Sweden and UNFPA Empower Youth and First-Time Mothers at Yombo Vocational Centre

Mark Bryan Schreiner Mwakilishi Mkaazi UNFPA Tanzania

Yombo - Dar es Salaam, 30 September 2025 

Hope, opportunity, and celebration filled the air at the Yombo Vocational and Rehabilitation Centre for Persons with Disabilities, as the Embassy of Sweden and UNFPA Tanzania joined forces to empower young people—especially first-time mothers, adolescent girls, and youth with disabilities.

Through Country Programme Support valued at 30 million Swedish Kronor (approx $2.8m), Sweden is helping ensure that no one is left behind, investing in both vocational training and sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) initiatives. This partnership directly supports Tanzania’s ambition to invest in its human capital, a cornerstone of Tanzania Development Vision 2050, which emphasizes inclusive growth, innovation, and the well-being of every citizen.

“Investing in young people, particularly first-time young mothers, is investing in Tanzania’s future. This partnership with Sweden is creating real opportunities for inclusion, empowerment, and dignity.” – Mark Bryan Schreiner, UNFPA Tanzania Representative

With Sweden’s support, the Yombo Centre has received a wide range of vital equipment—from computers and shoemaking kits to carpentry, electrical, weaving, and handicraft tools, alongside sports and recreational materials. These resources are equipping 260 students, most of them young women, with the skills needed to achieve social and economic independence, a critical step toward building a generation of self-reliant Tanzanians.

“Sweden is proud to stand with Tanzania in ensuring that young people—especially women and those with disabilities—can access both education and health care. Empowering youth with skills and opportunities means building a stronger, more equal society.” – H.E. Charlotta Ozaki Macias, Ambassador of Sweden to Tanzania

Beyond vocational training, the programme is transforming the lives of over 200 first-time young mothers, including those with disabilities, through training in leadership, entrepreneurship, and access to adolescent- and youth-friendly SRHR services. Many are now participating in savings groups (VICOBA) and microfinance schemes, turning skills into sustainable livelihoods.

The initiative also strengthens the Centre’s health facility, serving more than 16,000 people in surrounding communities, through investments in medical equipment, outpatient services, and facility renovations—ensuring good health and well-being for all.

For 17-year-old Halima Suleman, a first-time mother from Temeke, this support has been transformative.

“Before joining Yombo, I felt my future had no direction. I had dropped out of school, and caring for my baby alone was overwhelming. Today, I am learning tailoring and leadership skills, and I have access to health services for me and my child. I now believe I can build a better life for both of us.” – Halima, beneficiary

Halima’s story reflects the resilience of many young mothers who, with the right support, are rewriting their futures, turning challenges into opportunity.

The Yombo Centre is more than a training institution—it is a beacon of inclusion. By combining skills development with health and SRHR services, it empowers young people to thrive while strengthening communities through education, health, and innovation.

As Sweden and UNFPA reaffirm their partnership, the message is clear: inclusive development works. By investing in the potential of every young person, particularly those too often left behind, Tanzania is taking decisive steps toward Vision 2050, where resilience, equality, opportunity, and well-being define the nation’s path forward.