Empowering the Next Generation: A Career Development Workshop for Youth Leaders

In today’s fast paced world, where innovation and adaptability are crucial, equipping youth with the skills to excel in the professional landscape has never been more vital. The Career Development Workshop for Youth Leaders, organized under the Going Beyond Project and aligned with the Youth Leadership Program of the Going Beyond Project  by DOT and funded by the Mastercard Foundation, embodies this commitment.

Held across three regions; Dar es Salaam (facilitated by Her Initiative and Sheria Kiganjani), Mwanza (led by Haki Zetu), and Kilimanjaro (hosted by Songambele Initiative), the workshop aimed to inspire the Youth Leaders with practical employability tools and empower them to drive transformative change in their communities. Beyond technical skills, the event fostered leadership growth, bridging personal development with impactful community engagement.

The Youth Leadership Program : Fostering Transformative Change

At the heart of the workshop was the Youth Leadership Program, a cornerstone of the Going Beyond Project. This initiative empowers youth to design and implement development projects addressing critical needs within their communities. Through real world placements, participants gain invaluable experience in facilitation, digital literacy, gender equality, and 21st-century skills.

Key Outcomes of the Program;

• Youth as Local Development Leaders: Participants spearhead impactful Digital literacy Program that address grassroots challenges.
• Growth in Leadership and Visibility: Youth deepen their understanding of community challenges while building their profiles as influential leaders.
• Enhanced Career Prospects: Armed with technical and leadership skills, participants are well prepared for meaningful jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities.

Highlights from the Career Development Workshop

The workshops were enriched with expert led sessions offering insights on employability, personal branding, and navigating modern careers.

Key Sessions and Contributions

Work Ethics and Employability Skills
Glory Mlaki, Executive Director of WAE-HEAL, emphasized the importance of ethical conduct, continuous learning, and skill-building for career success.

Personal Branding in the Digital World
Pastor Gervas Evodius, Executive Director of Hakizetu, guided participants on effective use of digital platforms, addressing both opportunities and challenges posed by online spaces.

Crafting a Winning CV
Dr. Tibaijuka, Director of Postgraduate Studies at St. Augustine University, shared strategies for creating standout resumes tailored to modern employer expectations.

Design Thinking for Problem-Solving
Denish Otieno, Partnership Lead at Digital Opportunity Trust, evaluated youth leaders design thinking projects tackling challenges faced by Mwanza based NGOs.

Career Linkage Event: Bridging Dreams with Opportunities

The workshops culminated in a Career Linkage Event, designed to connect youth with professional opportunities and inspire them to pursue their aspirations.

Event Highlights

Developing the Right Mindset for Career Growth
Facilitated by Mr. Oswald Manyerere, the session emphasized goal setting, discipline, and the value of technical skills for career advancement.

Mastering the Job Search
Gillian Mbaga from KaziConnect conducted a session on writing effective cover letters and resumes, acing interviews, and staying resilient during the job search.

Panel Discussions and Industry Insights
Industry leaders like Lydia Charles (Her Initiative), Neema Magimba (Sheria Kiganjani), and Zuhura Ahmad (Women in Recycling Foundation) shared personal stories and strategies for overcoming challenges.

Leveraging Digital Opportunities
Norah Daniel (travel content creator) and Baraka Mafole (founder of Bongobytes Tech) showcased how digital tools can unlock career possibilities.

A Platform for Leadership and Innovation

The workshop celebrated youth leaders  ability to tackle real world challenges. Youth Leaders  presented innovative solutions to challenges faced by NGOs like Nourish Africa, NIHEKIMA PEKEE, and MYCN, receiving feedback to refine their ideas.

Notable Contributions

• Twende Social Innovation Center: John Nzira’s thought provoking insights inspired participants.
• NGO Partnerships: Youth leaders design thinking solutions were well received by attending organizations, demonstrating their ability to drive impact.

Shaping the Future of Change Makers

The Career Development Workshop exemplified the power of combining professional growth with youth leadership. By integrating practical career insights with the outcomes of the Leadership Program, the initiative has equipped youth leaders to become trailblazers in their fields while driving transformative change in their communities.

As one participant shared:
“This workshop has opened my eyes to new opportunities and inspired me to take charge of my career and community.”

This event is a testament to the potential of collaboration, innovation, and youth driven change. Together, initiatives like these are shaping a generation of leaders ready to tackle the challenges of an ever evolving world.

Stay tuned for more stories of empowerment and transformation!