The Community Development and Training Center Construction

> Building a Future for Marginalized Youth, Women, and Families

Our Mission and Vision

The Community Center in Ifakara, under gradual construction since 2021, aims to improve the living conditions for youth, young mothers, orphaned girls, survivors of sexual and gender-based violence, and young women in challenging socioeconomic situations. The center serves as a training and social retreat, especially for young mothers and women who are often rejected, traumatized, and socially marginalized.

Courses and Opportunities

The center currently offers four main courses, each accommodating around 100 women: tailoring, horticulture, entrepreneurship, and batik. Additional planned courses include handicrafts, computer skills, health, cooking, and English. To support young mothers, the center provides a crèche, allowing them to focus on their education or work opportunities without worry.

Extracurricular Activities and Social Engagement

Beyond academics, the center fosters a sense of community and social interaction through extracurricular activities such as theater, art groups, movie nights, and public events. These activities encourage English language learning, the medium of secondary education in Tanzania. The center is a place of both education and refuge for victims of violence and those facing financial or medical emergencies, addressing a critical need as Ifakara currently lacks a women’s shelter.

Sustainability and Economic Independence

Emphasizing a sustainable model, the center seeks financial self-sufficiency by selling products created in the training programs, including items made from recycled materials. Revenue generated helps cover operational costs, fostering both individual and collective financial independence. Alumni are encouraged to become teachers or “project multipliers,” imparting their skills to future cohorts and contributing to the center's community-driven approach.

Networking and Future Plans

The center aspires to expand its income-generating measures, connecting with other grassroots projects to strengthen local community support. With alumni involvement in its management, the center embodies resilience and solidarity, providing marginalized groups a chance to uplift themselves and others through shared experiences and collective growth.