NEEC Urges Youth to Embrace Saving Culture as Chase Foundation Promises New Hope for Tanzanian Youth.

By Our Correspondent

The Executive Secretary of the National Economic Empowerment Council (NEEC), CPA Beng'i Issa  has urged young people to save money and abandon the habit of spending more than they earn.

Beng’i made this appeal over the weekend in Dar es Salaam while launching the Chase Your Dreams Foundation, which aims to be a source of hope for Tanzanian youth striving to achieve their dreams in the areas of economy, education, and entrepreneurship.

He said that if young people embrace the culture of saving and avoid spending beyond their income, they will undoubtedly succeed in their plans and ultimately fulfill their dreams.

“When you get ten thousand shillings, spend five thousand. Do not spend beyond your income, otherwise you will end up borrowing for consumption, while loans are meant for business development or investment.”

The Secretary stated that the arrival of the Chase Foundation brings renewed motivation for youth development, and he believes that within five years, a large group of young people will have been reached.

Beng’i said that Tanzania as a nation can make significant progress through its youth, and therefore his office will prioritize this group.

“The development of a nation depends on its youth. The government is ready to work together with such institutions to ensure that youth achieve their goals and contribute to national development as a whole.”

He said success does not come by chance, but through planning, hard work, and acting on what inspires a person within their dreams.

“Once you have a dream, you must have a plan to fulfill it. You cannot dream and then remain idle. Dreams are not built by words but by actions and discipline.”

CPA Ben’g also urged young people to engage in productive activities and avoid idleness, noting that the government is committed to empowering youth, including the plan to establish a Ministry of Youth, as mentioned in President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s speech during the inauguration of the 13th Parliament.

He encouraged youth not to fear the world of success, emphasizing that life involves failure and moving forward. Therefore, if they fail, they should rise again and not fear undertaking big endeavors.

He explained that the economy is a crucial pillar of a person’s respect in society and even in the family, as lacking financial stability can lead to humiliation in marriage, family, or social settings.

The Secretary also urged youth to take advantage of opportunities offered by the government, including public procurement for small groups, youth, women, and disability loans, as well as participation in major projects being implemented in the country.

For her part, the Foundation’s Director, Lightness Makondo, said Chase Your Dreams was established in response to challenges faced by Tanzanian youth who fail to achieve their dreams due to lack of proper education, resources, and professional mentorship.

“Every young person has a dream that can bring great change to society. A dream that is not implemented remains a vision without direction.”

She said the foundation was officially launched in March 2024 with five main programs, including the After School Giving Program, which provides education and guidance to school leavers to help them shape their life direction.

Another program is the Entrepreneurship Development Program, which helps young people identify opportunities, start businesses, and grow them with the right skills.

“We also have the Light Vikoba Program, which focuses on investing and saving for youth to build the foundation of financial discipline. The Giving Back Program returns support to the community through various projects and services,” she said.

She added that there is also a Capacity Building Program, through which they have reached 1,200 young people who have received training in education, entrepreneurship, and financial management.

Makondo said the establishment of the new Ministry of Youth will be an important bridge between them and youth in matters of economy, education, and development.

The Director said Chase is a new light for Tanzanian youth. “It is a call to wake up, take action, plan, and use available opportunities to build a better life, a strong economy, and a nation empowered by its youth. Dreams are not built by words; they are built by action, discipline, planning, and courage,” she said.

Joanitha Jeremiah from the Visionary Youth Organization emphasized the importance of young people using social media beneficially, including learning, doing business, and building development networks, instead of wasting time on arguments, insults, and showcasing fake lifestyles.

Lawyer Fredric Usiku urged youth to stop being afraid, saying fear causes great loss. “If you fail to make decisions, you will fail to reach where you want to go.”

He said that to be a good entrepreneur, one must be willing to sacrifice, learn, build knowledge, and be brave enough to take action.

Fashion Designer Feith Debora commended the Chase Foundation for supporting youth, noting that for a long time, young people have lacked support from fellow youth.