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We Are Recruiting a New UK Board Position - Treasurer!
Are you are new our Board Treasurer?
Lyra in Africa was founded in Tanzania in 2012 and is a registered charity in both the UK (No. 1146496) and in Tanzania (I-NGO/798800), and continues to be guided by the three committed Boards of Directors in the UK, Tanzania, and Finland. At the very core of our efforts is the belief that women’s economic empowerment is a human rights issue and that their equal participation in the economic, social, and cultural lives of their communities is key to a more prosperous future for all. Our primary focus is to ensure this empowerment by supporting the advanced education of rural girls and in enabling them to take their places as future community leaders.
Vision and mission: Our vision is economically sustainable and vibrant communities in rural Tanzania. We believe in the power of education to help end poverty. We work to equip youth, focusing on girls to drive systemic change, and create a positive multiplier effect throughout their rural communities.
Leadership and Board: Lyra in Africa operates on a lean structure, with no global head office, to ensure that funds are focused on delivery in Tanzania. Two members of the Senior Management Team are based globally (working from home) with the rest of the team based in Iringa, Tanzania.
Three Boards govern the work of Lyra: UK, Tanzania and Finland. Each board has their own Board chair, and structure. The Treasurer is UK Board member, but will work closely with the Tanzania Board and Finland Board.
Meetings and travel: The Lyra Boards meet quarterly, with an AGM once a year. Board members are expected to attend each of these meetings, including the AGM. Across the three Boards, Lyra has Board Sub Committees (BSC), which are made up of Board members and Lyra staff. The BSC aim to meet quarterly. The Board Treasurer is the chair of the BSC on Finance, Audit and Risk. The majority of the Board meetings are held virtually. Lyra aims to hold at least one Board meeting face to face in London or the surrounding area once a year. All Lyra Board members are encouraged to visit the programs in Tanzania at least once during their tenure. As a small charity, Lyra encourages Board members to self fund these international trips.
Commitment to safeguarding: Lyra in Africa is fully committed to safeguarding as an integral part of the work we undertake. Lyra recognises that all children and young people have the right to freedom from abuse and to be in an environment where safety and security are paramount. We take very seriously our responsibility and duty to ensure that we, as an organisation, and anyone who represents us does not in any way harm, abuse or commit any other act of violence against children and young people or place them at risk of the same. All Board members are required to conduct relevant safeguarding training prior to taking up their role with Lyra.
Terms of Reference: Lyra UK Board Treasurer
Prepare and submit Lyra’s Annual Return and Accounts to the Charities Commission
Assist in the preparation and presentation of the annual budget to trustees
Review records of income and expenditure and transfers to Tanzania
Review monthly accounts for Lyra, including bank reconciliations and spot checks for receipts.
Ensure that funds received and grants made comply with donor guidelines and are being disbursed in accordance with agreed terms and budgets
Present an up to date financial report at Trustee meetings
Provide guidance to Lyra to ensure compliance with Charity Commission guidelines
Make recommendations where needed for strengthening effectiveness or accountability, for example, currency management, expenses policy
Contribute to improving the financial reporting system as needed.
Support funding applications, where financial information is required.
Chair the Board Sub Committee on Finance, Audit and Risk
Estimated workload: 5-8 hours per month
Qualities and knowledge for the Lyra in Africa UK Board Treasurer role
Knowledge of UK charity regulation
Minimum accounting experience: ability to prepare balance sheet and profit and loss accounts
UK recognized accounting qualification desirable
Ability to handle moderately complex spreadsheets
Interest and passion for supporting international development, specifically girls’ education and economic empowerment.
Opportunities to get further involved in Lyra’s direct programme work if desired, for example, supporting a new financial literacy initiative.
Deadline: 14th of January, 2022
Applications: Please send a one-page application letter together with your CV of no more than two pages to: info@lyrainafrica.org
Due the number of applications received please note that Lyra regretfully do not offer individual feedback to applicants. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
2021 Tanzanian Education Network/ ‘Mtandao Wa Elimu Tanzania’ (TEN/MET) AGM Meeting
From the 24th - 25th of November 2021, Lyra in Africa participated at the 2021 TEN/MET Annual General Meeting (AGM). TEN/MET (www.tenmet.or.tz) is a national network of non-state actors in education which follows a vision that every Tanzanian child has the right to equal opportunity to quality education. Created in 1999, its mission is to strengthen the capacity of existing Community Service Organisations (CSOs) through networking, research, advocacy, etc. Since establishment, TEN/MET has gone on to become leaders in education influencing policies and practices on basic education for all in Tanzania in a collective and informed manner.
This year’s AGM was remarkable for multiple reasons. This was the first time that a TEN/MET Meeting had been held in the Iringa Region, which played extra significance on Lyra in Africa as an organisation as we are the only member out of 158 members, whose work is based in the Region.
In a proud moment for Lyra in Africa as an organisation, we were elected to join the TEN/MET Board for the next coming 3 years. An exclusive membership including 15 members, only delegates three spaces for INGOs. Other elected INGOs added as TEN/MET Board Members include FeminaHip and ADD International. This positioning places Lyra in Africa at the forefront of decision-making processes regarding Tanzanian Education and we look forward to learning from others and sharing our knowledge to encourage and advocate for access to quality education for rural students.
This conference also saw the addition of seven new members including our partners Camara Education Tanzania (CET) as well as; Candle Shining Development (CSD), Fadhili Teens Tanzania, Mahika Children and Youth Organisation (MCYO), Next Generation Keepers (NGK), Pathways Foundation for the Poor (PFP) and Tree of Hope. Karibu to our new TEN/MET members!
