Lyra launches a new association in Finland.

At the end of May 2022, Lyra in Africa (or Lyra Finland) was launched at an event in Helsinki. This is an exciting step that will enable Lyra to expand its fundraising and awareness raising efforts in the Nordic region.

About 50 people attended the Finland launch event to learn about Lyra’s work and how they can support girls’ empowerment in Tanzania. Lyra’s founder Maria Spink, who is originally from Finland, shared the story of Lyra’s creation and its impressive growth over the past 10 years. Attendees also got to hear directly from the field through a video link to Lyra in Africa’s team in Iringa.

Following this introduction, Maria was joined for a panel discussion by Helena Nahi, a founding member of the board of the Eva Ahlström Foundation, Wende Luvinge, chair of the Finland-Tanzania Foundation and a project manager for NIRAS, and Humphrey Kalanje, a Tanzanian architect and board member of Lyra Finland. All the panellists noted the importance of Lyra’s work and the value of strengthening educational and employment opportunities for girls and young women.

Helena Nahi emphasised that “education is a very powerful investment that leads to systematic change – reducing inequality, cutting poverty rates, and contributing to more sustainable societies.” Wende Luvinge, who grew up in Iringa, reinforced this message. She pointed out that despite official support for education in Tanzania, the barriers facing young girls are extremely high. Among the girls she started school with, Wende was the only one to graduate and go on to university. She commented that the outcome would have likely been very different if there had been Lyra programmes providing safe accommodation and digital skills training at her school. Humphrey

Kalanje also noted the local skills training that occurs during the construction of Lyra hostels, which use an award-winning green design.

The launch event concluded with a performance of traditional Tanzanian singing, dance and drums by Cheza Ngoma, a Tampere-based artistic troupe. Attendees also enjoyed a display of Tanzanian baskets hand-woven by women in Lyra’s Imarika Kijana entrepreneurship programme.

Lyra Finland is governed by its own Board and will focus on developing funding opportunities and strategic partnerships in the Nordic region. Read about Lyra’s work in Finnish and keep an eye on Lyra’s news pages and social media channels for further updates.

We are recruiting two roles: Digital Learning Coordinator & Digital Learning officer.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Role: Digital Learning Officer

Location: Iringa, Tanzania

Preferred start date: as soon as possible

Contract: 12 months with possibility of extension under satisfactory performance

Reports to: Digital Learning Coordinator (Tanzania)

Travel: Frequent travel to Lyra field locations will be required Must have the right to work in Tanzania

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. We are seeking to employ a Digital Learning Officer, to implement Lyra’s day-to-day digital learning project planning and management of activities in order to achieve project objectives. Since 2017, Lyra in Africa has run a digital learning (DL) program in Ward Secondary Schools of Iringa, Tanzania. Responsibilities:

● To coach/train teachers on how to use Digital Learning 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 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.

● Train 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.

● Assist in the Review and update of a Coding training guide to be used for the successful implementation of 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 for 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.

● Collect data used for the preparation of DL monthly, quarterly and annual reports.

● 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 computer maintenance when required.

● Assist in preparation of weekly, monthly and quarterly reports

● Provide support needed for coaching, training, and data collection to the Lyra partner schools according to the donor requirements.

● And other related duties that may be assigned by your line manager

Qualifications, Skills and Experience

● With a bachelor's degree in information technology, computer science, computer Engineering or other related courses.

● Fluent in English and Swahili (written and spoken).

● Minimum 1-year experience in delivering community development or digital learning skills projects.

● Proven track record of delivering projects.

● Computer Maintenance and Networking skills.

● Proven ability to deliver high-quality training and experiential learning.

● Experience in working with and developing young people.

● A good understanding and experience of international development, digital skills and learning, Gender equality and sustainable development issues.

● Be a strong and flexible team player.

● Knowledge of how to manage relationships with different partners.

