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Opportunities and Skills for Building a strong economic future for youth is a critical step in fostering sustainable development. This topic took center stage during a vibrant panel discussion moderated by Sosthess Sambua. The event brought together a diverse group of speakers, including Jackie Kipiagat, Coordinator and Mentor at Swahilipot Hub Foundation; Rock Bendera, Founder of Tanga Delivery; and Abdulwahab Issa, Project Manager from Tanzania Open Innovation. Each speaker shared their unique journey and insights, inspiring young people to seize opportunities and develop skills that pave the way for economic growth.
Jackie Kipiagat: Empowering Youth Through Mentorship
Jackie Kipiagat opened the discussion by sharing her transformative journey. After losing her job as a technology expert, she turned an unexpected setback into an opportunity by joining Swahilipot Hub Foundation. Jackie started as a volunteer mentor, a role that helped her discover her passion for empowering young people.
In her mentorship journey, Jackie emphasized the importance of active listening and effective communication. These skills not only enabled her to guide others but also helped her grow as a leader. Today, Jackie is a driving force at Swahilipot Hub, helping youth thrive in areas such as people management and project management. Her story underscores the power of resilience and the significant impact of mentorship on shaping young people’s futures.
Abdulwahab Issa: The Value of Perseverance and Long-Term Thinking
Abdulwahab Issa, Project Manager at Tanzania Open Innovation, offered a candid perspective on the challenges of engaging with youth. He noted that many young people often prioritize immediate benefits, such as transport money to attend workshops, over the long-term skills and opportunities those workshops provide.
Despite these challenges, Abdulwahab highlighted the importance of perseverance. He stressed that investing in education and skill-building yields exponential benefits, even if the rewards aren’t immediate. “The value of skills isn’t always apparent right away, but their impact on one’s future is immeasurable,” he explained.
Abdulwahab’s message resonated with the audience, reinforcing the idea that patience and a focus on long-term goals are essential for economic empowerment.
Rock Bendera: Turning Skills Into Economic Opportunities
The panel discussion took an inspiring turn when moderator Sosthess Sambua posed a question to the audience: “What about you?” This prompted Rock Bendera to share his story of turning personal skills into a successful business venture.
Rock, who has a background in welding and fabrication, leveraged his expertise and a simple tool—his phone—to create Tanga Delivery. This company, the only one of its kind in Tanga, provides essential delivery services that have significantly impacted the local economy.
Rock’s journey began with TangaYetu Initiatives, a collaboration with Ardhi University that identified key areas for development in Tanga. Recognizing a gap in the market, Rock used his skills to establish a business that now plays a vital role in the community. His story is a testament to the power of innovation, determination, and seizing opportunities in underserved markets.
Key Takeaways for Youth: Building a Sustainable Future
The panel discussion highlighted several critical lessons for young people looking to secure a strong economic future:
- Embrace Resilience: Like Jackie, youth should view setbacks as opportunities for growth and reinvention.
- Invest in Skills: As Abdulwahab emphasized, the value of education and skill-building often surpasses immediate rewards, paving the way for long-term success.
- Innovate and Act: Rock’s story demonstrates that combining skills with innovative thinking can lead to impactful ventures that benefit both individuals and communities.
The interactive nature of the panel encouraged the audience to reflect on their own potential. Moderator Sosthess Sambua’s question—“What about you?”—served as a powerful call to action, urging young people to think critically about how they can harness their abilities to create economic opportunities.
Inspiring Economic Transformation Through Youth Leadership
The discussion concluded with a collective understanding that young people are the driving force behind economic transformation. By developing the right skills, adopting a proactive mindset, and seeking out opportunities, youth can overcome challenges and contribute to sustainable development.
The panelists’ stories not only inspired the audience but also provided practical examples of how determination and innovation can lead to success. From mentorship and perseverance to entrepreneurship and collaboration, the lessons shared during the panel offer a roadmap for young leaders to follow as they work toward building a better economic future.
Conclusion
Opportunities and skills are the foundation of a strong economic future for youth. This panel discussion underscored the importance of resilience, education, and innovation in achieving personal and community growth. By learning from the experiences of leaders like Jackie Kipiagat, Abdulwahab Issa, and Rock Bendera, young people can empower themselves to drive change and create a brighter, more sustainable future.
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