Ending the TEN/MET Conference on a high note. On the 25th of November, we were excited to listen to a historic announcement by Tanzania’s Education Minister, Prof. Joyce Ndalichako issuing a statement that Tanzania will be expanding and ensuring a girls’ right to access to formal education, particularly pregnant students and young mothers into government schools. This important decision underscores Tanzania’s commitment to support the more than 120,000 girls who drop out of school annually, 6,500 of which are due to early pregnancy (World Bank, 2021). An admirable commitment from the Tanzanian Government, this marks the first time in decades that girls and young women will have a chance to complete their education. Motions in support of this decisions have already started to take effect in such as the following resource offering contact details for free education to women who couldn't finish their studies due to pregnancy:
Given the opportunity to be elected onto TEN/MET’s Board, Lyra in Africa looks forward to playing a larger and more formal role in enhancing quality education for all across Tanzania!
Lyra in Africa - Head of Operations
Are you our new Head of Operations?
Please note this vacancy is now closed and no longer receiving applications
Lyra in Africa
Head of Operations
November, 2021
www.lyrainafrica.or.tz
Lyra in Africa Organization (Lyra) is a registered Tanzanian Non-Governmental Organization based in Iringa. Lyra’s mission is to create vibrant communities by improving education and income opportunities for girls and women across rural Tanzania. Lyra seeks to recruit a dedicated, self-motivated and highly organised individual for a new position of Head of Operations, which is recruited on a fixed term contract till June 2022 (renewable).
Role: Head of Operations
Location: Iringa, Tanzania
Preferred start date: December, 2021
Contract: Full time until the 30th June 2022 (Renewable)
Reports to: National Director
Supervisory Responsibilities: Direct supervisor for all Lyra program leads
Travel: Frequent travel to Lyra field locations will be required
Languages: Excellent English, both written and spoken, as well as a knowledge of Swahili an advantage
As a member of Lyra’s Senior Management Team, the Head of Operations will provide leadership and management of Lyra programs with an enhanced focus on digital learning, partner engagement, safeguarding, risk and compliance. The Head of Operations will act as the Deputy to the National Director and will be a full and active member of the Lyra senior management team.
Roles and Responsibilities
In collaboration with each Lyra program team, the Head of Operations will be responsible for planning, integrating, coordinating and monitoring day to day operations to ensure all services are delivered to a high quality standard and in an efficient manner.
Lead the implementation of the Lyra Digital Learning Program
Collaborate with programming team leads, finance and Lyra Senior Management Team, to ensure appropriate project expenditures are in line with financial plans and proper stewardship of material sources.
Lead the process for the preparation and monitoring of annual budget plans and grant budgets to ensure they reflect maximum operational efficiency and budgetary compliance. Set and provide technical oversight of internal processes for approving expenses, monitoring spending, and making budget adjustments in line with operational and programmatic needs with donor requirements.
Anticipate, identify and address challenges that affect the proper stewardship, risk and optimal utilisation of program assets and resources (financial, human, and material).
Manage all Lyra Program team leads and effectively manage and grow talent. Manage team dynamics and staff well being. Provide coaching, strategically tailor individual development plans, and complete performance management for direct reports. Monitor and assess performance to ensure adequate capacity for successful support of high quality programs.
Oversee compliance with NGO and donor requirements and local laws and regulations through periodic systems checks, and review of Lyra’s policies and procedures. Act as lead contact and responder to issues that emerge from internal and external audits and provide recommendations and guidance to implement improvements
Lead on the process of Monitoring - evaluation and learning
Ensure implementation of the Organization safeguarding policy and procedures by all organisation stakeholders including staff, contractors, consultants, etc.
As part of the Senior Management Team, contribute towards fundraising activities for the Organization Budget
Act as the Deputy for the National Director
Excellent strategic, analytical, systems thinking, and problem-solving skills, with capacity to see the big picture and ability to make sound judgment and decisions.
Strong relations management abilities. Ability to work collaboratively in an instinctively inclusive manner
Strong team leadership and management experience
Proactive, resourceful, solutions-oriented and results-oriented
Knowledge and experience of multiple public donors’ regulations, including FCDO, highly preferred.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Staff management experience and abilities that are conducive to a learning environment.
Knowledge of procurement and office administration/management issues.
Proficient in MS Office package (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Visio), Web Conferencing Applications, and information and budget management systems.
Demonstrated commitment to respect, equity, diversity and inclusion, including gender equality.
Strong understanding and commitment to safeguarding
Experience of working in the NGO sector with a strong understanding of the local legal requirements within Tanzania
Basic Qualifications
Strong project management skills and experience
Minimum of 5 years of work experience in a management position with progressive responsibilities.
Additional experience may substitute for some education; additional education may substitute for some experience.
Understanding of financial systems, including budgeting and budget/expense analysis experience.
Applications: Please send a one-page application letter together with your CV of not more than two pages to: info@lyrainafrica.org
Deadline: 19th of November, 2021
NB: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted Lyra is an equal opportunity employer. Female candidates are encouraged to apply.
Lyra in Africa - Community Development Officer
Are you our new Community Development Officer? Find out below…
PLEASE NOTE THIS VACANCY IS NOW CLOSED
Lyra in Africa
Community Development Officer
November, 2021
www.lyrainafrica.or.tz
Lyra in Africa Organization (Lyra) is a registered Tanzanian Non-Governmental Organization based in Iringa. Lyra’s mission is to create vibrant communities by improving education and income opportunities for girls and women across rural Tanzania. Our main task is to give girls safety from abuse so that they can complete their studies and increase their access to secondary education and economic opportunities. Safeguarding and the wellbeing on those Lyra supports, underpins all the work that Lyra does, and we are committed to continually strengthen this area.
As part of this commitment, Lyra seeks to recruit a dedicated, self-motivated and highly organised individual for a Community Development Officer position.
Role: Community Development Officer (CDO)
Location: Iringa, Tanzania
Preferred start date: December 2021
Duration: Seven months up to 30th June 2022, renewable subject to funding availability Reports to: National Director
Travel: Frequent travel to Lyra field locations will be required
Key Roles:
I: Community Development:
1. Coordinate all community development activities in the areas where Lyra works.
2. Coordinate Community participation in the design, planning, implementation, management, and evaluation of all Lyra projects.
3. Stakeholder Engagement: The CDO will, together with the Lyra team, prepare a stakeholder engagement plan, and actively engage with Lyra key Community Stakeholders.
