Lyra’s Imarika Kijana program targets marginalised rural youth who drop out of education early, or face limited options for a steady income.
We provide an innovative training and “learning-by-doing” package that opens mindsets and transforms futures. Read more about the Imarika Kijana program here (hyperlink).
On Thursday 11th March, Lyra arranged exposure visits for a total of 78 Imarika Kijana participants. Excitement was in the air when the participants from Imalutwa, Kiwele, Lugalo, Mikong’wi Mawindi, Ndolela, Kiwalamo and Ilutila villages arrived in Iringa.
During the day, all 78 participants visited five different businesses to learn about new opportunities and best practices for creating or growing their own businesses.
Having learnt about a range of skills including, tailoring, carpentry, animal husbandry and beekeeping, we talked to two participants to hear their thoughts of the Imarika Kijana program and the exposure visits day:
Chemasco Luhwago, 26 years old (Male) from Kiwalamo village
“The Imarika Kijana program has changed my attitude. After having started the program, I now believe that anything can happen. I am about to start my own business growing maize and beans. The Imarika Kijana program motivated me, and I see different opportunities for what I want to do. Today’s study tour has given me a lot of other options, and I have much to share with my fellow program participants – my brothers and sisters - who are not here. My favourite was learning about animal husbandry.”
Rosemary Kipingi, 18 years old (Female) from Kiwalamo village
“I have learnt a lot of things from the Imarika Kijana program which can help me in my life, and take me to the next level. The exposure visits have been very good because I have learnt a lot of things that I did not know. I take this as an opportunity and will start practicing, and also teach others who are not with us today. My favourite was Neema Crafts, because my dream is to be a hotel manager.”
Lyra would like to thank Neema Crafts, Kulanga beekeeping project, VETA Mgongo, Rijk Zwaan and Kuku Point for sharing their knowledge and skills with the Imarika Kijana participants.
Next up for the participants who completed the Imarika Kijana training, is forming savings and loans groups together with other community members. Through the village savings and loans groups, Lyra trains the members to become financially self-sufficient.
The activities under the Imarika Kijana program are delivered as part of the 2-year project ‘Empowering rural youth and marginalized groups to create sustainable livelihoods’, which is funded with UK aid from the UK government. Through the project, about 2,000 rural based youth will benefit, approximately 60% female and 3% youth with disability.