Empowering Youth for Pogress:  The Journey of Stephen Bikoko...

Youth empowerment emphasizes youth strength instead of weaknesses. It enables and promotes greater active youth participation and influence in the settings in which they are involved and which affect their lives. In the Kakonko District of the Kigoma Region, a passionate and dedicated young man named Stephen Bikoko thrived as a peer educator. His mission was to equip the youth in his community with vital knowledge about sexual reproductive health, gender-based violence, and harmful practices, and foster their entrepreneurial skills. Stephen's commitment to creating a positive impact stemmed from the transformative training he had received from Kiota Womens Health and Development (KIWOHEDE), this training was supported by the Swiss Embassy and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) through the Safeguarding Young People (SYP) Programme. 

“Since I acquired knowledge on gender-based violence, I succeeded in providing various education in the community.

After understanding the subject well, I decided to encourage groups to join and benefit from ten percent of the loan for youth, women, and people with disabilities from the council.” - Stephen Bikoko.

Armed with comprehensive skills in sexual reproductive health, Entrepreneurship, and gender-based violence, Stephen started to empower the youth in Kakonko District. With his engaging approach and genuine passion, he captivated the attention and trust of the young people, especially youth from informal groups like motorcycle drivers famously known as Bodaboda becoming their advocate and mentor.

One of Stephen's notable accomplishments was the establishment of a group called "Upendo Group." This group comprised enthusiastic youth who sought to improve their lives through education and entrepreneurial activities. Together, they engaged in various ventures, including poultry farming, goat keeping, and general farming. Through these endeavors, the group members not only acquired income but also developed a strong sense of unity and purpose.

“After joining the Upendo group, I have cultivated sunflower farms and successfully built this house. The group has also helped me

understand reproductive health. Now, I can plan how many children to have and when to have them.” - Melania Zambiliti.

Among the members of Upendo Group was Melania Zambiliti, an ambitious and determined young girl who actively participated in the entrepreneurial activities offered by the group, which ignited her entrepreneurial spirit and drive. Through her dedication and hard work, she managed to save enough money to build her own house, a significant accomplishment that brought immense pride and joy to her and her community.

Stephen's efforts were not limited to the group alone. He actively engaged in community activities and advocacy, promoting comprehensive sexual reproductive health education, addressing gender-based violence and Harmful Practices, and championing the importance of HIV awareness. His articulate voice garnered the attention and support of community leaders, prompting them to act and allocate resources towards these crucial issues.

Over time, the impact of Stephen's peer education programs became evident throughout Kakonko District. The youth was now equipped with the essential knowledge about SRH, gender-based violence, Harmful Practices, and HIV, empowering them to make informed decisions and live healthier lives. The Upendo Group flourished, with each member discovering their potential and actively contributing to their community's growth and prosperity. As Stephen continued his journey, he carried with him the pride of having made a lasting difference in the lives of the youth he served, a testament to the power of education, entrepreneurship, and determination.

Damas Tobias, beneficiery from Upendo group with his goats which he bought after

earning money from the group’s entrepreneurial activities

The Safeguard Young People (SYP) Programme is being implemented in mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar with a focus on regions with poor adolescent social, reproductive health and rights indicators including teenage pregnancy, HIV, child marriage, and gender-based inequalities. The SYP program is co-funded by UNFPA and the Embassy of Switzerland in Tanzania.

For Media queries and further information, please contact:

Warren Bright, UNFPA Tanzania Communications Analyst, Mobile: +255 764 43 44 45, Email: bwarren@unfpa.org