OUR AREAS OF INTERVENTION
EDUCATION
Primary Education: The PDO’s work in Primary Education currently focuses on Digital Learning to narrow the country’s education gap by providing quality digital education for children from vulnerable contexts in the country. Sponsored by Telefónica Foundation and ¨la Caixa¨ Foundation this educational initiative aims to improve the education of millions of children around the country and become a model for transformation and innovation in education. This developmental initiative not only contributes to the Tanzanian Primary Education Plan-PEDP (particularly by addressing key components of the PEDP i.e., Quality improvement, and capacity building but also highly influences the remaining two components i.e., Enrollment Expansion and institutional arrangement) but also contributes to the Sustainable Development Goals-SDGs (particularly Goal no. 04 quality education).
Secondary Education: The Planning and Development Office (PDO) in Tanzania focuses its secondary education innitiatives on five key strategic areas: i) curriculum organization and implementation, ii) teaching and learning assessment, iii) co-curricular activities, iv) leadership and management, and v) school infrastructure and facilities. In collaboration with Don Bosco-established institutions at both Ordinary and Advanced levels, the PDO designs and implements various projects aligned with these core themes, aiming to enhance the quality of education and the holistic development of students especially those from disadvantaged and marginalized backgrounds.
TVET Education: The Planning and Development Office (PDO) focuses its TVET education initiatives on four key strategic themes: i) Quality and Relevance of TVET education, ii) Access and Equity, iii) Governance and Management, and iv) Funding and Financing. As part of these initiatives, the PDO designs and implements various interventions in collaboration with six Don Bosco-established TVET institutions, including one Folk Development Center (FDC), three Vocational Training Centers (VTCs), and two Technical Colleges (TCs). These institutions have been actively operating in the TVET sector for over 41 years, contributing to the development of skills and employability among youth in Tanzania.
YOUTH ANIMATION
The Planning and Development Office’s (PDO) work in Youth Animation incorporates a wide range of initiatives aimed at fostering the holistic development of young people. Key areas of focus include oratories, life skills training, youth camps, retreats, and social outreach programs. These initiatives are designed to provide young individuals with opportunities to grow not only academically and professionally, but also spiritually, socially, and emotionally.
Through oratories, the focus is mainly on creating safe, inclusive spaces where young people can engage in recreational, educational, and spiritual activities, fostering a sense of belonging within their communities. These spaces are usually envisioned to provide opportunities for youth to participate in sports, arts, and games that promote teamwork, creativity, and social bonding, while also offering academic support through tutoring and workshops to enhance intellectual growth.
Spiritual and moral development, rooted in Don Bosco’s values, are also part of oratories designed to help guide the youth’s ethical and personal growth. By encouraging community involvement and social interaction, oratories empower young people to become responsible, engaged citizens who contribute positively to society.
Through Life skills training the focus is mainly to equip young people with essential practical abilities that help them successfully navigate the challenges of everyday life and prepare for the complexities of adulthood. Essential skills such as communication, problem-solving, decision-making, and elements of emotional intelligence, time management, conflict resolution, and self-discipline, all of which are crucial for personal development and achieving long-term success. By fostering these competencies, life skills programs help young people develop the confidence, resilience, and adaptability needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world and take control of their personal and professional lives.
Youth camps and retreats are also other youth animation initiatives that aim to provide immersive experiences that allow young people to build relationships, reflect on personal values, and strengthen their faith in supportive, community-centered environments. Through activities like group discussions, team-building exercises, and outdoor adventures, these events enhance social interaction and foster a sense of belonging.
They are also designed to offer crucial opportunities for personal reflection, helping participants gain self-awareness and emotional resilience.
With a strong emphasis on spiritual growth, these gatherings are meant to encourage youth to deepen their faith and develop a sense of purpose equipping them with the emotional, social, and spiritual tools to navigate life and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
The PDO engages young people in social outreach activities, encouraging their participation in community service, volunteerism, and social justice projects. These initiatives are usually designed to provide youth with meaningful opportunities to contribute to their communities, fostering a sense of responsibility and empathy as they engage with vulnerable populations and address pressing social issues. Through hands-on involvement, they develop leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving skills, while also gaining a deeper understanding of civic engagement and the role they can play in promoting social equity. This initiative helps instill values of compassion, active citizenship, and solidarity, preparing them to be responsible and engaged members of society
All these programs are organized within Salesian educational institutions, youth centers, parishes, and other appropriate settings, aligned with the mission and philosophy of Don Bosco. The overarching goal of the Don Bosco Youth Animation Programs is to create a nurturing, inclusive environment where young people can thrive, develop their potential, and become responsible, engaged citizens who positively impact their communities.
ORPHANS AND VULNERABLE CHILDRENS (OVC)
The Planning and Development Office (PDO) interventions also direct a strong emphasis on supporting orphans and vulnerable children (OVC), recognizing them as a key beneficiary group in its mission to uplift marginalized populations. These children often face significant challenges, including a lack of access to basic needs such as education, healthcare, and a stable home environment. Many are at heightened risk of poverty, exploitation, and social exclusion. To address these challenges, the PDO works closely with Don Bosco institutions and local communities to provide comprehensive care and support tailored to the unique needs of OVCs.
