Giving Tanzania's Young People a Brighter Future

Desperate circumstances, difficult choice

When Royce* was referred to Railway Children by an organisation that was supporting her with her health, she had been involved in sex work to try and support herself and her two younger siblings. With both children out of school, Royce had turned to desperate measures to keep them afloat.

A turning point: hope and opportunity

She enrolled in our Youth Association programme and committed to 12 months of training and support. She chose to build a cosmetics business — an idea she developed through market research to find a niche in her community where competition was low, and demand was high.

Building confidence, skills, and saving

When we asked what part of the programme had the biggest impact, Royce told us it was learning how to manage and save money. Now she is using that knowledge to help her save so she can move her business to a more central location with higher footfall — laying the foundations for long-term growth.

A ripple effect: stability and success

The results speak for themselves: Royce now has a place of her own. Her siblings are enrolled in school, and she’s been able to support them with books, uniforms, and everything they need to stay in education. She’s proud of the business she’s built and the independence she’s gained — and she continues to stay connected to the friends she made through the programme, giving her a vital peer support network.

Empowering change that lasts

Our project workers say the key to this transformation is personal agency. The programme focuses on helping young people identify what they want for their future — and then equipping them with the tools, skills, and confidence to get there. It’s not about giving orders — it’s about offering a foundation for sustainable change.

A future rewritten
In Royce’s case, that change is now shaping not just her future, but the path ahead for her family too. Her journey is proof of what’s possible when support meets ambition, and when the right opportunities come at the right time.

Royce's journey has been filled with challenges, but with your support, she has transformed her life and is now providing for her family. Her dream of a brighter future is now becoming a reality, and it’s all thanks to your generosity.

*Names changed to protect identities.