Young people from vulnerable families in Mpanga TAZARA and Mapanda wards, Mufindi District, participate in vocational skills training under the Youth Agency Mufindi (YAM) project. Photo by Matukio Daima Media
By Matukio Daima Media, Mufindi
The Youth Agency Mufindi (YAM) project has significantly improved the lives of vulnerable young people in Mufindi District, Iringa Region, with local leaders praising the initiative for empowering youth through skills development and economic opportunities.
Luhunga Ward Councillor Adam Mgovano said the project, implemented in partnership with Foxes Community and Wildlife Conservation (FCWC), has brought positive social and economic transformation to hundreds of young beneficiaries.
Speaking to Matukio Daima, Mgovano said many young people who were once vulnerable and excluded now have the skills and confidence to become self-reliant and support their families and communities.
"Without this project, many of these young people would still be facing severe hardships. Today, they have regained hope, acquired practical skills, and are making meaningful contributions to society," he said.
The YAM project focuses on empowering vulnerable youth by providing entrepreneurship training, vocational skills, life-skills education, and psychosocial support. The programme particularly targets young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, including persons with disabilities and teenage mothers.
Mgovano said the initiative has equipped beneficiaries with employable skills in tailoring, motorcycle mechanics, carpentry, and other vocational trades, enabling them to establish sustainable livelihoods.
"In Luhunga Ward, Foxes, working together with YAM, has made a lasting impact by supporting young people who had previously been overlooked. Many have completed vocational training, received start-up capital, and are now operating their own income-generating activities," he said.
The councillor also commended the Government and YAM's development partners for creating opportunities that have transformed the lives of disadvantaged youth.
"We appreciate the Government for providing an enabling environment for development partners such as Foxes and its family to invest in our communities. Their support has brought tangible and lasting change," he added.
According to Mgovano, the project has become a lifeline for children with special needs, vulnerable youth, and teenage mothers by providing education, counselling, and vocational training that help them rebuild their lives.
He noted that the programme has been implemented for more than four years in the wards of Luhunga, Mdabulo, and Ihanu. During its current phase, the project has expanded to Mpanga TAZARA and Mapanda wards, reaching more than 120 additional young people.
The Youth Agency Mufindi (YAM) project was established by the Mufindi District Council in collaboration with Foxes Community and Wildlife Conservation (FCWC), with financial support from the Government of Finland through the Diaconess Foundation.
The initiative aims to promote the social and economic empowerment of young people by strengthening their employability, entrepreneurship, and life skills. Since its inception, the project has benefited hundreds of young people across Ihanu, Mdabulo, and Luhunga wards, including 130 young people living with disabilities.
Through vocational training and psychosocial support, the project has also contributed to reducing the risk of youth involvement in crime and other social challenges while helping beneficiaries build sustainable livelihoods.
Young people attending vocational training sessions in Mapanda and Mpanga TAZARA expressed their appreciation to their communities for selecting them to participate in the programme.
They also thanked the YAM project for providing life-changing skills and knowledge that they believe will enable them to secure brighter and more independent futures.
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