Africa's problems needs African solutions

Africa is the second largest continent in the world with population of more than 1.166 billion people of which more than 65% of this population are youth. Africa still face lot of challenges  include high rate of youth unemployment, HIV and AIDS, Extreme Poverty, Malnutrition, civil and political conflicts and many more which makes it among least developed continents in the world.

Empowering youth to take the lead in matters affecting them is among the best sustainable solution to many of these problems. 

By realizing this few youth came together to form African Youth Union a Pan-African Youth lead organization with the vision of making African Youth active and productive citizens who can contribute to a unified, peaceful and prosperous Africa. 

Recently the Union held its 4th Annual summit at Makerere University in Uganda which was attended by youth from different African Regions. Among thing discussed is how African youth and women can positively contribute to the  strong regional integration for sustainable African economic development. Youth participated in this summit agreed that "African Problems needs African Solutions" particularly solutions which come from youth since they have power and talents which is vital for both social, political and economic growth.

The summit ended by announcing new leadership of the organization in which Stephen Machua was announced as African Youth Union President, Olauluwa Abagun as a Vice President representing West Africa Region, Sarah-Leigh Elago as a Vice president representing Southern Africa Region and Julius Kessy as a Vice President representing Eastern Africa Region.

Youth Post join all African to congratulate these young and energetic youth whose vision is to transform Africa into a best place for every human being to leave and change the narratives which define Africa as a dark continent.

Summit in pictorial

Youth participants during African Youth Union 4th annual summit

President of AYU Mr. Stephen Machua (right) with participants

Young energetic youth ready to re-brand African narratives in the eyes of the world

Summit on Twits.

I pledge my commitment and allegiance to the @AfricanYouthUni , to uphold, defend, develop and grow the forum. #AYUSUMMIT

— Sarah-Leigh Elago (@GeniusLeigh) November 9, 2015

#AYUsummit really takes great minds to discuss for de rest as we brain Strom for de youth in de 4th annual summit pic.twitter.com/raBbCIsmRf

— Namakula eve X-tine (@NamakulaEveBUK) November 8, 2015

@AfricanYouthUni African Youths don't have a Strong Economic Base. The ambitious ones also face the challenge at all levels. #AYUsummit

— Stephen Machua (@StephenMachua) November 2, 2015

@GeniusLeigh @AfricanYouthUni I'm soooo ready!!! Woop!! #AYUSummit

— Olaoluwa Abagun (@OlaoluwaAbagun) October 28, 2015

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The War that every Tanzanian must fight, The War of War against War!

Today in the evening when I was coming out from the office after office hours, I saw number of Uganda Army's Tracks carried hundreds of soldiers full equipped like they are going to the battle field.

As I was still wondering where they are going I decided to ask someone who was near where I was stood.

Hi! I greeted him. “Sorry, where are they going”?

They guy responded... "They are going to Somalia, don't you know the situation in Somalia? The civil war and political unrest that is taking place there?!!!"

Now he was staring at me.... To cut the story short I responded, Ouh! I know, but I had no idea that they are going there.

I am not really sure if they were going to Somalia to rescue the so called political unrest which has taken decades now or they were going to South Sudan since still there is fighting going on, that didn't bother me much, I took a little while to look at those tracks, each had not less than fifty soldiers....

I looked at their faces since I was stood by the road side, I tried to take myself as I was in the track going to the battle field, then I looked back to my family, my friends, my country and every I know in this world....

Unknowingly I found tears flowing down my eyes almost passing the nose as I was looking down. I took myself as them, I took myself to the battle field.

I was shot down dying. I was leaving my beautiful daughter, my mother, my father and brothers. I was living my beloved friends whom we use to enjoy different moments of life, share, care and support each other..... I was dying before accomplishing my life dreams of serving the world as a best peace gladiator and make sure that #NoMoreWarsinAfrica because I died in a war battle.

I thought of my plan of becoming a young successful entrepreneur by #2025 with big media company operating all over the Africa. I realized that I have lost everything I had and planned to make, I was alone.... My fellow soldiers had to move on and try to save themself, no one was there for me...

Pi piiiii !!!!!! Suddenly the hon from a coming taxi as in Tanzania we call them #Daladala woke me up from what I can call it #DayMares, all tracks were gone, the person I was asking also left.