This support includes educational initiatives that ensure orphans and vulnerable children have access to quality schooling, vocational training, and life skills programs that help them build a foundation for a self-sufficient future. Through these educational efforts, the PDO not only aims to break the cycle of poverty but also empowers these children to grow into capable, confident adults who can contribute meaningfully to society.
In addition to education, the PDO also designs and implements innitiatives to offer psychosocial support through counseling, mentorship, and peer engagement activities. This helps children cope with the emotional and psychological difficulties that arise from the loss of family members or unstable home environments.
The PDO also works to address basic needs such as healthcare, nutrition, and shelter for orphans and vulnerable children. Partnering with community organizations, donors, and healthcare providers, the PDO ensures that these children receive the essential resources needed for their well-being and development.
Ultimately, the PDO’s focus on orphans and vulnerable children is rooted in its commitment to social justice, striving to create equitable opportunities for those who are most at risk of being left behind. The PDO seeks to ensure that every child, regardless of their circumstances, has the chance to succeed and live a dignified life.
AGRICULTURE
The PDO’s work in Agriculture is based on the fact that agriculture has become a key area of focus for Don Bosco Tanzania (DBTZA) as part of its broader mission to provide education and training, ensure food security, particularly in Don Bosco communities, and diversify the congregation’s economy. Recognizing the critical role agriculture plays in both the livelihood of local communities and the broader national economy, DBTZA is committed to integrating agricultural initiatives into its programs to enhance the skills of young people and local farmers, while also promoting sustainable practices.
The PDO’s agricultural efforts are centered on sustainable agriculture, which emphasizes environmentally friendly practices such as organic farming, efficient water management, and soil conservation. This targeted approach is meant to help protect natural resources but also ensure long-term productivity and resilience in the face of climate change. In addition to sustainable methods, the PDO’s work also incorporates conventional agriculture in certain contexts, depending on the local needs and conditions. This dual approach allows the Don Bosco institutions to provide comprehensive training that is both relevant and adaptable to the diverse agricultural landscapes in Tanzania.
Through agricultural education and training programs, the focus is to enhance the equipment of youth, farmers, and community members with practical skills and modern farming techniques, enabling them to increase productivity and improve their livelihoods.
The focus on agriculture also ties directly into the goal of food security, as the projects are designed to ensure that Don Bosco institutions have access to sufficient, nutritious food.
Additionally, the PDO’s work on agricultural initiatives with other DB institutions is to enhance the provision of a new avenue for the economic diversification of the congregation. By cultivating crops, raising livestock, and engaging in agro-processing, DB institutions are projected to generate additional income streams that can contribute to the financial sustainability of their programs and institutions. This will help reduce dependency on external funding while supporting the congregation’s long-term development goals.
EMPLOYMENT ORIENTATION
As part of its commitment to empowering youth and improving livelihoods, the Planning and Development Office (PDO) focuses on Employment Orientation as a key intervention through its Job Services Office (JSO). This initiative is specifically designed and implemented to address the pressing issue of youth unemployment by equipping young people with the skills, knowledge, and guidance needed to successfully transition from education to employment. The intervention focuses on bridging the gap between vocational training and the job market, ensuring that graduates of Don Bosco institutions are well-prepared to secure meaningful employment and build sustainable careers.
The Employment Orientation program takes a holistic approach, offering a wide range of services aimed at enhancing employability. This includes career counseling, where participants receive personalized guidance to identify their strengths, interests, and career paths. The later helps young people make informed decisions about their professional futures, whether they choose to pursue further education, technical training, or immediate employment.
A key component of the intervention is skills development, particularly in areas that are in high demand in the labor market. Through workshops, seminars, and hands-on training, the JSO usually equips youth with essential soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. These efforts ensure that young people have the practical tools needed to thrive in today’s competitive job market. The JSO also facilitates job placement opportunities by establishing partnerships with local businesses, industries, and organizations.
The Employment Orientation intervention has an entrepreneurship component that encourages young people to explore self-employment and entrepreneurial ventures, particularly in sectors such as agriculture, small-scale manufacturing, and services. This focus on entrepreneurship helps foster a mindset of innovation and self-reliance, empowering participants to create their own opportunities and contribute to local economic development.
In addition to practical training, the PDO, through the JSO, offers job search assistance, including resume writing, interview preparation, and access to job listings. This comprehensive support helps young people navigate the complexities of finding employment and increases their chances of success. The program also emphasizes the importance of ongoing professional development, encouraging participants to continually upgrade their skills and adapt to changes in the job market.
The Employment Orientation program is particularly impactful in underserved communities, where youth often face significant barriers to employment, such as limited access to resources, networks, and training opportunities. By offering targeted interventions in these areas, the PDO aims to reduce unemployment, promote economic inclusion, and improve the overall quality of life for young people and their families.
OUR NETWORK IN TANZANIA
Don Bosco PDO Tanzania, Operates through Nine Regions in Tanzania on which it integrates efforts to enreach target beneficiaries which are orphans and vulnerable children (OVC), marginalized and youth at-risk, unemployed or underemployed youth/individuals, and those affected by HIV/AIDS