skills such as entrepreneurship, life skills, financial literacy, sustainable agriculture, and handicrafts. The project aims to equip school dropouts and vulnerable girls with the skills needed to improve their economic situation.
Zainab Mnyoge, a 20-year-old participant, left school fearing her dreams had ended. However, she is now learning skills that she hopes will help her build a business, earn an income, and inspire other young women facing similar challenges. She believes many girls struggle because they lack guidance, practical training, and access to capital needed to start income-generating activities. The project provides a platform for girls like Zainab to acquire skills and gain confidence.
The programme goes beyond entrepreneurship, teaching participants how to make products such as beaded accessories, candles, lip balm, and decorative items from recyclable materials. They also learn waste recycling and compost production. Eco-Village Social Welfare Officer, Ms Karen Rutakangwa, says the programme focuses on helping girls rebuild confidence alongside practical skills. The project aims to see a girl who has greater self-awareness, who can deal with her environment well, and who can engage in handicraft activities that can provide her with an income.
Interviews conducted before the programme revealed that some participants left school because of unsafe environments rather than a lack of ambition. The project addresses this issue by providing a safe and supportive environment for girls to learn and grow. Another key component of the programme is financial literacy, which teaches participants how to manage money, prepare budgets, and identify safe ways of growing their income.
HUDEFO Project Coordinator, Mr Abdi Khalifa, says the initiative also introduces girls to green economy opportunities through waste recycling and environmental management. The project aims to help girls create green jobs that contribute to addressing solid waste management and climate change while generating income. This approach enables girls to make a positive impact on their environment while improving their economic situation.
Project Officer, Ms Tunu Kalanje, says participants also learn to turn plastic, textile, and organic waste into products and compost that can support small businesses and sustainable farming. The programme reflects broader efforts to expand opportunities for girls who leave school. According to the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, about 22,844 girls had returned to the education system by March 2024 following the 2021 school re-entry policy.
The Taa ya Binti project is a step towards empowering girls and promoting sustainable development. With the skills and knowledge gained, participants can create their own businesses, improve their economic situation, and inspire others. The project's focus on green economy opportunities, financial literacy, and practical skills provides a comprehensive approach to empowering girls and promoting sustainable development.
Key points
- The project equips school dropouts and vulnerable girls with practical skills for self-reliance.
- The programme introduces girls to green economy opportunities through waste recycling and environmental management.
- About 22,844 girls had returned to the education system by March 2024 following the 2021 school re-entry policy.
