Project Summary
This project aims to empower 100 to 150 disadvantaged youth annually, aged 15 to 25, through comprehensive training in crop production and horticulture at the Don Bosco Youth Training Center. Situated in the Iringa region, the center will provide both theoretical and practical training, targeting young people from rural areas of Iringa and neighboring regions, where agriculture is a primary economic activity but youth engagement is low due to traditional farming methods and climate change impacts.
The project is designed to revitalize the agricultural economy in the southern highlands of Tanzania, reducing rural-urban migration by equipping youths with modern farming skills and entrepreneurial capabilities. By fostering a new generation of agricultural entrepreneurs, the initiative aims to improve agricultural productivity, increase incomes, enhance food security, and ultimately reduce poverty in the region.
Project Main Objective:
To inspire and equip disadvantaged youth with modern agricultural skills and entrepreneurial capabilities to enhance their livelihoods and reduce rural-urban migration.
Project Outcomes:
- Improved agricultural productivity and rural livelihoods.
- Increased incomes of small-scale farmers.
- Enhanced food security.
- Reduced poverty.
Project Stakeholders
- Project Sponsor: OBOS (One Body One Spirit Movement, Caritas Seoul)
- Implementing Partner: DBYTC
- Key People: Fr. Fredrick Swai, Cassian Bilikwija, and Joseph Ngomite
Current Status
The construction of a classroom for 50 students, an office for teachers, and a store is nearing completion. The second installment of funding is expected in July after the submission of the interim report. Upcoming activities include finishing the building, equipping it with necessary facilities, installing one greenhouse, and preparing an open farm field for practical student training. The project is on track and expected to conclude in December, with progress being highly satisfactory.