4. Community Participation: To motivate and ensure the community members devise strategies to participate in agreed joint projects to ensure long term sustainability.
5. Training: Provide training to Lyra staff as well as different stakeholder groups on:
· Communicative methods of community and independent work
· Safeguarding and Child Protection
· Monitoring: The CDO will work with the project teams to monitor all Lyra’s programs progress based on established indicators and will lead in demonstrating program accountability and learning in the communities.
6. Data: The CDO will collect, and document village, ward, district and regional statistics for project planning and reporting
II: Community Safeguarding:
1. Training: Provision of regular training to Lyra staff, volunteers, interns, consultants, partners, contractors, and Board members on aspects of safeguarding and child protection, to ensure compliance and to build awareness and understanding of how they are the safeguarding front of Lyra.
2. Capacity Building: of downstream partners and contractors/suppliers to comply with and implement aspects of Lyra’s safeguarding policy.
3. Policy: Regular reviews and update of the Lyra Safeguarding Policy and Procedures in line with the Tanzanian laws and best practice.
4. Safeguarding Tools: Review current tools and design appropriate and innovative youth- friendly tools (in Kiswahili) to improve community awareness of Lyra’s approach to Safeguarding and how to report.
5. Develop key safeguarding messages in Kiswahili, to share with communities that Lyra works with through the Lyra SMS database.
6. Strengthen the systems of how feedback is received and dealt with from Lyra beneficiaries, such as through the Lyra suggestions boxes and Whistleblowing Line.
7. Monitoring: Maintaining quality and confidential records, files and logs of safeguarding cases, and carrying out regular spot checks in the field to ensure that Lyra’s safeguarding policies and procedures are being upheld.
III: Reporting:
Prepare and report weekly, monthly and quarterly on community development work and safeguarding.
You may occasionally be required to work on weekends and/or public holidays, for which time off in lieu will be granted
Skills and experience essential
· Minimum three years of relevant technical and practical knowledge and experience on community development and child and young people’s safeguarding
· Graduate level degree in community development, social sciences, social work, psychology, or relevant field of study, or equivalent work experience
· Experience working with young people in Tanzania
· Experience in developing and implementing organisational child protection or safeguarding policies and procedures
· Culturally aware and respectful - sensitive about the cultures in which we operate
· Safeguarding experience and knowledge of local context
· Knowledge, skills and experience in participatory methods and community development.
· Competent in excel and word and other relevant online tools for this role
· Ability to work independently as well as part of a geographically dispersed team
· Commitment to Lyra’s mission and values
· Fluent written and spoken English and Kiswahili
NB: Lyra in Africa is an equal opportunity employer. Due to the interactive nature required of the role, female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply
Please send your CV (not more than 2 pages) to info@lyrainafrica.org. Deadline: 12 November 2021. Only successful candidates will be contacted.
Lyra in Africa Digital - Digital Learning Mentor
Are you our new Digital Learning Mentor? Find out below…
PLEASE NOTE THIS VACANCY IS NOW CLOSED
Lyra in Africa
Digital Learning Mentor
Lyra in Africa Organisation (Lyra) is a registered Tanzanian Non-Governmental Organisation based in Iringa, Tanzania. Lyra’s mission is to create vibrant communities by improving education and income opportunities for girls and women across rural Tanzania. Our main task is to give girls safety from abuse so that they can complete their studies and increase their access to secondary education and economic opportunities. Digital Learning (DL) is one of the four pillars of Lyra’s programs.
As part of the program, Lyra seeks to recruit a dedicated and self-motivated individual for a Digital Learning Mentor position (1 Position)
Direct Reporting Line: DL Manager
Location: Iringa region
Salary: Negotiable
Roles and Responsibilities:
To coach / train teachers on how to use DL as part of their classroom teaching to ease their day to day work.
To ensure that trained teachers are using DL as part of their classroom teaching.
Coach/train students how to use the DL platform to search for content, perform quizzes and watch educational videos and other resources in order to increase both group and self-study.
Train student leader in each class (Form I-IV) who will be supporting their fellow students to navigate the educational resources.
Provide training to Digital Learning Mentor Girls, who will be long term supporters of the DL program.
Assist in the Review and update a Coding training guide to be used for successful implementation the Lyra Coding Program in Schools.
Collect training data, prepare and submit reports to your line manager at the end of each training programme.
Formulate schedules for training programs to all Lyra supported schools and other beneficiaries of our DL program in a cost-effective manner.
Assist in preparation and coordination of Lyra Tech Annual event in line with your supervisor.
Collect data used for preparation of DL monthly, quarterly and annual report.
Prepare case studies/stories using Lyra’s format for capturing case studies/stories.
Perform technical work, including where required, software and hardware preparation, installations and troubleshooting.
Maintain a database of all Lyra Digital Learning Equipment for tracking.
Travel to Lyra schools to conduct hardware and software installations and preventive maintenance.
Assist your line manager in preparation of weekly, monthly and quarterly reports.
Provide support needed for coaching, training, data collection and related tasks.
Required Experience & Competence:
Experience with at least one coding language: HTML, C++, Python, PHP or similar.
Good facilitation skills, with the ability to motivate, direct, and train people (mainly youth) and collaborate and interact with others effectively and productively.
Good written and oral communication skills in both Swahili and English.
Commitment to excellence and ability to work both independently and in a collaborative environment.
Adaptability in dealing with change, delays or unexpected events to ensure the general welfare of the DL program.
Required Skills
ICT: Includes but not limited to knowledge in hardware (maintenance, troubleshooting, configuration, installation, etc), software (application installation, troubleshooting, configuration, etc), Networking (LAN, WiFi, Internet, etc), ICT Training and Support (User Training, Customer Support, Help Desk, etc), Coding Skills (software design, mobile apps design, HTML, JavaScript, C#, PHP etc)
Communication: Ability to prepare eye-catching reports, with figures and references. Good presentation and networking skills. Good in both English & Swahili.
