OVER 300 teenage mothers have been empowered through the ‘Kijana Imara’ project, implemented by Restless Development Tanzania with support from the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

The initiative operates across both mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar, and is currently active in Dodoma Region, covering five districts: Dodoma Urban, Chamwino, Kongwa, Bahi and Kondoa.

At a handover event in Chamwino this week, Ally Saad, Project Officer at Restless Development Tanzania, said the programme aims to help girls—especially those who became pregnant while still in school—regain their confidence and achieve economic and social independence.

He said participants have undergone training in life skills, reproductive health, and entrepreneurship.

Upon completion, they received start-up tools such as sewing machines, salon equipment, and modern poultry coops to launch income-generating activities.

“These girls are often stigmatised by their families and communities. We offer them education, build their self-esteem, and support them to reclaim their dreams,” he said.

Saad added that the project works in partnership with local councils to connect girls with community groups, enabling access to 10 percent of council revenues earmarked for women, youth, and people with disabilities.

“In collaboration with banks, the girls also receive financial literacy training and seed capital tailored to their chosen ventures—whether tailoring, catering, salon work or poultry farming,” he noted.

A key goal of the project is to prevent second pregnancies by offering economic opportunities that allow young women to make informed life decisions.

Veronica Baluwa, Community Development Officer for Buigiri Ward, urged the girls to view the support as a lifelong investment.

“You have been given an opportunity that many others have not received. Within six months, we expect to see progress. Work hard and become examples to others,” she said.

Mariam Dickson, speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, expressed gratitude to the organisation for recognising and supporting girls in hard situation.

“We’ve received sewing machines, salon kits, poultry housing, and training in finance, family planning, entrepreneurship, and leadership. We are determined to work hard and move away from dependence,” she said.

The Kijana Imara project is focused on empowering teenage mothers by equipping them with practical skills, reproductive health education, and small start-up capital—enabling them to become self-reliant and contribute to their communities.