Dar es Salaam, Tanzania – On 29th November 2024, T-MARC Tanzania’s management and board members organized a remarkable End-of-Year Gala to celebrate achievements, foster team spirit, and reinforce the organization’s commitment to its mission. The event brought together board members, staff, and interns in an atmosphere of appreciation, networking, and strategic reflection.

The gala served as a unique opportunity to strengthen relationships among stakeholders, ensuring that all members—both leadership and staff—remain aligned with T-MARC Tanzania’s vision and mission of improving health outcomes and empowering communities across the country.

Speaking at the event, Tumaini Kimasa, Managing Director of T-MARC Tanzania, emphasized the importance of teamwork and unity in driving the organization’s success.

“This gathering is more than just a celebration; it is a testament to our shared commitment to the values and goals of T-MARC. Our collective effort is what enables us to deliver impact-driven programs that transform lives. Together, we are building a stronger future,” said Kimasa.

The event also featured inspiring remarks from Awaichi Mawalla, a distinguished T-MARC Board Member, who highlighted the vital role of collaboration in achieving organizational sustainability.

“T-MARC is not just an organization; it is a movement that thrives on dedication and teamwork. Strengthening our connections within the board, management, and staff ensures we remain resilient in fulfilling our mandate to serve communities effectively,” said Mawalla.

The evening was filled with lively conversations, entertainment, and a sense of renewed energy as attendees reflected on the milestones achieved in 2024 and discussed strategic directions for the coming year.

As the night concluded, the spirit of unity and commitment was evident, reaffirming T-MARC Tanzania’s dedication to driving social impact, innovation, and excellence in the health and development sectors.

 

As part of its commitment to improving youth mental health, T-MARC Tanzania through the USAID Kijana Nahodha project successfully continued to engaged TANZMED to train 347 community health workers, 110 from Zanzibar, 50 from Dar es Salaam, and 187 from Morogoro-on the innovative TanzMED digital mental health application. This training aimed to enhance the capacity of CHWs to effectively address and promote mental health information and services tailored to the needs of young people in their communities.

Mental health challenges among young people in Tanzania create significant barriers that hinder their potential. The USAID Kijana Nahodha project has prioritized mental health as a critical area of intervention, recognizing that youth in underserved communities often grapple with untreated conditions like anxiety, depression, and trauma, limiting their social and economic growth. To address these challenges, the project sought innovative solutions tailored to the needs of Tanzanian youth.

In 2023, TanzMED participated in the USAID Kijana Nahodha Social Impact Accelerator program alongside four other youth-serving organizations. This initiative, supported by USAID, aimed to develop solutions for the social, economic, and health needs of Tanzanian youth, providing coaching and mentorship in creating effective work plans and refining organizational policies.

At the program’s Innovation Lab event, TanzMED’s proposal for an AI-powered mental health tool, AminaMD, was awarded a $20,000 sub-grant. “AminaMD is our ultimate patient engagement solution with a conversational interface,” explains co-founder Nyoni. The tool engages users through conversation in Swahili, addressing Tanzania’s unique health challenges.

Using advanced clinical algorithms, AminaMD simulates doctor-patient interactions, rapidly evaluating symptoms and medical histories. This innovative approach helps alleviate the burden of Tanzania’s doctor shortage, particularly in underserved regions where youth are vulnerable to mental health issues. “There are many local health conditions that require local solutions,” notes the TanzMED team.

As AminaMD continues to develop, TanzMED and USAID Kijana Nahodha project works together to ensure sustainability and effectiveness. With over 10,000 users already, AminaMD represents a transformative healthcare solution tailored to the needs of Tanzanian youth. Our vision is to create an inclusive environment where every young person can thrive, harness their potential, and contribute positively to their communities. With innovative solutions like AminaMD, we are taking significant steps towards bridging the gap in mental health services, ensuring that no youth is left behind.” Concludes Dr. Tulli, USAID Kijana Nahodha, Chief of Party.

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania — 24 November 2024:      T-MARC Tanzania under the USAID Kijana Nahodha project participated in the 2024 Anti-GBV Marathon alongside other USAID projects (Afya Yangu, Kizazi Hodari) and development partners, reaffirming its commitment to ending gender-based violence (GBV) and promoting gender equality. The event, organized by Gender Action Tanzania (GATA), was held under the theme Beijing Platform for Action, with the powerful message:

“Miaka 30 ya Beijing, Chagua Kutokomeza Ukatili dhidi ya Wanawake na Wasichana” (30 Years of Beijing: Choose to End Violence Against Women and Girls).

The marathon served as a key platform to raise a

wareness about the impacts of GBV and inspire collective action to end harmful practices. Over 100 youth participants from the USAID Kijana Nahodha project took part in the event, deepening their understanding of GBV and reaffirming their commitment to building safer, more equitable communities.

Beyond awareness-raising, the marathon focused on personal development, physical fitness, and community solidarity. It gave participants the chance to reflect on their role as change-makers, reinforcing the shared responsibility of combating GBV. The event also provided an opportunity for youth entrepreneurs supported by the project to showcase their products, demonstrating the impact of the project on their economic empowerment.

