Educate 155 Street Children and Girls in Tanzania

In Year 3 of this project in Arusha, northern Tanzania, 22 teenage girls are currently being supported, many of whom have been involved in the commercial sex trade.  The girls are being supported by our local partner, Shalom Centre, through training in vocational skills, business skills, life skills, and reproductive/sexual health education, as well as emotional support.

Of the 22 girls, aged 12-19, 14 have started vocational training in hotel management, tailoring or hairdressing; five have decided to set up their own businesses running market stalls that sell items such as clothes, bags, shoes and vegetables; and three girls have been reunified with their families.

Shalom Centre remains in contact with the girls from Years 1 and 2. Over a quarter have found employment in local businesses, such as hotels, restaurants, hair salons, and schools (see chart).  Nearly a third are self-employed having set up their own businesses, including market stalls selling second hand clothes, hair salons, and tailors.

“I am running my own hair dressing salon, and I am getting money to support myself, my little child, two young brothers at home, and my old parents in the village. I didn’t believe if I will have my own business and get income. Thank you Shalom, this is a life people should live not, commercial sex.” 18 year old girl (previously engaged in sex trade for two years)

45% are still unemployed, many of whom are currently looking for work, especially those from Year 2. Shalom Centre is endeavouring to help them find work by working closely with local employers and continueing to build the girls' skills.

Of the 49 young women, six did not compete the training after dropping out and three have returned to sex work.

Stay tuned for updates on the progress of this year's group of girls.

• Current status of girls supported in Years 1 + 2 (PDF)