Some of them will not come back... "I thought" they will die on the battle, they will leave their friends and family only because they were serving other people's life....

I wiped my tears and started slowly to walk away.

Now I was not thinking of them again, but I was asking myself many questions of which I couldn't find their answers.

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World will be a peaceful place if only People and the Planet will be treated equally

Today is a International Day of Peace where world come together to remember, celebrate and call for Seize Fire to all parties which are in conflict.
2015 does not only mark the 31 anniversary since the International Day of Peace was officiated by the United National General Assembly, but also fall under the arm of United Nations in its 70th anniversary. This year world leaders will meet from 25th September 2015 to adopt New Development Framework under Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and a way forward after Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) which are going to expire this year. Youth Post in partnership with One Action Tanzania want to use this opportunity not only to celebrate the number of years since UN was formed or since IDP was officiated, but also to call the world community to make sure that whatever action they take if #ForPeopleandThePlanet.
We call individuals, private companies and government leaders to to join this campaign aiming at making world a better and safe place for all all living things.
Happy International Day of Peace #PeaceDay #IDP2015.

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African youth's problems need youth them self.

For many year African youth have been experiencing many problems which most of those problems affect them and their life dreams directly. Bad leaders who place their their interest at the center and forget that behind them there a group of people particularly youth who believed and gave them power to  lead them, civil wars, HIV/AIDS and other diseases has become a big threat to them too.

But one of the biggest and worst problem that face African Youth is unemployment which has caused a lot of chaos and civil wars in may countries, youth are joining rebels groups, engage in drugs and other illegal business hoping that is the best way they can sustain their life. 

But the reality remain that, youth problems depends on youth solutions. Instead of expecting government to do everything for them, they have to see hoe they can do something to support them and their government. They should engage in small business and form serving groups in which government is willing to support them instead of sitting back and wait for the government to employ them.

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Capacitating Youth and involving them in decision making is a best way of creating inclusive society toward economic and social development

In this era of dramatic global changes in all aspect of life, youth are at the core of any country development, they need to be involved in development process and decision making in matter that affect them directly as well as which affect their country, but in other side each country need committed, ambitious and self disciplined youth who are ready and eager to change their life for the sake of their country.

Today Youth Post have a privilege to meet one of young, ambitious and self disciplined Tanzanian youth who dream to be among heroes fighting for social and economic changes in their community.

Ms. Saumu with students in a training

Saumu Issa Rajabu, a young Tanzanian and ambitious girl. She is a finalist student at Tengeru Institute of Community Development (TICD) in Arusha Tanzania where she pursuing her undergraduate degree in Community development with bias in management of community development programs.

Saumu is passionate about volunteering, which gives her ‘a definition of whom she should be every day, serving, uplifting and inspiring others. Her journey in community service started since her first year at the university as a youth facilitator volunteer at the Vision for Youth, a youth led organization in Arusha Tanzania. This was the time she realized where her dreams lies on and gave her millions of reason to be a social entrepreneur. Currently she is serving as ambassador of Vision for Youth and represent the organization in different activities around East African Regional

Apart from working as volunteer and ambassador at Vision for Youth, she is also volunteer as a facilitator in field of women empowerment at Returned Home DevelopmentOrganization (REDO) in the project aiming at supporting women on how they can start small business including tailoring and handcrafting to sustain their economy.

She has attended various conferences and seminar both national and international as a best way to challenge herself in her life dreams. Among those conferences, includes “Student Liberty conference 2014” in Nairobi Kenya which was aiming at empowering students to become leaders and agents of changes in their community and the East Africa Youth Dialogue. “Be the Change” held in Nairobi Kenya.

She has also participated in leadership where she saved as a Member of Parliament of Student government in her University. She is recognized as an active member of TICD –Students Organization.

As she believe in the saying that “If you want to go faster, go alone, But if you want to go far, go together” and want to go as far as her dreams, she has made efforts to join various youth forums which can transform her toward her life vision. She is a member of Ignite theYouth which is a Society of African Youth Activist and AIESEC which is a global students led organization in 2,400 universities and 126 countries and territories to unleash leadership potential in youth.

