In a small but spirited room in Dar es Salaam, filled with curiosity, courage, and purpose, a new generation of young changemakers took their first steps toward something much greater than themselves.
The Going Beyond Project, a collaboration between Digital Opportunity Trust (DOT) and the Mastercard Foundation, and implemented proudly by Her Initiative, officially launched the second phase of its journey in June. This next chapter began with the Training of Trainers (ToT) under the Youth Leadership Program, a ten-day experience that has already left an indelible mark on everyone involved.
32 Young Leaders, One Bold Mission
Carefully selected for their passion, potential, and commitment to their communities, 32 youth leaders 9 of them male and 23 young women came together in Dar es Salaam for an intensive training. For many of them, this was their first time away from home, stepping into a space that not only challenged them intellectually, but also called them to reflect, unlearn, relearn and grow.
From day one, these leaders dove deep into personal mastery, exploring the power of self-awareness and identity. Through interactive sessions on safeguarding, gender equality, and inclusive leadership, they were not just learning, they were evolving. They were being prepared not just as trainers, but as empathetic, value-driven leaders ready to support others.
As one of the youth leaders, Asha, shared:
“I came here thinking I would be trained to teach. But I’ve been trained to lead, to listen, and to heal. This is not just training. It is a transformation.”
Preparing to Impact Communities in Morogoro and Dar es Salaam
While the training took place, the Her Initiative team worked diligently to secure host organizations across Dar es Salaam and Morogoro. These organizations will become the ground from which these leaders bloom, offering support, structure, and community as they begin rolling out the Digital Business Trainings for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
Following the 10-day ToT, the room buzzed with joy and accomplishment as our youth leaders proudly received their graduation certificates. But more importantly, they carried home a renewed sense of purpose.
Out of the 32, 30 youth leaders were selected to move forward, already contracted and deployed to Morogoro and Dar es Salaam, where they will begin the real work, training MSMEs, building digital capacities, and unlocking economic potential in underserved communities.
Leadership That Inspires
Our graduation ceremony was graced by two inspiring figures: Lydia Charles Moyo, Executive Director of Her Initiative, and Furaha Libangu, Registrar of NGOs in Kinondoni. Their presence and words reminded the youth that their work is part of a much larger movement, one that values youth, believes in their power, and entrusts them to lead.
“You are not just going to train others, you are going to remind them of what is possible,” Lydia said, “because someone reminded you.”
The Road Ahead: Countless Futures, One Mission
The Going Beyond Project is not about checking boxes or running programs. It is about unleashing the potential of young people to change the world, one training, one conversation, and one community at a time.
We are incredibly proud of our new cohort of youth leaders, bold and brilliant individuals who are ready to Go Beyond expectations, limitations, and borders.