Empowering Tanzanian Youth Through “What The Future Wants” Project

Introduction:

In the bustling streets of Tanzania, a remarkable partnership is taking shape to empower and engage the country’s young generation. “What The Future Wants Project” is a collaborative effort between Shamba Box, Startup Grind Arusha’s chapter, and Tactical Tech, aimed at harnessing the potential of digital technologies to transform the lives of young people and their communities. With a focus on digital literacy and interactive learning, this initiative seeks to provide a platform for reflection and dialogue on the impact of technology among Tanzanian youth.

Project’s Objectives:

1. Bridging the Language Gap: Tanzania is a country with diverse linguistic backgrounds, and to ensure inclusivity, one of the primary objectives is to translate the “What The Future Wants” materials into Swahili. By doing so, they aim to increase accessibility, especially for young people in underserved communities who might have limited exposure to English-language resources.
2. Empowering Libraries and Educators: Community-based libraries play a crucial role in promoting education and digital literacy. We aim to promote the “What The Future Wants” exhibition among librarians and educators across Tanzania. By transforming these spaces into interactive learning hubs, the project seeks to enhance the digital literacy skills of young people.
3. Virtual Workshops for Knowledge Exchange: Knowledge is a powerful tool, and to empower Tanzania’s youth further, We plan to host two virtual “What The Future Wants” workshops. These workshops will bring together representatives from youth organizations, educators, bloggers, and journalists to engage in critical discussions about the impact of digital technologies on their lives and communities.

Project Activities:

The “What The Future Wants” project encompasses a range of activities that target specific age groups and locations across Tanzania:

1. Translation of Exhibition Materials: To ensure the widest reach possible, Tactical Tech has partnered with Shamba Box to professionally translate the “What The Future Wants” exhibition and its supporting materials into Swahili. This translation effort will enable young people aged 12 to 18 and 20 to 35 from Swahili-speaking communities to access and benefit from the resources. Here is the link to translated material: https://theglassroom.org/sw/what-the-future-wants/all-exhibits/
2. Collaboration with Community Libraries: Community libraries have the potential to serve as vibrant spaces for learning and interaction. As part of the project, The project is identifying and partnering with libraries interested in hosting the “What The Future Wants” exhibition. Through these partnerships, more than 500 young people aged 16 to 35 from five cities, including Arusha, Dar es Salaam, Mwanza, Mbeya, Morogoro, and Dodoma, as well as Zanzibar, will have the opportunity to engage with the exhibitions in both English and Swahili.
3. Virtual Knowledge Exchange Workshops: The heart of the project lies in knowledge exchange. The virtual workshops conducted by Project’s partners provided a safe and dynamic space for youth representatives, educators, bloggers, and journalists to discuss and critically analyze the impact of digital technologies on their lives and communities. These workshops fostered dialogue, promoted new perspectives, and inspire young minds to be change agents in the digital era.

Events:

Virtual Workshop on the Impact of Digital Technologies on Youth NGOs: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/virtual-workshop-on-the-impact-of-digital-technologies-for-youth-ngos-tickets-661054400507

Virtual Workshop on the Impact of Digital Technologies: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/virtual-workshop-on-the-impact-of-digital-technologies-tickets-661069967067

Conclusion:

The “What The Future Wants Project” in Tanzania is a powerful collaboration that seeks to unleash the potential of young people and digital technologies for the betterment of society. By breaking language barriers, enhancing digital literacy, and fostering knowledge exchange, this initiative strives to create a generation of informed, empowered, and tech-savvy individuals who can shape the future of Tanzania.

Through the tireless efforts of Shamba Box, Startup Grind Arusha’s chapter, and Tactical Tech, the project is set to make a lasting impact on Tanzanian youth and their communities. As the project progresses, it promises to bring forth exciting developments, stories of transformation, and a future that truly reflects “What The Future Wants.” Stay tuned for updates as we journey together toward a brighter tomorrow.