She believe that, passion, hardworking and confidence is a best way for an individual to achieve his or her life dreams. “Challenges that you face today in life, is what makes you a successful person tomorrow, Success Is You, the way you think, act and talk, that is ‪Your Success…” she said.

My call to all youth in Africa is that, if we will not stand to build our dreams, someone will hire us to build theirs. Let us stand now.

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PEPONI DUNIANI (19/10/10)

Wametuvisha miwani,

Miwani ya juani,

Kutupeleka peponi,

Peponi duniani.

Mbona sasa hatuoni?

Hatuoni yalo mbeleni,

Giza limo machoni,

Macho yamo gizani.

Miwani ya jua gizani?!

Gizani tusiwabaini,

Wamebeba vitu pomoni,

Pomoni bila sisi baini.

Tumepumbazwa akili,

Akili zikakubali,

Tukavikwa na bangili,

Bangili lisilo fahali.

Sasa nchi I mashakani,

Mashakani kwa madeni,

Na wananchi wa vitani,

Vita vya umasikini.

Hatujafika peponi,

Peponi ku duniani,

Tumejiweka motoni,

Motoni limo shetani.

By: Finland Bernard

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Tanzania need positive thinking and risk taking Youth. Meet Novertus Modest, a young Tanzania and change agent who started an English Media School to support children in his village.

To achieve National development Goals, and to realize the Tanzania Development Vision TDV2025 we need to invest not only in education, but quality education  which can educated people who can compete in the job market and with enough knowledge to invest and effective utilization of national resources for the benefit of all.

Today we have Mr. Novertus Severine, a young Tanzania who realized the importance of quality education for all regardless of their background and economic status then decided to start an English Media for nursery and primary school in his village. He need everyone's support to make sure he achieve his dreams of not only supporting children in his village, but also complimenting to National Development plan and Tanzania Development Vision.

  

Mr. Novertus Severine, Head Teacher and founder of Severina English Medium School

Can you tell us about yourself?

My names are Novertus Modest Severine, a young Tanzania and a nurse by professional. I was born in small village called Ngulu which is in Mwanga District in Kilimanjaro region. I am the first born in a single parent family of three children. I live with my mother and my young brother and sister, I like football and working with the community for community.

What was the reason behind starting Severina School?

During my studies I was facing a lot of challenges including lack of school fees and other basic needs, this gave me very hard time to achieve my life dreams because most of time I had to stay at home to help my mother to do some small business and casual jobs (we call them Vibarua) so that we can get money for food and school fees. In my form four I couldn’t get good pass mark though was good for me to go to advance level education, but due to financial difficulties, my mother couldn’t afford to pay for my Advance level education, then I decided to go for nursing. After graduated from nursing I came back home thinking on how I can get rid of all those challenges and support my young brother and sister in their education, this forced me to start small business of buying maize and selling to other people, this business was not successful because I had no enough capital to invest, then I decided to change it to lending money to people where they return with small amount of interest.

But all the time I was thinking on what I can do to help my community at least to get better and quality education in affordable costs, also I was more hurt when seeing children in my village has no access to quality nursery education which is a base of children development, I knew that, their life is in danger even more that how I was, this gave me millions of reason to start up a program of teaching children when I have free time, but at the end I came to realize that I need to devote more of my time to help them and from there is where the idea of Severina School came.

What are your achievement so far as Severina School is concern?

Severina School is an English Media Nursery and Primary School. Since I started it is three years now and we have students in in middle Class, Pre-Unit and Standard one students. We managed to employ one teacher, in that case, Severina School has two teachers including me. Also we managed to secure three class rooms of which our current students use.

How did the community react on Severina School?

At the beginning it was so hard for me to make things happen. Not only the community, but even the village leaders and Local Government Authority was taking it in negative way, they were complaining that I establish it with the intention of killing other normal nursery schools, but thanks God now they appreciate what I do after seeing the progress and achievements of students that we have now.  

Where are you getting funds to run your school?

I have only one source of fund, and that is fees which parents pays for their children. Those money are not enough to cover everything needed for student to get what they are supposed to, but we are trying our best to make sure that whatever we get we invest in school.

What are the challenges that you are facing?

