October 17, 2024

Project Summary: The Solar Technician Training Project has entered its third and final phase of implementation. The primary objective of this project is to equip technicians with comprehensive skills in the installation, operation, and maintenance of solar systems. Additionally, the training emphasizes the integration of solar technology with productive uses in the agricultural value chain. In this phase, the project is focused on the Dodoma region as a pilot area. Based on the success and outcomes of this pilot, there is a potential to expand the project to the Iringa region. Objective 1: Build capacity among Salesians to provide quality services to past, present, and future students. Objective 2: Provide opportunities for Salesian VTC alumni across Tanzania to promote professional cooperation and development. Objective 3: Prepare students for success through information, alumni support, and improved training. Stakeholders: Project Sponsor: Charles Stewart Mott Foundation DB Implementing Partners Abroad; SM New Rochelle DB Project Implementing partners; DB Dodoma & DB Iringa VTCs Project Manager: Cassian Bilikwija Key Team Members: Alfred Dalasia (DB Dodoma), Joseph Ngomite (DB Iringa) & Diana Mwita (JSO) & Gideon (Accountant) Current Status: As of July 2024, the project remains in its preliminary phase, focusing on assessing the productive uses of solar energy within agricultural value chains in the Dodoma region. The insights gathered from this assessment will inform the development of the solar energy training curriculum, including the necessary modules and additional equipment to be procured by the institution. Furthermore, it will outline supplementary training programs for past students interested in solar energy. Additionally, this assessment will be conducted concurrently with an energy assessment at the AITEC Farm, which will determine the specific equipment to be installed at the facility.

Project Summary: The Skilling Tanzania project is dedicated to empowering young Tanzanian youth, both boys and girls, aged 15 to 25, enabling them to find their place in the workforce and contribute meaningfully to their communities. To achieve this goal, the project emphasizes the provision of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to equip this target population with the necessary skills and knowledge, thereby facilitating their integration into the labor market. The project’s design is rooted in the belief that comprehensive training and education possess the unique ability to foster both professional and personal growth among young people. To ensure the social and professional integration of these young individuals, the project aims to achieve four major results; Result 01:  Improving the quality of education, through capacity building of personnel, updating study programmes, and adapting equipment and infrastructure. Result 02: Strengthening management capacities (finances, human resources, and knowledge management) of the VTCs/TTC, JSO, and PDO and aspects of sustainability (financial, institutional, environmental, technical, and social). Result 03: Guidance of students by the JSO towards the world of work (employment or self-employment). For this, the JSO establishes alliances with companies, organizes internships, and prepares students for their first professional experiences (paying special attention to life skills). Result 04: Increasing social inclusion in our VTCs/TTC through support, advocacy, adaptation of the learning environment, and awareness raising. Stakeholders: Project Sponsor: Directorate-General for Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid (DGD) DB Implementing Partner Abroad: Via Don Bosco (Belgium) DB Project Implementing partners; All DB VTCs, DB TTC, JSO, PDO, and DB Matumaini VTC Project Manager: Cassian Bilikwija Key Team Members: Alfred Dalasia (DB Dodoma communities), Juliana Mamboya (DB Oysterbay & Matumaini), Joseph Ngomite (DB Iringa and PDO), Diana Mwita (JSO) & Gideon (Accountant) Current Status: As of July 2024, the project is in the 3rd quarter of the implementation of the 2024 Institutional Operational Plan in the 3rd year of the project execution. Most institutions are still behind in the achievement of their key milestones/indicators set for 2024. Significant efforts ought to be directed towards the project execution to achieve the target milestones/indicators. This will require a concerted effort from all stakeholders, enhanced resource management, streamlined operations, and a strong focus on technical support and training. With these measures in place, the project can achieve its intended outcomes and deliver value to all participating institutions.