Advancing civic engagement for Tanzanian youth

Since March 2022, UNDEF partner HakiElimu has been working on developing an Action Civics Education Toolkit to increase active and meaningful engagement of Tanzanian youth in democratic processes. This Toolkit is being implemented by 20 schools in six different districts, to increase awareness on the importance of involving students in school leadership as a way to learn about democratic processes, and equip them with the knowledge and skills necessary to become future community leaders. 

The schools that are using the Toolkit have noted marked improvements in democratic processes. For example, schools have changed their selection processes for student leaders. Where previously, school management had selected them, they have now instituted democratic student body elections, developing election procedures with students. In Dundani Secondary school and Kiparang’anda Secondary School in Mkuranga District, opinion boxes have been installed to provide students a platform to voice their opinions. Thirty-five per cent of the schools have established student clubs to foster increased student engagement and learning and provide additional leadership opportunities for students.

To complement the activities in schools, the project has been working with the Government of Tanzania to increase receptivity to youth perspectives and participation, and with civil society organizations and the media to strengthen advocacy for young people’s democratic rights.