Challenges are many as far as still in a beginning stage. Mostly is the lack of fund to buy school equipment’s including books, chalks and other teaching materials, also three classes we have we use to rent them, to maintain them is very hard since we have very limited source of fund, but also the classes are not enough because we need to extend to standard seven, also parents delay in paying fees or not paying at all is among biggest challenge that face us.

How do you Severina School in next ten years?

I see Severina School among best English Media schools in my district and regional at large with all school facilities and enough teaches and good performance of its students.

What is your advice to other Tanzanian youth and the rest of the world?

Challenges are always there in life, but always there is another way to take you where you want to go, God is only who know everyone’s destiny, we need to link up whatever we do with him, and most of all we really need to work hard, no easy way out for personal success.

What is your call to Tanzania government and other development partners?

I know that Tanzania government do a lot to make sure that its people get better life, but still there are those part which seems to be marginalized, especially in rural areas. Government need to reach us and provide us with better and quality services. I believe most of youth are moving to town because in rural areas services are very poor.

My call is for the government and other development partners to support youth who are doing a lot to rid themselves from the poverty trap, and support their efforts which always complement to National Development Vision. With support to youth in particular they can be a great source of national development.

We have land where we can build our school, but we don’t have money to buy building materials, I would love to ask for development partners to support me at lease to have classes and other equipment’s necessary for school. No matter how small you can give, I believe it is worthy for these children who need to get better education for their bright future

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Collective Struggle and Solidarity is African Unity

Over the past years, our African unity has been tested constantly to realize that unity is not a one-day celebration or a mere occasional response to threatening events happening across the continent. Unity, instead, shall be a continuous collective struggle and solidarity.

For the past year, Africa has not healed from pain, bloodshed and diseases. From Ebola outbreak in West Africa to the recent crimes in South Africa, and the disaster of endless deaths of Africans sinking in the middle of the Mediterranean; from Al Shabab attacks in Kenya, to the Islamic State killings in Libya, and to Boko Haram massacres in West Africa - a similar pattern of extreme brutality spreading across.

I’m afraid that our sufferings will become normalized and our people will become just numbers and statistical tragedies on indices…

Early this year, over a million people flooded the streets of Paris with more than 40 world leaders participating, protesting the vicious murders of 17 people, including 12 journalists at Charlie Hebdo, a French magazine. While masses marched side by side in the rally at the Boulevard Voltaire, similar tragedies were unfolding on Africa. Just four days before the Paris attacks, Boko Haram in northeastern Nigeria (and now in the neighboring countries of Chad, Cameroon, and the Republic of Niger) carried out its deadliest attack, where more than 2,000 people were slaughtered, including children and women.

These events, when reported in Western media, drew no attention for mass solidarity, but instead, all it could bring to us was travel alerts, tourism and investment threats, and foreign intervention to step into resolving our crises because of the absence of our leadership. Has anyone organized an international protest against the African massacre? Have any African leaders flown to Abuja, Nairobi or Tunis to stand in solidarity with each other?

Likewise, the global outrage over the Chibok abductions, where more than 200 girls still remain kidnapped, was intense but short-lived. The attention of international media soon faded and leadership reaction has been shortsighted. That’s why the kidnapping, killings and abuse by Boko Haram have continued unabated.

I don’t have answers to why these atrocities continue to intensify; I have even more questions. When are we increasing our vigilance and strengthening our collective stand against those who commit such atrocities? When are we starting to treat Africa as our borderless united motherland and not as small divided territories?

The solution to face these atrocities on the continent is not only to ensure short-term security measures or aid, but mainly to work on social and economic development. When are we starting to have a serious talk about economic integration? When are we implementing serious intracontinental collaboration in the attainment of Africa’s development objectives? Africa’s prosperity, as a united continent, will depend essentially on tighter political, trade and economic integration.

As we continue losing our natural and human resources, I am also afraid we are losing our confidence in our civilization, our pre-colonization history, our common identity and ourselves. Usually the unions play a major role in protecting the civilizational values, but our African Union (AU), previously known as the Organization of African Unity (OAU), has failed spectacularly. The AU is strongly based on important principles of unity and pan-Africanism. However, most of us either do not know them, or do not live our lives by them.