● Excellent communications and facilitation skills with the ability to lead by example

Safeguarding

Lyra in Africa is committed to safeguarding as an integral part of the work we undertake. As part of your work, you will be in touch with members of the Communities, Children, Girls in Secondary Schools, and vulnerable people. Lyra in Africa has a zero tolerance policy towards all forms of abuse, bullying, harassment and sexual exploitation. As an employee of Lyra, you will be required to adhere to the Safeguarding Policy. Under this policy, you have a duty to immediately report any concerns about the actions related to Lyra in Africa work that may harm children or vulnerable adults.

Anti-Bribery and Corruption

Lyra has zero tolerance for corrupt activities in any form, including bribery, facilitation payments and any kind of influence, whether committed by Lyra employees, or third parties acting for or on behalf of Lyra. Lyra commits to comply with applicable country specific laws and regulations on anti-bribery and corruption where we operate. Lyra requires all employees, contractors, consultants, and all who we work with to comply with the same laws and to this policy and take active steps to ensure that corruption does not occur in relation to Lyra’s operations.

How to Apply

● Interested qualified candidates should submit their CV and cover letter in one document to info@lyrainafrica.org before 31st July 2022.

● The applicants should clearly state the job title applied for in the subject line of the email.

● Female candidates are encouraged to apply.

● Candidates with computer Maintenance skills are encouraged to apply.

● Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Role: Digital Learning Coordinator

Location: Iringa, Tanzania Preferred start date: as soon as possible

Contract: 12 months with the possibility of extension under satisfactory performance

Reports to Project Manager (Tanzania)

Travel: Some travel to Lyra field locations may be required Must have the right to work in Tanzania

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.

We are seeking to employ a Digital Learning Coordinator, who will be in charge of overseeing and supporting the planning, delivery, and implementation of a long-term, high-quality digital learning project at the Lyra partner secondary schools. Lyra in Africa has been running a digital learning (DL) program in Ward Secondary Schools of Iringa, Tanzania since 2017.

TASKS & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Lead the Digital Learning team to contribute to and meet the annual Lyra digital and hostel support objectives.

1. Digital Learning (DL) – Supervision and Support to Schools:

● Coordinate and manage all Lyra’s digital learning initiatives.

● Improve and implement a training guide manual for teachers to ensure that they use DL as part of their classroom teaching to ease their day-to-day work.

● Improve and implement a guide for coaching students on how to use DL to search for content, perform quizzes and watch educational videos and other resources, in order to increase both group and self-study. Additional focus is to be given to Hostel Girls.

● Improve and implement a training guide for student leaders in each class (Form I-IV), who will be supporting their fellow students to navigate the educational resources and do minimum troubleshooting. ● Work together with the Senior Management Team (SMT) to formulate ways to ensure sustainability and long term support to the schools, including a training program. Review and update an ICT training program to be used for successful implementation of the Lyra ICT Program to ICT club members in Schools.

● Manage and work together with the Digital Learning Team in ensuring the ICT Clubs so they run effectively in selected partner schools.

● Together with the Lyra Senior Management Team, review the Lyra database and recommend areas for improvement.

● Implement areas of improvement as decided above.

● Lead the plan for the Lyra Annual Tech Competition Day in Iringa to coincide with the Africa Code Week.

● Formulate schedules for training programs for all Lyra partner schools and other beneficiaries of the DL program in a cost-effective manner.

● Manage and build external relationships with partners of the DL program.

● Coordinate and write case studies using Lyra’s format for capturing stories, as guided.

2. Hostel Specific:

● Coordinate 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 Lyra Sponsorship and monitor their academic performance.

● Ensure collection of case studies by the DL team each month of Lyra sponsored girls as they visit the schools.

3. Technical:

Manage the organization’s technical needs and programs; ensure all staff members are fluent and confident in using the technical tools relevant for their work.

● Maintain a database of all Lyra Digital Learning Equipment for tracking.

● Travel to Lyra schools to evaluate hardware and installed software. Prepare a manual for troubleshooting and preventive maintenance and train the Lyra DL team, and designated DL Teachers in the partner schools.

● 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.

