Vijana Makini Meetup is a platform that convenes young people in Zanzibar on a monthly basis to engage in discussions and exchange ideas on various topics related to youth issues. The initiative provides a space for the youth to connect, network, and learn from each other, with the ultimate goal of empowering them to become active participants in shaping their future. Through the platform, participants are able to explore opportunities, share experiences, learn from experts and mentors, and access relevant information and resources that can help them navigate the challenges they face in their personal and professional lives. Overall, Vijana Makini Meetup is an innovative platform that promotes youth development and creates a supportive community for young people in Zanzibar.

1. To provide a platform for young people in Zanzibar to discuss and exchange ideas on various youth-related issues/topics.
2. To create a space for networking and collaboration among young people from different backgrounds and experiences.
3. To provide opportunities for young people to learn from experts and mentors in various fields and industries.
4. To empower young people to become active citizens in their communities and contribute to positive social change.
5. To document the discussions and outcomes of the Vijana Makini Meetup platform and share them with the wider community

Pamoja Youth Initiative successfully implemented the two-year Hatua 360 project as part of the USAID-funded Feed the Future Tanzania Advancing Youth project. The main objective of Hatua 360 was to create a supportive environment that empowers youth in Zanzibar to actively and openly participate in the decision-making process of their community.

Through the project's implementation, PYI was able to achieve its intended outcomes. The project provided a platform for youth to engage in meaningful dialogues with local government and community leaders, enabling them to express their opinions and perspectives on community matters. Additionally, Hatua 360 equipped youth with the necessary skills and knowledge to engage in community decision-making processes effectively.

The project's success is attributed to the commitment of PYI to empowering youth in Zanzibar. The project's outcomes have resulted in a more inclusive community decision-making process, where youth can actively contribute to the development of their communities. Among others,

The project attained the following incredible results;

• Trained, mentored, and coached 414 youth (community champions) in leadership, advocacy, and community engagement.
• Connected 270 youth champions to decision-making bodies including local government authorities (LGAs), the private sector, and NGOs to improve youth participation.
• Empowered 360 youth to participate in the decision-making process in their respective localities.
• Facilitated the participation of 391 youth in community development activities including; tree planting, mangrove restoration, cleaning up activities, and school construction in Unguja.
• Conducted 8 thematic dialogues across Unguja between youth and development stakeholders including local government authorities and local NGOs using the community accountability score-card approach.
• Raised awareness of community volunteerism and youth participation in decision-making processes using the social behavior change communication approach in Unguja and Pemba.

The Soma project is a self-funded initiative by the Pamoja Youth Initiative aimed at improving the declining literacy rate among youth in Zanzibar. It has been ongoing since March 2019 and is supported by Books for Africa, Zanzibar Adventure School, and Zanzibar Central Library. The project focuses on book donations, libraries’ renovation, and reading camps, with the goal of providing access to books, creating a conducive learning environment, and promoting a reading culture among students. This project has the potential to transform the learning culture in Zanzibar and build a brighter future for the youth.

In addition to its primary goals, the Soma project has also been successful in bringing volunteers from different backgrounds and organizations to support the project activities. The impact of the Soma project has been significant, with many students reporting improvements in their reading abilities and a newfound love for books. As the project continues to grow and expand, it is clear that it is making a positive difference in the lives of the youth in Zanzibar.

Some of the Soma project key achievements are;

   • 16,000 books have been donated to 25 schools, 2 higher learning institutions, and 3 English language centers.
   • 1 primary school library renovated, furnished, and equipped with enough books for kids.
   • 6 reading camps have been conducted reaching about 120 students from rural schools.
   • Improved learning and reading culture among youth in rural areas specifically Uzini primary school.

Pamoja Youth Initiative (PYI) is deeply committed to empowering the youth of Zanzibar, and as part of this mission, the organization collaborates every year with various stakeholders to organize a Road to University, an essential seminar for form six, form four, certificate and diploma graduates in Unguja and Pemba. The primary objective of the seminar is to provide the participants with all the necessary information they need to navigate their journey toward universities and colleges. The seminar is carefully designed to equip participants with an array of learning skills and strategies that will help them transition seamlessly into their academic pursuits. The seminar engages top-quality keynote speakers who bring their unique insights and experiences to bear, enabling participants to make informed decisions about their education and future careers.

In addition to providing valuable information and insights, the seminar also presents opportunities for both private and public institutions to showcase and promote their services and products to the participants. This exposure provides participants with a comprehensive understanding of the various options available to them, allowing them to make the best decisions possible for their future success. The seminar is a testament to PYI's unwavering commitment to the success of the youth in Zanzibar and is a vital step towards ensuring a brighter future for all.

Pamoja Youth Initiative (PYI) successfully executed the Strengthening Women and Youth Voice for Climate Action in Tanzania project, also known as the Pamoja Voices Project, with generous funding from the Climate Justice Resilience Fund (CJRF) and invaluable technical support from the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED). Spanning two years, this transformative initiative aimed to empower women and youth in Zanzibar to voice their concerns regarding the far-reaching impacts of climate change.

Acknowledging the heightened vulnerability of women and young people in the face of climate change, particularly with regard to their livelihoods, PYI collaborated with Zanzibar Climate Change Alliance (ZACCA) to place significant emphasis on engaging and uplifting local cooperatives and youth-led civil society organizations (CSOs) in Zanzibar. Through the cultivation of partnerships and collaborative efforts, the project achieved significant results, which are highlighted below:

1. Established a women and youth leadership network to amplify the voices of women and youth, facilitate the sharing of their experiences, and ensure their perspectives are duly considered in shaping climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies.
2. Developed Pamoja Voices Climate-resilience Planning Toolkit to facilitate more inclusive decision-making processes within the communities and ensure the challenges facing all groups — especially those who are marginalized or vulnerable are equally heard and their concerns are addressed.
3. Increased awareness of the impact of economic activities on climate change in 3 cooperatives (seaweed farmers, beekeepers, and lime farmers).

Pamoja Youth Initiative (PYI) is one of the prominent organizations in the implementation of the Swarovski Waterschool Global Initiative. The Swarovski Waterschool is a worldwide endeavor aimed at promoting water conservation and education. As part of the implementation of this initiative, PYI facilitates various awareness programs about proper sanitation, hygiene, and water-related concerns in various schools in Zanzibar.

The Waterschool program serves as an invaluable resource, delivering hands-on educational activities and support to schools and communities. Its remarkable accomplishments include ensuring clean water access in schools, alongside comprehensive education on proper sanitation, hygiene, and water-related challenges. Ultimately, the program endeavors to empower children and their communities to become water ambassadors by equipping them with the necessary tools and training to address local water concerns effectively.

The Waterschool initiative recognizes the intricate interconnectedness of water with environmental, social, and economic facets of life. By promoting sustainable practices and responsible water management, the program actively contributes to the achievement of United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 6, which prioritizes the provision of clean water and sanitation for all individuals.