Ending Exploitation, Empowering Futures: Vocational Training for Girls

In Tanzania, over 3.6 million children are not in school, and more than 1.5 million of them are girls. Despite free education policies, gender disparities remain stark—especially in rural areas where cultural norms, poverty, and long distances to school prevent girls from continuing their education.

In Kibaha District, one of the most underserved regions in the Pwani area:

• Only 27% of adolescent girls complete secondary school

• 49% of the population lives below the global poverty line

• Girls are at high risk of child labor, early pregnancy, and exploitation

To address these challenges, the Daughters of Mary Immaculate (DMI) and collaborators are launching a holistic initiative to protect and empower adolescent girls in Kibaha, a rural district with limited access to secondary education. The project will reach 2,000 students across 10 government secondary schools and support 150 out-of-school girls annually through community-based vocational training in skills like bead-making and batik painting.

Each participant will receive a start-up kit to help generate income and support their families.

Within schools, adolescent clubs will be established as safe spaces where girls and boys can learn about life skills, reproductive health, and gender equality. These clubs will also provide counseling, sports, and peer support to help reduce dropout rates and build self-esteem. At the community level, DMI will lead awareness campaigns, local meetings, and stakeholder engagement efforts to promote the rights of girls and foster a more protective, inclusive environment.

This layered approach not only supports girls in continuing their education or gaining employable skills but also challenges the cultural norms that have historically held them back. It creates pathways for adolescent girls to live with dignity, safety, and opportunity. Expected Results

• 10 functioning adolescent clubs promoting retention, health, and confidence

• 150 out-of-school girls trained and supported with tools to start small businesses

• Increased awareness and advocacy from local communities and stakeholders

• Improved school enrollment and retention rates for girls in Kibaha

Budget Breakdown (Estimated for One Year)

1. Personnel Costs – $6,000

2. Training and Workshops for

Adolescent girls, boys and community members – $4,000

3. Purchase of materials- bead-making,

batik painting, and other vocational skills & – $3,000

4. Provision of start-up kits for out-of-school girls – $4,000

5. Community Awareness Campaign – $3,000

6. Transportation & Logistics – $2,000

7. Monitoring & Evaluation – $1,000

8. Administrative Costs – $2,000

Total Estimated Funding Needed: $25,000