Around 600,000 girls drop out of school in Tanzania every year [1], a figure which is much higher in Mtwara rural region. In many cases this leads to early marriage; some 60% of teenage girls in this region are married and bringing up children.  As a result and with no access to training or educational opportunties, these girls completely lose their independence and face a lifetime of disadvantage.   

The benefits of empowering women and girls are unequivocal and the evidence supporting financial independence as a route to achieving this is compelling [2].  EdUKaid’s exciting new Sustainable Skills Project offers girls in rural areas the opportunity to escape the cycle of poverty caused by missing out on their education, improving financial stability and independence, and ultimately family health and wellbeing. 

Funded by Charles Hayward Foundation, the project is now working with 480 adolescent girls and young women aged 14 - 21 across four Sustainable Skills Training Centres.  As well as training 480 girls in soap making, tailoring and chalk making, the Centres aim to train a further 500 participants a year in basic business skills such as planning, marketing and record keeping.  The girls and women who take part in the project are supported to open bank accounts, and keep track of the income they make through using Centre facilities. 

Melina

Before joining the project, Melina Elias struggled with providing basic necessities for her two children on her own when the children’s father left the family. 

Through this project I have learnt to not lose hope due to the challenges I have faced, because there are people who will be there to encourage you. I have grown my savings through our group (Kicoba) because I didn’t know how to save money

Now Melina is more confident in her own skills in many areas, using them to train others at the Centres.  She has also learnt to become financially independent, providing for her two children. 

International Women's Day 2025

Trainees proudly exhibited their products and demonstrated their skills at the regional International Women's Day event held in Mikindani in March - look out for our new blog telling you more about the day.

Can you help?

With your help, Edukaid supports communities in delivering education and skills training for some of Tanzania’s most disadvantaged communities. Regular donations help us to provide opportunities for marginalised, rural communities to empower women and girls, breaking the cycle of poverty.  Set up a regular donation today.

Data sources

[1] UNESCO, 2023. Tanzanian girls and young women empowered through income generation activities. https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/tanzanian-girls-and-young-women-empowered-through-income-generating-activities

[2] Banks, 2015. What Works for Young People's Development? A Case Study of BRAC's Empowerment and Livelihoods for Adolescent Girls Programme in Uganda and Tanzania. https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=256123