In Tanzania, early pregnancy and school dropout rates among young girls remain high. According to the Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey (TDHS) 2020, the national adolescent pregnancy rate is 23%, with higher rates in rural areas (28%) compared to urban areas (16%). This alarming trend not only impacts the educational attainment of young women but also limits their economic prospects and overall well-being. Young mothers who drop out of school face multiple challenges, including limited employment opportunities, social stigma, and financial hardship. Without adequate skills and education, they struggle to find decent jobs, support their families, and break the cycle of poverty.

To address this critical challenge, we provide innovative project that aims to empower young mothers who have dropped out of school due to early pregnancy starting with Tanzania rural areas. Through a comprehensive vocational scholarship program, we provide these young women with the skills and knowledge necessary to become self-sufficient and contribute positively to their communities.

The NVF seeks funding support to provide vocational training and education to selected young mothers in marketable skills such as tailoring, hairdressing, beauty therapy, and computer literacy and as per their needy. To enhance the employability and income-generating potential of young mothers, enabling them to secure sustainable employment or establish their own businesses, to promote self-reliance and economic independence among young mothers, fostering financial stability and reducing reliance on external support, to contribute to the social inclusion and empowerment of young mothers, combating stigma and promoting active participation in community life.

It is expected that, selected young mothers will acquire marketable vocational skills and knowledge, at least 70% of beneficiaries will secure employment or start their own businesses within six months of completing their training, total 80% of beneficiaries will report an increase in their income within one year of completing their training, total 90% of beneficiaries will express increased self-confidence and self-esteem.

By empowering these young mothers with vocational skills and knowledge, we can break the cycle of poverty and marginalization, enabling them to reach their full potential and contribute to the social and economic development of their communities.