Preferred Education Qualification
Diploma in Computer Science, Information Technology, Information Systems or Related Field
Mode of Application:
Applicants are invited to submit their details to info@lyrainafrica.org.
Closing date is: 10th October, 2021
Only successful applicants will be contacted.
NB: Lyra in Africa is an equal opportunity employer. Due to the interactive nature required of the role, female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply
Please send in your application by submitting both a Cover Letter and CV to the info@lyrainafrica.org
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Deputy Minister Visit to Lyra’s Ilambilole Girls Hostel
On 7th July, 2021, Lyra’s Ilambilole Girls Hostel was honoured to host Deputy Minister of Health Community Development Gender, Elderly and Children Hon. Mwanaidi Ally Khamis (MoHCDGEC). Other important guests included members of the Iringa District Council and community members from the Kising’a Ward.
In an introductory speech, Lyra’s National Director, Roselyne Mariki, discussed the inspiration behind Lyra, highlighted its achievements to-date and how it works in close collaboration with stakeholders from all levels. In collaboration with respective communities and District Councils, Lyra has built 11 hostels. Ilambilole hostel was the 11th hostel created by Lyra which was handed over in November, 2020. It also represents the second hostel which Lyra has built using Interlocking Soil Stabilised Bricks (ISSBs), where the soil had been tested by the Government National Housing Bureau Research Agency. In order to sustain the Ilambilole hostel as well as share knowledge on ISSB creation with the wider community, Lyra has trained 15 technicians from Kising’a Ward. As part of it’s zero carbon footprint model, Lyra also installs rainwater harvesting systems with storage tanks, worm sustainable toilets, plants multiple trees and provides a courtyard where students can relax. Lyra’s Ilambilole hostel is also well suited to cater for those with disabilities including wheelchair users and offers a room for a matron to take care of girls staying at the hostel.
Lyra’s Hostel Programme focuses on breaking down the barriers which would normally make it difficult for a rural girl in Tanzania to complete her secondary education, such as early pregnancies and child marriages.
“The priority in Ward Secondary school has been on building classrooms, to get the infrastructure in place for the students to get [an] education. With no priority to build dormitories for students, Lyra started working with communities to give their children a safe place to live, away from the daily challenges including sexual abuse.”
Mrs. Mariki also highlighted how Lyra’s Digital Learning Programme has leveraged learning for students, including at Ilambilole Secondary School. In 2017, Lyra introduced its Digital Learning Programme through provision of tablets and offline mobile hotspot devices called ‘RACHELs’, or Remote Access Community Hotspot Education and Learning.
Later in 2019, Lyra started installing computer labs in schools which are grid connected, such as Ilambilole Secondary School. In partnership with Shule Direct, Lyra provides an offline Learning Management System (LMS), which has content and quizzes for secondary school students (Form I-IV) as per the Tanzanian Curriculum.
During her visit, Hon. Mwanaidi Ally Khamis had the opportunity to see how the LMS setup in the computer lab works and its impact on students meeting Sharifa Mohammed (Form IV, Lyra Ilambilole hostel occupant). She explained how valuable the learning material provided by LMS was to herself and her fellow students. She also expressed her appreciation for the ICT Clubs started by Lyra which has helped students learn how to engage with computers and ICT skills. Hon. Mwanaidi Ally Khamis then congratulated the teachers for their great work in ensuring that the students knew how to use this computer lab and the interactive learning content and quizzes it provided.
In a powerful message, Hon. Mwanaidi Ally Khamis addressed community members stating;
“I’m very impressed with all the work that has been done through the Village Savings and Loans Associations (VSLAs). It’s great to see so many female VSLA members and to witness your business products and activities. It is an honor to meet a female Community Based Member, Mama Zuhura Nyalusi. I implore you to use the Government loans (interest free) through your District Council, in order to grow your businesses and eliminate poverty. Our President, Hon. Samia Suluhu Hassan, has prioritized women development, women rights, and economic empowerment. Use the available Gender Desks in your communities to report on violence. You also have a duty to bring up these children, as they are the future of this nation. Let them study, and complete their education”.
I would like to congratulate Lyra in recognizing the challenges facing girls, and focusing on giving them a safe place to live, through the hostels construction and especially in Government Ward Secondary Schools which are rural based. You have taken the much needed step to protect girls and tackle the challenges of sexual abuse, gender based violence, child marriages, and child pregnancies which are on the rise. You have also aligned your activities in line with the Government priorities as guided by current NGO guidelines. I’m very happy to see this dormitory for 96 girls here at Ilambilole Sec. School, see the computer laboratory and meet these female VSLA members, their Community Based Trainers, such as Mama Zuhura Nyalusi, and Imarika Kijana beneficiaries hear about their income generating activities. The Government recognizes the importance of your contribution and the contribution of NGOs towards national development. You have challenged the government to ensure that all girls have a safe place to live.
To the students, I urge you to focus on your studies, don’t be cheated by small things. Rather be confident in yourself, learn to distinguish good from bad. There are many out there who do not like the development of children. I want to see Ilambilole Secondary School as a top performing school in Iringa, and you can do it.
To the parents, I urge you to go back to our traditions of bringing up a girl child, for example, using real life stories, so that they may grow knowing what is good for them. Spend time with your children, let them share with you their needs, worries, challenges, etc,. You have the duty to train them.”
Hon. Mwanaidi Ally Khamis then went on to congratulate the Imarika Kijana (‘Empowered Youth’) Programme beneficiaries for being inspired to start their own business and asked them to tap into district funds focused on youth. Additionally, the Deputy Minister also directed that People with Disabilities (PWD) members of Ilambilole VSLA also reach out to their respective district councils so that they can tap into government loans dedicated to allowing PWD to grow their business.
Click here - to watch full video of the Deputy Minister’s Visit to Lyra’s Ilambilole Girls Hostel
We're recruiting!
