With funding from the UK Government, Lyra has just completed the successful implementation of a two year program to “empower rural youth and marginalized groups to create sustainable livelihoods”. The project followed Lyra’s unique Imarika Kijana ‘Strong Youth’ (IK) program, which creates new opportunities for youth, aged 15-28, who have limited employment options. By providing an innovative training and “learning-by-doing” package, participants' mindsets and futures are transformed.
This two year project not only met all its milestones and exceeded its targets, but provided the evidence on how to lift marginalized rural youth out of poverty. The headline results from this project include
1,667 graduated from Lyra’s Imarika Kijana course, with 65% of graduates being women and 2% people with disabilities.
The training led to significant amounts of new entrepreneurial activity, with 81% of graduates establishing new businesses as a result of the training. Further, 69% of those with pre-existing businesses stated that the training had helped them to improve their business.
One year after completing the training, 1667 graduates (65% women and 2% people with disabilities) reported having ongoing businesses that were making regular profits. The overall business survival rate was 98% after a year – compared to an overall business survival rate of 57% at the baseline, and just a 41% survival rate in the first 12 months – suggesting significant improvements in business acumen.
The most improved area of business was access to capital, as claimed by 69% of respondents with over half of respondents relying on Lyra-supported SLAs to finance their businesses. As a result, average business start-up capital increased by 73%, from £17.70 (50,000TSH) to £30.50 (86,000TSH).
Overall, 86% of respondents saw an increase in their incomes attributable to the project, and 58% saw at least a doubling of their incomes. As a result, 57% of graduates moved above the US$1.90/day poverty line as a result of the project, as median income rose from £4.60 (13,000TSH) per week to £13.20 (37,000TSH) per week.
Through the project 43 Savings and Loans Associations were started, with 810 members, 69% of which were women. Average weekly savings were£40 (120,000TSH), compared to a target of £30.
In serving the most marginalised members of its focal communities – namely women, youth, and people with disabilities - the project has helped to lift substantial numbers of disadvantaged individuals above the poverty line, and equipped them with skills, knowledge, and services that should stand to benefit them for years to come.
Stories from Imarika Kijana Beneficiaries
My name is Deo Msemwa from Ilambilole Village in Iringa Region. I was born with a disability. Being a Person with Disability (PWD), life is a challenge, because it is quite difficult or it takes a long time to do tasks like farming and walking long distances. Because of my disability I did not attend school.
Before attending the Lyra in Africa Imarika Kijana Programme I did not see any opportunity in my life and I thought that there was nothing I could do to make my life better.
I was surprised but very happy when I was informed about the Lyra in Africa Imarika Kijana, mostly because it is inclusive of people like me. I could not believe it, but I asked to be registered and fully attended the training. The trainers, my fellow youth from the community, and the Lyra staff who came, were all very helpful to make sure that I fully understood and participated well in all the sessions. I was also very happy to be included in the exposure trip to Iringa regardless of my disability.
As a result of the training, I decided to start with growing avocado seedlings, which I am now selling at our village, earning an average income of £1 per seedling. I also started selling water (due to shortage of water in my village) using a wheelbarrow that I borrowed from my friend, and I make at least £2 per week, with potential to earn more.
I am also a member of a savings group formed as a result of this program called Uaminifu (Trustworthy). All members are disabled. Recently we have secured an interest free loan from the district worth TZS 3,000,000 (£1,029.24). This loan is a result of Government funds where 10% of the district income goes for Savings Group, where 2% is for group members who are people with disabilities.
The group has decided to invest part of the money in sunflower farming and other part to disburse among members to invest in individual businesses. I have utilised TZS 100,000 (£35) so that I can own a wheelbarrow because I was borrowing from a friend so that I can use the opportunity of supplying water in my village.
Where next for the Lyra program?
With funding from private foundations Lyra is continuing to take the Imarika Kijana Program forward to stage two. Throughout 2022 and 2023, Lyra will be delivering tailored business training to a select cohort of youth entrepreneurs to further improve their business acumen and financial stability. Watch this space for more details!
Want more information on Lyra’s Imarika Kijana program? Contact Gift Mafue, the Lyra Imarika Kijana lead gift.mafue@lyrainafrica.org