The marathon brought together government representatives, civil society organizations, and grassroots communities, emphasizing the urgent need to address GBV as a barrier to development. It highlighted the destructive effects of GBV on health, safety, and economic opportunities, particularly for women and girls, and stressed the importance of collective action to create a more just society.

Aaron, one of the youth participants in the marathon, reflected on the event’s impact:

"This marathon has opened my eyes to the importance of being an active citizen in the fight against gender-based violence. I now understand that it is not just about raising awareness, but about taking action in our communities. This event has motivated me to lead by example and help spread the message that GBV has no place in our society. I am now more determined to create a safe and equal environment for all."

On the 7th of Dec 2024, the Mwembe Yanga Grounds in Temeke, Dar es Salaam, came alive with the vibrant energy of over 500 youth participating in a Sports and Physical Activities Bonanza organized by the USAID Kijana Nahodha Project in collaboration with USAID’s Tanzania Department of Defense (DOD) and the Civil Military Department. The event aimed to promote physical and mental well-being among youth through engaging activities, showcasing the transformative power of sports in fostering health and community spirit.

The bonanza was a melting pot of fun and fitness, with activities ranging from soccer and netball games to running, tug-of-war, dancing competitions, and professional physical exercises. This collaboration highlighted the unique technical expertise of the DOD and Civil Military Department in empowering youth through structured, professionally guided fitness activities.

Youth at the event had access to mental health support provided by the USAID Kijana Nahodha Tanzmed app team, who offered guidance on managing stress, anxiety, and overall mental well-being. Additionally, healthcare providers from Temeke district delivered Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (ASRHR) education, equipping youth with essential knowledge to make informed decisions about their health and future.

Adam, a representative from the Civil Military Department, emphasized the broader significance of the event, stating, "Physical fitness is not just about the body, it is a foundation for mental resilience and emotional well-being. Today, we are not only building strong bodies but also stronger, more confident young individuals who are better equipped to face life's challenges."

Dr. Tulli, the Chief of Party for the project, echoed. "Sports bring people together, teach discipline, and build teamwork," she said during the event. "This partnership with the Department of Defense and the Civil Military Department underscores the value of leveraging diverse expertise to empower our youth. Today, we are fostering leadership, fitness, and a sense of community, all integral to the Kijana Nahodha vision."

For Amina, a participant in the netball game, the event was both a challenge and an inspiration. "Netball has always been my passion, but today was special," she shared with a smile. "I learned new techniques and got to meet so many other young people who share my skills. It wasn’t just about winning—it was about building connections and having fun together."

The Bonanza also featured a dynamic dancing competition that drew cheers from the crowd, along with tug-of-war contests that highlighted the participants' teamwork and strength. The DOD trainers introduced professional exercise routines that taught participants effective ways to maintain fitness and mental health.

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and Zanzibar’s Ministry of Information, Youth, Culture and Sport launched a new project focused on increasing youth empowerment, productivity, and community engagement, especially out-of-school youth aged 15-25. The launch of the four-year, $10.6 million (TZS 24.8 billion) project, dubbed USAID Kijana Nahodha, was officiated by the President of Zanzibar and the Chairman of the Revolutionary Council, His Excellency Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi on February 22, 2023. T-MARC Tanzania will implement the project in partnership with Care International, Tanzania Youth Coalition (TYC), and YLabs.

USAID/Tanzania Mission Director V. Kate Somvongsiri gifting Honorable Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi a Kijana Nahodha frame.

The launch event aimed to officially introduce the project to the government, partners, and the public to inform them about its goal and mark the beginning of implementing the project's activities.

The project aims to have a Healthy, Productive and engaged Youth with priority given to marginalized groups, including HIV+ youth, adolescent girls, youth in rural areas and urban slums, and orphans.

Youth in any country are the workforce; therefore, they need to be well equipped to meaningfully contribute to the nation’s development. It is unfortunate that youth in this country face many challenges, but fortunately, the US government has always been at the forefront of supporting Zanzibar and the United Republic of Tanzania’s government in all our efforts to accomplish our development goals in various sectors,” said His Excellency, Dr. Mwinyi.

In response, the USAID/Tanzania Mission Director, Kate Somvongsiri assured the president that the US Government through USAID/Tanzania Mission is committed to supporting Tanzanian youth to ensure the country can achieve the economic goals outlined in its Vision 2025. The Mission Director concluded her remarks by stating that, “through the project youth will receive new skills and appropriate knowledge to run businesses” making them vital stakeholders and drivers of change at the local, regional, and national level.

USAID/Tanzania Mission Director V. Kate Somvongsiri addressing the press before the launch of the Kijana Nahodha Project. 

USAID Kijana Nahodha will directly impact the lives of 45,000 youth: approximately 10,000 in Zanzibar and 35,000 from the two targeted mainland regions: Dar es Salaam and Morogoro.

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