A bold new chapter in youth development unfolded last month as the Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete Foundation (JMKF) and the International Youth Fellowship (IYF) formalized a landmark partnership to unlock opportunities for young Tanzanians. The partnership started with the official signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on September 12, followed by a vibrant two-day youth engagement program called Najivunia (I’m proud of) Tanzania Camp.
The signing ceremony was held at IYF Headquarters in Dar es Salaam. Vanessa Anyoti, CEO of JMKF, emphasized the strategic nature of the partnership, rooted in mutual goals of promoting employability, mindset transformation, and national development.
“This MoU is more than a signature; it’s a blueprint for a future where every Tanzanian youth has the tools, confidence, and opportunity to shape their destiny,” Ms Anyoti remarked during her speech.
The agreement directly supports national priorities under the National Youth Development Policy and Vision 2050, combining IYF’s global youth development experience with JMKF’s policy networks and on-the-ground influence. According to the MoU, the collaboration will focus on key areas, including youth skills development, entrepreneurship, and employability.
Sean Bang Masanja, IYF’s Director in Tanzania, emphasized the value of mindset education. “We believe that before we change systems, we must transform how young people see themselves. This is the heart of mindset education,” he said.
The momentum carried into September 13–14 with the Najivunia Tanzania Camp, where more than 120 youths participated in workshops, seminars, and interactive learning sessions. Held at the University of Dar es Salaam’s New Library Hall, the camp focused on developing practical skills, strengthening emotional resilience, and boosting civic pride. Sessions included entrepreneurship training, mental health awareness, cultural exchange, and leadership development.
For many participants, the camp was transformative. Herieth David, an accounting graduate, said that the experience helped her connect academic knowledge with real-world application. She said the camp taught her how to lead with purpose and build resilience in uncertainty.
On the first day of training, the young people had the opportunity to watch our award-winning animated film, “Baharimania,” which sparked a lively debate about how to keep our oceans clean. The concept of plastic pollution and its impact on our environment.
One of the most anticipated announcements was the introduction of an international exchange program that will send selected Tanzanian youth to volunteer abroad, including in South Korea. This initiative aims to promote cross-cultural understanding, personal growth, and global citizenship.
“We want young people to see themselves not as problems to be solved, but as solutions waiting to be activated,” said Sylvester Mbinji, IYF Chairperson and camp coordinator.
The three-day event demonstrated more than institutional collaboration; it showcased the power of belief in young people. With the MoU as a foundation and the Najivunia Tanzania Camp as a model, JMKF and IYF are positioning Tanzanian youth at the center of national transformation.
We look forward to reaching more youths with the International Youth Fellowship. We have an ambitious target of resolving 5000 young people over 3 years. With 21st-centuryskills.