● Review and recommend suppliers of DL equipment for the Lyra DL program.

4. Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL):

● In collaboration with the Lyra SMT, contribute to the technical design of MEL methodologies for the DL program.

● Formalise the MEL and get all the data collected from schools sorted and analysed for monitoring and evaluation needed for reporting and donors.

● Participate actively in the implementation of the MEL plan, ensuring collection of quality through validation and verification.

● Collect training data, prepare and submit reports to Lyra at the end of each training programme.

● Ensure information from MEL activities is properly analysed and written up for reporting and learning.

5. Administration:

● Coordinate and communicate regularly with your line manager and team.

● Preparation and completion of reports in a timely manner as agreed in the Deliverables.

● Complete the monthly and quarterly reports and dashboard.

● Oversee and ensure the quality of all administration and record keeping, including cloud-based databases.

6. Communication:

● Manage the image of the organisation to schools, students, partners and other DL stakeholders.

● Design and implement different initiatives which will improve the Lyra DL program.

● Manager communication between Lyra and its partners, schools and other stakeholders.

● Communicate about Lyra programs to the different stakeholders and act as a champion for branding all our programs.

● Improve internal DL team members communication and team spirit.

7. Finance:

● At all times, adhere to the organization’s highest standards of financial management.

● Manage the digital learning budget and produce individual and DL team activity budgets.

● Support and train DL officers to ensure accuracy, transparency and timeline are kept, working within agreed expenditure limits.

8. Line Management

● Line manage the Digital Learning officers to ensure that they perform their roles, contributing to high quality and effective delivery

9. Other

● Represent Lyra Management team in internal and external events, when required.

● Other related duties may be assigned by your line manager.

Qualifications, Skills and Experience

● With a bachelor degree in information technology, computer science, computer Engineering or other related courses

● Fluent in English and Swahili (written and spoken)

● Minimum 3 years experience of delivering digital learning skills projects

● Strong computer Maintenance and Networking skills.

● Strong understanding of Computers operating systems,hardware and Softwares.

● Strong project planning skills and proven track record of delivering projects.

● Proven ability to deliver high quality training and experiential learning

● A good understanding and experience of international development, digital skills and learning, Gender equality and sustainable development issues.

Strong people management skills

● Experience in working with and developing young people

● Be a strong and flexible team player

● Knowledge of how to manage relationships with different partners

● People focused with excellent communication and facilitation skills with ability to lead by example

Safeguarding

Lyra in Africa is committed to safeguarding as an integral part of the work we undertake. As part of your work, you will be in touch with members of the Communities, Children, Girls in Secondary Schools, and vulnerable people. Lyra in Africa has a zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of abuse, bullying, harassment and sexual exploitation. As an employee of Lyra, you will be required to adhere to the Safeguarding Policy. Under this policy, you have a duty to immediately report any concerns about the actions related to Lyra in Africa work that may harm children or vulnerable adults.

Anti-Bribery and Corruption

Lyra has zero tolerance for corrupt activities in any form, including bribery, facilitation payments and any kind of influence, whether committed by Lyra employees or third parties acting for or on behalf of Lyra. Lyra commits to comply with applicable country-specific laws and regulations on anti-bribery and corruption where we operate. Lyra requires all employees, contractors, consultants, and all who we work with to comply with the same laws and this policy and take active steps to ensure that corruption does not occur in relation to Lyra’s operations.

How to Apply

● Interested qualified candidates should submit their CV and cover letter in one PDF document to info@lyrainafrica.org before 31st July 2022.

● The applicants should clearly state the job title applied for in the subject line of the email.

● Female candidates are encouraged to apply.

● Candidates with computer Maintenance skills are encouraged to apply.

● Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Program update: A pathway out of poverty for rural youth

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 

We are recruiting! Part time, freelance Social Media and Communications consultant

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.

We are seeking a part time, freelance Social Media and Communications consultant, to manage Lyra’s day to day social media and communications, increase Lyra’s presence across social media as well as enhance internal communications.  In addition, this role will support the newly established Lyra in Finland association with communications and establishing a social media presence.