PLEASE NOTE THIS VACANCY IS NOW CLOSED
Are you our new Community Safeguarding Officer? Find out below…
Lyra in Africa
Community Safeguarding Officer
Lyra in Africa Organisation (Lyra) is a registered Tanzanian Non-Governmental Organisation based in Iringa. Lyra’s mission is to create vibrant communities by improving education and income opportunities for girls and women across rural Tanzania. Our main task is to give girls safety from abuse so that they can complete their studies and increase their access to secondary education and economic opportunities. Safeguarding underpins all the work that Lyra does, and we are committed to continually strengthen this area.
As part of this commitment to safeguarding, Lyra seeks to recruit a dedicated, self-motivated and highly organised individual for a Community Safeguarding Officer position, on a part time basis.
Role: Community Safeguarding Officer
Location: Iringa, Tanzania
Preferred start date: 1st September, 2021
Contract: Part time until 30th June, 2022
Reports to: National Director
Travel: Frequent travel to Lyra field locations will be required
Closing Date: 3rd of Sept, 2021
Roles and Responsibilities:
1. Building Capacity
Ensuring that staff, volunteers and new recruits are inducted and trained regularly on all aspects of safeguarding and child protection
Ensuring that Lyra’s Board members are trained regularly in safeguarding and their specific governance responsibilities;
Building the capacity of downstream partners and contractors/suppliers to comply with and implement aspects of Lyra’s safeguarding policy;
Strengthen the Lyra capacity to build awareness and understanding of how they are the safeguarding front of Lyra
2. Strengthening Systems
Ensuring that the safeguarding policy and procedures are regularly reviewed and updated in line with Tanzania laws and best practice, and translated into Kiswahili
Mapping, vetting and regularly updating the services and referral pathways provided to survivors of safeguarding incidents in Tanzania;
Designing appropriate and innovative youth-friendly new tools and mechanisms, including in local languages and that is easily accessible, to improve community awareness of Lyra’s approach to safeguarding and of how causes for concern can be reported;
Develop key safeguarding messages to share with communities that Lyra works with through the Lyra SMS database
Strengthen the systems of how feedback is received and dealt with from Lyra beneficiaries, such as through the Lyra suggestions boxes
3. Handling Cases
Support the Lyra Safeguarding Officers and investigating team to handle and investigate safeguarding incidents, including:
Supporting staff to record safeguarding incidents
Supporting survivors to access emergency medical treatment and/or psychosocial support;
Recording written statements in interviews;
Support the Safeguarding leads in the management of safeguarding cases
Review the structure of how Lyra currently handles safeguarding cases, and make recommendations as to the most effective safeguarding structure going forward
4. Monitoring and Compliance
Ensuring that all cases are properly followed up, actioned and closed in line with the global safeguarding policy;
Maintaining high quality and confidential records, files and logs of safeguarding cases;
Ensuring that the relevant internal staff and Board members are kept fully updated
Carrying out regular spot checks in the field and with volunteers, downstream partners and contractors to ensure that Lyra’s safeguarding policies and procedures are being upheld;
Ensure that safeguarding training is fully embedded across the team, volunteers and partners, and checks are in place to ensure safeguarding policies and procedures are followed in the day to day work of Lyra
5. Reporting:
Reports of safeguarding and child protection activities should be prepared in a weekly / monthly / quarterly basis according to agreed formats and submitted to the National Director
6. Other duties as required
You may occasionally be required to work on weekends and/or public holidays, for which time off in lieu will be granted
Required Experience & Competence:
Minimum (5) years of relevant technical and practical knowledge and experience on child and young people’s safeguarding
Experience working with young people in Tanzania
Experience in developing and implementing organisational child protection or safeguarding policies and procedures
Culturally aware and respectful - curious and sensitive about the cultures in which we operate
Safeguarding experience and knowledge of local context
Knowledge, skills and experience in participatory methods, community development and partnership.
Competent in excel and word and other relevant online packages for this role
Ability to work independently as well as part of a geographically dispersed team
Commitment to Lyra’s mission and values
Fluent written and spoken English and Kiswahili
Desirable
Graduate level degree in social sciences, social work, psychology, development or relevant field of study, or equivalent work experience
Self-motivated, honest, highly responsible, and punctual
A strong network of connections within Tanzania.
Ability to work effectively in multicultural teams with varying expertise, skills and backgrounds
Collaborative team player
Adaptable - able to work in complex, unfamiliar and changing environments
Excellent critical analysis and thinking skills, solution focussed
Positive, energetic, can-do attitude
NB: Lyra in Africa is an equal opportunity employer. Due to the interactive nature required of the role, female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply
Please send in your application by submitting both a Cover Letter and CV to the info@lyrainafrica.org
Living a life full of opportunities
Lyra’s Imarika Kijana program aims at providing an innovative training to rural youths and practical knowledge on innovative entrepreneurship and business skills to improve their lives.
As part of the Imarika Kijana training, youths visit different businesses to get practical knowledge on exploring available opportunities in their communities.
On 22nd June, 76 youths from 10 villages (Mwiluti (Imalutwa), Kiwalamo, Irole, Mbigili, Nyang’oro, Ifunda, Mfyome, Uhominyi, Ibofwe and Ikengeza) visited different entrepreneurs and business centres in Iringa region. The visits were split into four learning areas:
Animal husbandry: VETA Mgongo (pigs, cows and poultry) and Kuku Point (chicken)
Farming: Rijk Zwaan and GBRI
Environmental conservation: Envibright Company
Small industries: Neema Crafts
Imarika Kijana participants and stakeholders shared testimonies on the impacts of the exposure visits and Imarika Kijana:
Zaituni Kimomeko, 23 years old (Female) from Uhominyi village
“Imarika Kijana has made me think of different business opportunities in my village. I am planning to start poultry keeping and open a restaurant. The exposure trips made me start thinking big. For example, I thought having 50 chickens is a big deal, but now I realized that I can aim to have 500 chickens for business. This was proven at Kuku Point where they keep chicken for business. I saw one chicken housing carry 1,500 chickens, not to mention the other chicken housings. I was excited to visit Kuku Point because my dream is to do poultry keeping for business.”
