Location: Buguruni, Ilala District – Dar es Salaam
Date of Visit: 25th June 2023
Organized by: Valerie Nyanje, in collaboration with the Catholic Church – Buguruni Parish
Introduction
As part of our ongoing youth empowerment initiative, we responded to urgent calls from Buguruni in Ilala District, where many young people were reportedly immersed in risky behaviors. These included drug use, body selling, early pregnancies, school dropouts, and other challenges threatening both their futures and the well-being of their communities.
This project report highlights our experience on the ground, the seminar conducted, the response from the youth, and our long-term vision to establish permanent Behavior Change Camps.
Background
Youth in Buguruni, like in many urban areas, face a complex set of challenges. Many are exposed to unsafe environments and social pressures that can lead them into self-destructive behaviors. Some of these youth have already been impacted, while others are vulnerable and at high risk of following the same patterns.
The need for immediate intervention and long-term mental, emotional, and behavioral support in this area was clear and pressing.
Implementation & Support
Upon learning of the situation, we reached out to local partners and were warmly received by the Catholic Church in Buguruni. Through their support, we secured a venue and organized both a youth seminar and a temporary behavior change camp.
The seminar aimed to:
-
Raise self-awareness among youth regarding their behavior and its consequences.
-
Provide safe space for sharing and healing.
-
Deliver life skills, personal development, and mental health education.
-
Offer one-on-one counseling and behavior change support.
Participation and Engagement
The response was overwhelming.
A large number of young people—both male and female—attended the seminar. Many were deeply engaged, opening up about their personal struggles and seeking help. The energy, openness, and hunger for transformation among the youth confirmed our belief that change is possible when we show up for them.
We covered topics such as:
-
Understanding identity and purpose.
-
Risks of harmful behaviors and how to avoid them.
-
Developing emotional resilience and self-worth.
-
The power of peer influence and how to navigate it.
-
Building a vision for a positive future.
Key Observations
-
Vulnerability is high: Many youths shared painful stories of broken homes, poverty, peer pressure, and emotional isolation.
-
Girls face unique risks: Teenage pregnancy and transactional sex were recurring themes among female participants.
-
Desire for support: There was a clear request for ongoing mentorship, safe spaces, and follow-up programs.
-
Need for structure: The youth expressed the need for a place where they can continue learning and receive guidance without stigma.
Lessons & Inspiration
This experience became a turning point in our work.
It revealed how critical it is to establish permanent Behavior Change Camps—dedicated centers where young people can:
-
Receive counseling and mentorship.
-
Share their life stories safely.
-
Learn essential life and vocational skills.
-
Heal emotionally and mentally.
Buguruni was not just a mission—it was a confirmation that our youth need more than just events. They need places they can call home for healing.
Next Steps
-
Continue follow-up with the Catholic Church and community leaders for additional seminars.
-
Identify youth needing deeper interventions and refer them to our extended support services.
-
Mobilize support to fund the construction of a Youth Behavior Change & Empowerment Center.
-
Document and share success stories from the Buguruni visit to inspire future support and engagement.
Conclusion
We are grateful for the opportunity to serve the Buguruni community. The courage and honesty shown by the youth reinforced our commitment to walk with them toward a better future. This is not the end—it’s the beginning of a larger movement to reclaim hope for every young person in Tanzania and beyond.
Leave a Reply