As this is a freelance role, we will work with the consultant to determine how many days a month they have available for this role. We would like to aim for 1-2 days per week, and can be flexible as to how these days are delivered.

Role: Freelance Social Media and Communications consultant

Location: Iringa, Tanzania, but virtual working is a possibility  

Preferred start date: as soon as possible

End date: December 2022

Reports to: COO (UK) and Project Manager (Tanzania)

Travel: Some travel to Lyra field locations may be required

 Must have the right to work in Tanzania and work as a freelance consultant

Roles and Responsibilities:

Social Media Content Creation

●        Responsible for all day-to-day social media execution (included by not limited to Lyra’s main Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn accounts), and maintaining a social media calendar

●        Create original, quality, and engaging content for our supporters, ensuring the quality by editing or adapting content as necessary

●        Deliver live-blogging or live coverage sessions as needed

●        Work with members of the Lyra team to identify opportunities to increase our brand, influence and fundraising or campaigning initiatives

Social Media Response

●        Responding to supporters on our various social media channels: DMs, comments, and mentions. Ensuring Lyra’s values and reputation are upheld

●        Flagging reputational risk issues up to the Lyra SMT as needed

●        Coordinating day to day social media support and training

 Reporting

●        Extracting and reporting on social media KPIs

●        Measuring the success of social media campaigns

Communications

●       Support the Lyra program teams to create compelling case studies of their respective program areas

●       Lead of the creation of bi-annual Lyra supporter newsletters and internal communications

Website maintenance

●       Update the Lyra website as and when required

Support to the Lyra in Finland association

●       Support the Lyra Finland Board develop communications to supporters of the Lyra in Finland Association

●       Develop bespoke social media content for the Association

 Other responsibilities

●        Together with the Lyra Senior Management Team, develop and implement strategies for the growth of social media engagement

●        Provide social media support to teams across the organisation

Skills and experience

●        Excellent spoken and written English and Swahili with excellent grasp of grammar, writing, editing, and proofreading skills

●        Evidence of utilising social media platforms successfully to achieve objectives

●        Strong knowledge and experience of social and digital trends

●        Flair and passion to demonstrate creativity with proven experience in social media

●        Proven ability to work cooperatively and collaboratively to achieve objectives

●        Excellent organisations skills with the ability to meet very tight deadlines and manage a varied workload, take initiative, and seize opportunities

●        Ability to think creatively, use initiative and be flexible to adapt to changing priorities

●        Digital skills and experience, including experience with digital and social media platforms

●        Copywriting and editing skills for social and web, requiring little additional supervision, including social media channels best practise

How to Apply

●       Interested qualified candidates should submit their CV and cover letter, to info@lyrainafrica.org before 7th July 2022.

●       The applicants should clearly state the job title applied for in the subject line of the email.

●       Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Check out our new Newsletter

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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

1. Prepare and submit Lyra’s Annual Return and Accounts to the Charities Commission

2. Assist in the preparation and presentation of the annual budget to trustees

3. Review records of income and expenditure and transfers to Tanzania

4. Review monthly accounts for Lyra, including bank reconciliations and spot checks for receipts.

5. Ensure that funds received and grants made comply with donor guidelines and are being disbursed in accordance with agreed terms and budgets

6. Present an up to date financial report at Trustee meetings

7. Provide guidance to Lyra to ensure compliance with Charity Commission guidelines

8. Make recommendations where needed for strengthening effectiveness or accountability, for example, currency management, expenses policy

9. Contribute to improving the financial reporting system as needed.

10. Support funding applications, where financial information is required.

11. 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

1. Knowledge of UK charity regulation

2. Minimum accounting experience: ability to prepare balance sheet and profit and loss accounts

3. UK recognized accounting qualification desirable

4. Ability to handle moderately complex spreadsheets

5. Interest and passion for supporting international development, specifically girls’ education and economic empowerment.

6. 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!