Benard Herry, 25 years old (Male) from Irole village
“The exposure trips showed me that one can own more than one business. It also opened my eyes to the fact that in our village there are a lot of things we do or see as normal, like traditional farming. Now I will start exploring opportunities to its fullest. I enjoyed visiting Neema Crafts where people with disabilities are making different crafts. While visiting Envibrights, I also realized that one can make money while conserving the environment. Envibright collects waste/garbage and decayed fruits, and uses the seeds to plant fruits and sell seedlings.”
Kuruthum Mbaga, Irole Ward Community Development Officer (WCDO)
“The Imarika Kijana program encourages youths to be economically independent. The approach of Imarika Kijana is really good, and I compare it with someone who wants to travel and needs a bus lift - he/she will get a lift when he is beside the road and not staying at home expecting to get a lift. The program teaches skills to rural youths which enables them to think about starting income generating activities.
Thanks to Lyra for this program in our ward and supporting government efforts toward empowering youths.”
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.
For the Love of Learning
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.
We're recruiting!
Do you want to empower girls through enhancing digital literacy? Are you our new Digital Learning Program Officer? Find out below…
Lyra in Africa Digital Learning Program
Digital Learning Program Officer Position
Lyra in Africa Organization (Lyra) is a registered Tanzanian Non-Governmental Organization based in Iringa, Tanzania. Lyra’s mission is to create vibrant communities by improving education and income opportunities for girls and women across rural Tanzania. Our main task is to give girls safety from abuse so that they can complete their studies and increase their access to secondary education and economic opportunities. Digital Learning (DL) is one of the four pillars of Lyra’s programs. Look through our website for more information about Lyra.
As part of the program, Lyra seeks to recruit a dedicated, self-motivated and highly organized individual for a Digital Learning Program Officer position (1 Position).
Direct Reporting Line: National Director
Location: Iringa region
Salary: Negotiable
Roles and Responsibilities:
Digital Learning - Supervision and Support:
Coordinate all Lyra's digital learning initiatives
Design and implement a coaching/ training guide for the Lyra DL Program for teachers to ensure that they use DL as part of their classroom teaching to ease their day to day work
Design and implement a guide for coaching/ training of students on how to use the DL platform to search for content, perform quizzes and watch educational videos and other resources, in order to increase both group and self-study. Additional focus to be given to Hostel Girls
Design and implement a guide for training student leaders in each Class (Form I – IV), who will be supporting their fellow students to navigate the educational resources
Provide training to Digital Learning Mentor Girls, who will be long term supporters of the DL program
Review and update a Coding training guide to be used for successful implementation the Lyra Coding Program in Schools
Collect training data, prepare and submit reports to your line manager at the end of each training programme
Formulate schedules for training programs to all Lyra supported schools and other beneficiaries of our DL program in a cost-effective manner
Prepare and coordinate the Lyra Tech Annual event in line with the Africa Code Week
Coordinate participation of Lyra DL team from schools in approved annual tech events, such as the Girls Entrepreneurship Summit in Dar es Salaam
Coordinate and write stories using Lyra's format for capturing stories, as will be guided by your line manager
Hostels Specific:
Coordinate and ensure collection of data in all Lyra Hostels, to ensure that at all times the organization is aware of the current status of all the Hostels in terms of occupancy, sponsorship, contact details for the Hostel Parents Committee and Matron
Update data in the Lyra database for girls provided with food support and monitor their academic performance
Technical:
Perform technical work, including where required, software and hardware preparation, installations and troubleshooting
Maintain a database of all Lyra Digital Learning Equipment for tracking
Travel to Lyra schools to conduct hardware and software installations and preventive maintenance
Research and suggest alternative technical solutions to meet technical needs of Lyra schools to increase efficiency of digital learning programs & expand usage by both teachers and students
Assist fellow DL team members, including volunteers, digital mentors, teachers and student leaders in technical backstopping, to ensure continued delivery of the DL program
Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL):
Participate actively in the development and implementation of the MEL plan
In collaboration with the Lyra MEL team, contribute to the technical design of MEL methodologies for the DL program
Design and Implement regular data collection, storage, analysis and reports
Provide support in collection of data by other Lyra staff, volunteers, digital mentors, teachers and, student leaders
Ensure quality of data collected through validation and verification
Ensure information from MEL activities is properly analysed and written up for reporting and learning
Administration:
Coordinate and communicate regularly with your line manager and team
Responsible for weekly, monthly and quarterly reporting
Ensure all relevant DL team members including volunteers, digital mentors, teachers and student leaders, are adequately trained to provide support needed for coaching, training, data collection, and related tasks
Communication:
Producing accurate and timely DL program status reports
Manage the image of the organization to clients, partners and other DL stakeholders
Design and implement different initiatives which will improve the Lyra DL program
Manage communication between Lyra and its partners, clients and other stakeholders
Communicate about Lyra programs to the different stakeholders and act as a champion for branding all our programs
Required Experience & Competence:
Experience with at least one coding language: HTML, C++, Python, PHP or similar
Good facilitation skills, with the ability to motivate, direct, and train people (mainly youth) and collaborate and interact with others effectively and productively
Good analytical and quantitative skills with a strong attention to detail
Excellent written and oral communication skills in both Swahili and English
Commitment to excellence and ability to work both independently and in a collaborative environment
Adaptability in dealing with change, delays or unexpected events to ensure the general welfare of the DL program
Required Skills:
ICT: Includes but not limited to knowledge in hardware (maintenance, troubleshooting, configuration, installation, etc), software (application installation, troubleshooting, configuration, etc), Networking (LAN, WiFi, Internet, etc), ICT Training and Support (User Training, Customer Support, Help Desk, etc), Coding Skills (software design, mobile apps design, HTML, JavaScript, C#, PHP etc).
Communication: Ability to prepare eye-catching reports, with figures and references. Excellent presentation and networking skills. Fluent in both English & Swahili.