African Unity is not only about solidarity within the continent but also our collective response outside. AU member states have rarely voted together in international fora to safeguard common African interests. Regional institutions have had no uniformed mutually beneficial policy towards interacting with outside powers because most of the African countries are eventually bought off by former colonial powers. Sadly, the leaders unite only behind the AU, ECOWAS, CEMAC or SADC to protect each other when abusing and censuring their citizens.

Looking towards the future, we need:

•       A renewed focus on what unites us and in finding our common interest to build a peaceful and   prosperous common homeland that allows its citizens and youth to flourish.
•       A united political will to move forward together in solving our problems at continental level, and not turning our backs on our neighbors’ problems.
•      A celebration of our differences as our diversity and our diversity as our unity - a shift in dealing with Africa’s cultural differences that led to the divide and rule by outsiders.
•    To resolve our disputes always through peaceful means that would enable us not to be exploited or manipulated.
•        To unite our youth movements in a common vision to lead the next generations on a solid foundation of values and unity.

While many of our leaders may have forgotten the treasure of wisdom our ancestors handed down to us, the rest of us should not. So let’s remember the African proverb that says, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together”.

 Credit to Aya Chebbi | Proudly Tunisian Blog

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Meet Miss Hadija, a young Tanzanian woman in the race of supporting youthful generation

I pledge my HEAD to clearer thinking, my HEART to greater loyalty, my HANDS to larger service, and my HEALTH to better living, for myself, my community, my country and my world.

Miss Hadija during one year assessment on KISA project achievements

Hadija Hassan is among the outstanding young Tanzanian women who work closely with the societies to ensure changes both human and societal. “Be the change you wish to see” from Mahatma Gandhi had been her favorite quotation. The involvement she had since young with her fellow youth gave her awareness on different issues prevailing in Tanzanian societies. Hadija`s major concern is on transforming the lives of youth and women in Tanzania.

Hadija in her Kisa project

Currently Hadija is working with the Non-government organization in Arusha called AFRICAID under KISA project in which she is mentoring young Tanzanian women and girls on leadership skills and life skills. She chose to work with this group because she believes that, once you educate one girl you have educated the whole society.

The KISA girls, seems to be happy and more confident after one year of mentorship

Traditionally women had been given the role of raising children so mentoring the girls (mothers of tomorrow), will help to shape them and also shape their children in the future. She believe that the chain will be in a form of personal development and nation at large.

“The marginalization of women and other women violation in Tanzania is rooted from our cultural practices that are sometimes encouraged by women themselves. Lack of self-confidence and the status quo have been the major reasons that hinder women’s development. Women had been very behind in social, political, and economic affairs despite the fact that the government has strategies to ensure women empowerment.” said Hadija.

Everyone is a leader, although others have devoted their time, humanity and dignity to serve not only themselves but also other community they live in, these are the one we call them socially responsible leaders. These people have ability to motivate, mobilize and inspire other community members to work together towards archiving the same goal. Not only men are capable of archiving those abilities but also women can, “believing in our selves is the only solution” said Hadija

We Share, Grow and Lead, is among the best motto by KISA girls.

The status quo/the easy way out/kama kawaida is a notion prevailing to all Tanzanian societies and women being the victims. Women and other members in our societies are raised knowing many practices are the result of their cultures and that’s how things are and supposed to be; not to speak in front of men, women being followers and men being leaders are the examples of status quo.

In the process of mentoring these girls, the most important things Hadija put into consideration is to ensure that girls are able to explore their potentials and exploit them to the maximum. She also facilitate girls growth by sharing resources/ideas and networks, she also challenges girls to move beyond their comfort zone.

Hi5 from Kisa girls,,,our future women leaders looking gorgeous with their smiling faces, we all believe on Hi5 towards the journey of achievement. Thumb finger:have the positive and professional attitude, Index finger: have a goal and direction. Middle finger:stand out and be proud. Ring finger:be loyal and a team player. Little finger:take little but smart steps

KISA girls during the seminar on women and leadership

Apart from leadership skills girls have to acquire other life skills to help them reach their dreams in this era of globalization, putting this into consideration she also train girls on social entrepreneurship, budgeting and saving, business plan, and business nuts and bolts. The main aim of life skills trainings is to help women and girls to think beyond employment and hence employ themselves.

“Sharing is caring, the more you share, the more you grow.”           

