Mkombozi

Vocational Training &Community Development Centre
Youth & Women's Programs


Mkombozi Women’s Group (MWG)

Originally, the Mkombozi Women's Group is a spontaneous gathering of women running local businesses such as tailoring workshops, food stalls, kiosks or small farms. During the weekly MWG meeting, they share experiences and seek practical knowledge that is likely to help them improve their practices and develop their business. As simple ideas are often a stepping stone to flourishing enterprises, community education seems to reap the most benefits for the women of Moshi. The programme is based on discussions rather than lectures and the subject matter is put into perspective through an interactive approach.

Environment Conservation / Technologies

The women are familiarized with simple technologies with a double aim: to save money and to preserve the environment. Solar energy, 'wonderbox' steam cooker and water purification techniques are some of the topics tackled with the group. All of these innovations are easily implemented in Tanzania, since they require little material and little investment. Where capital is needed – for the purchase of solar panels for instance - the women are able to pull their resources together towards the achievement of a common goal.

Youth

A thorough look at the youth in Moshi reveals that many a talent goes wasted for want of opportunities for artistic expression. The purpose of Mkombozi Youth Group (in short MYG) is to encourage young artists of different backgrounds to realize their potential through visual arts, fine arts, music, singing, dance and drama.

Ranging in age from 15 to 35, the MYG members meet once a week to assess the progress of the group's activities and plan the upcoming events. They are supported in their creativity by fellow artists and educators. Rehearsals take place at the centre in Moshi but the group's performances are staged all over Tanzania.

Much has been achieved since the creation of the Mkombozi Youth Group. Singers and musicians have been given the chance to record their own CD while dancers regularly perform in traditional dance shows. As far as visual arts are concerned, MYG enables its members to hone their drawing and painting skills through workshops. Postcards, paintings and batiks produced by the participants are exhibited and sold to support the project. Any individual talent is naturally welcome for all to grow in each other's inspiration.