Preferred Education Qualification:
Diploma or Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Information Systems or Related Field
Mode of Application:
Applicants are invited to submit their details through this link: https://forms.gle/NuojqknsUvwnvv5i9
Applications should be sent not later than Sunday 7th February, 2021. Only successful applicants will be contacted.
NB: Lyra in Africa is an equal opportunity employer. Due to the interactive nature required of the role, female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply
We're looking for an intern!
Are you passionate about girls’ empowerment, and want to support our important work in rural Tanzania? If yes, then you might be exactly who we’re looking for! Find out more below.
Who we are
Lyra in Africa is a grass roots charity delivering programs in Southern Tanzania. We believe in the power of education to help end poverty. We work to equip youth, focusing on girls to drive systematic change, and create a positive multiplier effect throughout their rural communities.
In 2021, Lyra is taking a refreshed look at its social media platforms, to see how we can provide more engaging content and encourage more supporters. Lyra in Africa is looking for an enthusiastic and tenacious individual who will work directly with the small team in the UK to help us with this social media refresh. We are looking for someone with bags of energy, creative ideas, combined with meticulous attention to detail.
The Lyra in Africa Senior Management team is committed to nurturing future talent and will help the successful individual to build their skills, provide one to one support and feedback to help the individual grow. We will also provide a reference upon completion of the assignment, and share advice of how to step into and build your career in the International Development sector.
Interested? Read on…
Broad deliverables of this assignment
We are looking for someone who can work with us to deliver the following:
Work with the Lyra in Africa Senior Management team members to enhance the profile of Lyra across all social media platforms. This will include
Creating content that is tailored to the different social media platforms
Contributing to strategies to maximize reach and engagement across the social media platforms
Support with the engagement on social media through replying to messages
Help to craft campaign messages and moments for 2021 and beyond
Whilst we feel it is important to set out the broad deliverables for this assignment, we will work with the right individual to shape the deliverables according to their expertise and areas they want to develop in.
Final few details
This assignment will be home based and can be based anywhere as long as you have access to the internet, a computer and a phone. You will need to speak English and feel at ease communicating in English. This is an intern position, and not paid, but Lyra in Africa will cover reasonable expenses.
Still interested?
Send your CV and one page overview of why you are an excellent fit for this assignment to info@lyrainafrica.org by 12th February 2021.
The Lyra Annual Report is Here!
Lyra’s Annual Report 2019 has arrived, so have a read about what we have proudly achieved.
Latest News from Lyra in Africa!
Our latest newsletter is out now!
Things have certainly been changing quickly since the last time we caught up with you. Despite the pandemic shutting down Tanzania operations for a while, we were keen to get back up and running as soon as it was safe to do so, and we’ve been busy ever since.
Catch up on our news from Tanzania which includes:
Funding from the FCDO and BFSS.
An update from Ngojea, a former graduate and now Lyra trainer on her Ngojea Baskets cooperative.
A preview of our Christmas campaign - help us spread the word!
Grab a cuppa and sit down for 5 mins and have a read!
Ngojea Baskets: An Imarika Kijana Success Story
Ngojea Mgata is an Imarika Kijana graduate, who is now a Lyra community trainer. You can read her story here.
Following taking part in the IK programme, Ngojea started basket weaving to create baskets for use around the home. After realising her skill for weaving, she saw an opportunity to expand basket production, and started gathering interested weavers throughout the community to form a basket weaving cooperative, which they voted to name ‘Ngojea Baskets’.
Ngojea Baskets hand-weave baskets for sale across local craft fairs and pop-up shops, and have recently had a stall at the Arts and Crafts Fair, Iringa. The cooperative now has an impressive 46 women, and 1 man weaving baskets for sale. Each basket comes with a handwritten name of its maker stitched into the basket, each one is as individual as the person who made it.
We are looking at ways to sell these beautiful baskets in the UK, so if you would like to buy one, or think you could help us with shipping and import please get in touch!
UK Aid awards Lyra grant to expand programme for rural youth
Lyra is excited to today officially announce the approval and signing of a grant by FCDO (formerly the UK Department for International Development) for the expansion of our signature project ‘Improving Youth Livelihoods’ known as ‘Imarika Kijana’.
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office Minister Baroness Liz Sugg said:
“This new project will help thousands of young people in Tanzania to get the life and business skills they need to build a better future for themselves. I’m proud that we are supporting this Henley-on-Thames charity to help young people – especially women and people with disabilities – to provide for themselves and their families.”
Through the funding from the UK Aid Direct Small Charities Challenge Fund (SCCF), Lyra will be able to scale the project to benefit 2,000 rural based youth during the two year program, starting on 1st May 2020. This project aims to meet the needs of out of school youth by addressing the acute need for entrepreneurship training and an understanding of finance.
The project will provide:
• Training in Business and Entrepreneurship Skills
• Training in Digital technology for Business
• Exposure trips to businesses and pairing of our students with business mentors.
• Training in formation and running of Village Savings and Loans Associations (VSLAs)
In July 2018 Lyra piloted the first Imarika Kijana project with 15 rural based youth. After a successful trial, Lyra expanded the program and has currently trained 210 rural based youth aged 15 - 28. Out of these, 58% are female, of which 33% are single mothers. Following training, more than 50% of the youth have started new businesses or expanded on their existing small businesses, mainly in poultry, agriculture, beekeeping, tailoring, and kiosks (small shops). In addition, seven Youth Savings and Loans Associations (YSLAs) have been formed, the first in September 2018. With a total of 109 members (61% women), the groups started with total savings of TZS 3.2million (£1,100) growing to TZS. 12million (£4,200) in 12 months.
The Lyra Imarika Kijana Program
Lyra’s central tenet looks at the rural Girl Child, promoting her education and entrepreneurship. Lyra’s mission is to create vibrant rural communities by improving the education and income for girls and women and supporting them to become part of the economy. Our aim is to keep rural girls in secondary school so they can finish their secondary studies, whilst improving girls’ access and quality to education and entrepreneurship.