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Proudly Tunisian: Collective Struggle

Proudly Tunisian: Collective Struggle: Published at Foresight For Development -Africa Over the past years, our African unity has been tested constantly to realize that uni...

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The future of Africa depends on youth who dream BIG, meet Miss Catherine Fidelis, A young Tanzania and most promising African young leaders

When we speak of changes, we don’t mean transforming Tanzania to be a developed nation like America in a single night dream, but we speak of small but powerful efforts taken by young Tanzanian who see and dream that one day we will be a really independent country with good governance, quality social service, improved infrastructure and utilization of country’s resources in a way that can benefit every individual.

Miss Catherine Fidelis (Second ) from right with students who are part of Fahari ya Kuwa Msichana Program

Today we are honored to have on board Miss Catherine Fidelis, a young Tanzania, feminist and activist who holds a bachelor degree of Economics in Project Planning and Management from Mzumbe University. Catherine is also a prestigious fellow of Vital Vices LEAD program and a winner of 2014 MoremiInitiative Leadership Development Program (MILEAD) emerging young African promising leaders Fellowship. She is a co-founder of Fahari ya Kuwa Msichana Program at The Jane Goodall’s Roots and Shoots Tanzania. Catherine is passionate on youth empowerment especially girls and women since she believes it is each woman’s responsibility.

“It was a process to realize my passion and still I am exploring, since 2009 I started being active on community engagement and in years of service I came to be drawn on girls and women issues, but I could say the true realization was in 2013, Yes! Two years after I have started Fahari”.

Fahari ya Kuwa Msichana is a mentoring program for girls between 11 – 24 years of age in primary, secondary school and universities under Miss Catherine, where girls get to participate in two days’ workshop. In this workshop girls who are in Universities and in Secondary and primary schools are brought together where those from Universities train and mentoring the Youngers. The goal is to make girls realize that the development of women and girls in their communities is individual girls’ and women’ responsibility.

The program started in December 2011 with a help of international volunteer Erica Hall after witnessing that girls in Roots and Shoots Clubs and other extra curriculum clubs were not actively participating in leadership roles. Thus, the initiative was to get girls share their experience with their peers and those older than them to boost their morale to use their potential. The program has reached more than 500 girls since it has started. 

Apart from Fahari project, Catherine has actively been involved in Peace building programs after attending a two weeks training in Rwanda on Peace Building and online course on Global Education: The Intercultural Dimension. Catherine believes that peace is undeniable subject since more than ever, Tanzania has been on verge of conflicts, terrorism threats and unsettlement with the majority perpetrators being young people and victims being girls, women and children. These are small signs that need to be addressed before they escalate to more violent conflicts.

Catherine’s most successful story is her education background;

“I am always proud of my education background, I always tell people my education never cost my parents more than 2000USD from primary to university, I studied in government schools, from primary school to university and yet I have managed to achieve most of my dreams that mostly think are for those brought up with a silver spoon on their mouths. But it is about determination, perfection and passion”.

Everyone’s dream has to be natured by someone, on Catherine’s side there are different people who influenced her to be who she is:

“There are several people who are my role models but most are my parents and especially my mother. She has been an inspiration all my life. She realized the value of education; she made sure school was a priority in my life. She was always keen about my progress in school, and she made sure to support me to get the positive exposure and network that will develop my skills. Being a housewife she seek out advice from friends on carrier opportunities. She was never aggressive in dealing with me but she wanted me to prove to her I was bold enough, mature enough and wise enough in making decisions. With her example I am inspired to make every girl realize that education is the first step of empowerment and mothers have a great role to play.”

Life without challenges looks like life without vision. For one to grow and who they want to be they have to face some challenges to test their abilities. Catherine is still facing some difficulties on her ways, she says:

 “My challenging situation is to get girls understand the essence of the Fahari program, mostly they are distracted and they want tangible products not service and at times it gets frustrating when you feel unappreciated. I am restructuring the program to be very simple and fun for them to concentrate and participate regularly”.

Catherine believe that everyone has to succeed, if not today, in a near future, but the best way is to seek for advice and mentorship from those who have succeeded, her advice to everyone is that,

“there is no magic to success but it starts with setting goals, discipline and endurance. Myself I am still seeking advice from others”.

See more about Catherine here. 

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