One of the four pillars of Lyra’s model, the Imarika Kijana Program, is a scalable program for harnessing the energy and talents of young people not in education, 15 – 28 yrs, to enable them to become economically active, access financial services, and further their education. The model gives young people essential confidence, problem-solving skills and networks to drive innovation and lead the development of their communities. Traditional subsistence agriculture and businesses are not generating enough revenue to sustain a fast-growing population – both a challenge and an opportunity for young people if they can be supported to develop an entrepreneurial mindset. People with disability, who are normally disadvantaged, will be given an opportunity to fully participate and benefit from the program.
The Program focuses on delivering the Imarika Kijana Manual, which covers four main tiers:
i) The successfully tried-and-tested course called Grow Leadership and Enterprise (GLA) originally conducted by RLabs (www.rlabs.co.tz), a local enterprise, who have trained over 700 young people in urban settings through the GLA, where in addition to establishing successful and innovative businesses, participants report finding a completely different mindset as a result of the course. Many had lost hope after finding no employment opportunities after finishing school and didn’t know how to start their own businesses. RLabs is the main implementing partner for this part of the project.
ii) Digital Learning: introducing the participants to the power of technology and social media for businesses.
iii) Training in the VSLA methodology, adopting a well-established model from Care International. Lyra has so far trained community members to set up VSLAs to manage their savings and access loans which they use for developing businesses, investing in agriculture and businesses, paying school fees and improving housing. In addition to the seven YSLAs, Lyra currently has a network of 161 VSLAs (67% women), with about 4,000 community members and total savings of approx. TZS 950million (£ 310,000). We have seen a 3- to 4-fold increase in members’ incomes over the past five years.
iv) Business Mentorship: This combines two aspects, i) exposure visits to existing businesses in the region, where the youth can expand their knowledge on possibilities for new businesses, ii) business mentorship sessions, where owners and/or staff of existing successful businesses visit and hold sessions to all the training participants. Following these visits, youth grab opportunities around them using their available resources, such as land for agriculture, livestock keeping, poultry, cultural artefacts, business, etc.
We will be sharing news, pictures and videos from our training, so sign up to our newsletter or follow us on our social channels to keep in touch with news from the programme.
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LYRA AWARDED GOLD STATUS AGAINST UNSDGs
Lyra and its Board are fully committed to the UN Sustainable Goals Agenda, so we were thrilled to be awarded a Gold status for our work.
A recent report from independent advisor, Earth51 reviewed Lyra against each of the 17 UNSDG areas. The was commissioned to ensure sustainability is integrated into the core of the organisation.
We’re pleased to say that was awarded GOLD status for delivering at least 15 out of the 17 UN SDG goals. In 10 of these 15 these areas, Lyra received over 78% for its contribution to these areas.
You can download the full report here.
International Day of the African Child 2020: Meet Grace & Hiyana
June 16th 2020 is the International Day of the African Child, and was first established in 1991 by the Organization of African Unity. The day aims to raise awareness of the situation for many children in Africa, and the need for their continuing support and education.
We’d like you to meet two of the girls Lyra is supporting in their hostels, who share their stories in their own words, and the harsh reality for many children in rural areas of Tanzania. We’re pleased to say that both girls have secured places in the Lyra hostel so they can continue their studies. To help the many more girls like Grace and Hiyana, you can make a donation here. To keep a girl in hostel with 3 meals a day and a matron and night guard costs $180 per year.
Meet Grace, age 13
My name is Grace Mtekele, I’m 13 years old, and come from Igungambugi Street Idete Village. I am the second born in a family of three children. Currently we are living with my sister who is in form four at Madege Secondary school, our last born passed away soon after mother’s death in 2011. Our father left us and married another woman. We are living with our grandparents in the village (from my father’s side).
They are cooking separately and have our own Shamba (vegetable garden). We are farming with grandmother in a small farm because she has not enough energy for work. We are harvesting little amount of maize which lasts us five months of the year.
When I was in primary school, during lunch I go home and return hungry because there was no food, sometimes I was going to neighbours houses and ask for the food, otherwise I ate fruits. Studying while you’re hungry you are not understanding anything.
My sister who is in secondary school at Madege secondary school is living in Lyra Hostel because she is sponsored with Lyra. When she in holiday she is not happy because she is telling me how bad she feels during the holidays, she wishes there should be no holidays, so she can stay in hostel and have three meals a day.
During holidays we are working with my sister on other peoples farm, to earn money for our school needs. When my sister is at home, my life is simple because she is doing work and make sure that I eat.
I wish to stay in Hostel, because I hear of good hostel life from my sisters, I wish we could have good relatives who will help us, because we are living very difficult life since standard seven I was going to school without shoes.
I don’t know if I will ever get to secondary school, because our father never sees us and our grandparents have no money. I have no ability to work for other people alone, as I am waiting for my sister during holidays so as we work together trying to find money for my school needs. I wish to be a Lawyer and have ability to help needy girls.
Meet Hiyana, aged 13
My name is Hiyana, I'm 13 years old and from Madege Village. I completed Madege primary school in 2019 I scored an average of C. I live with my parents and my brothers and sisters. We are six children. My father is a farmer. My mother is bedridden with no ability to do anything. We are using a lot of time taking care of her.
Our Father is working very hard to be able to buy our mother’s medication. The Doctors said she has to stay home and attend clinic every two months.
Although she is using medicine, we are not seeing any changes to her health.
I am the third born, and I am worried because I’m not sure that if I get selected to join secondary school, my father will be able to support me. My brothers passed their exam to join secondary education but they could not, due to lack of money.
My father was very happy with my examination results, and he told me because I am a girl he will allow me to join secondary education. I was extremely happy to hear this, even though I know it will be a big challenge for me to walk to school and back every day, which is 7kms each way.
My father has told me that he cannot support to rent a room for me nor to pay for living in Hostel, and I understand him given our situation at home. I have promised my father that I will study hard in order to go to university level.
I want to be a Nun, in order to get a great chance to work for community since I see nuns have kind hearts and are helping needy people like our family and sick people like our mother.