Bridging the Gap: Digital Inclusion for Tanzanian Youth Vulnerable to Violent Extremism

By Dr. Fatma Waziri

In the Southern Regions of Tanzania, where the struggle against youth involvement in violent extremism is both a moral and strategic imperative, the Dumisha Amani project emerges as a beacon of hope. Implemented within the districts bordering Mozambique, such as Kilwa, Nachingwea, Mtwara, Tandahimba, Tunduru, Songea Rural, and Nyasa, this initiative uncovers the stark challenges faced by Tanzanian youth: economic disparities, limited educational opportunities, and a digital divide. Recent data from World Bank, reveals a poverty rate of approximately 25.7%, emphasizing the urgent need for interventions to uplift the vulnerable youth population.

In considering the status of literacy that have been observed in the project area; the educational landscape in Tanzania reveals a stark disparity that amplifies the challenges faced by its youth. UNESCO's recent data, indicating a net enrolment rate in secondary education of merely 44.8%, underscores the persistent educational gaps that hinder the holistic and equitable development of the country's younger generation. This deficiency not only limits their access to quality education but also becomes a contributing factor to the vulnerability of youth to extremist ideologies.

Compounding this educational deficit is the digital divide illuminated by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). As of 2023, a mere 44.8% of Tanzanians have access to the internet. This glaring statistic further emphasizes the limitations imposed on the youth, curtailing their exposure to diverse perspectives and essential educational resources and other opportunities available online. In an era where digital literacy is increasingly pivotal, such restricted access inhibits the youth from harnessing the full potential of the internet as a tool for economic, education, self-improvement, and global connectivity.

The confluence of these educational and digital disparities creates a formidable barrier for Tanzanian youth, hindering not only their academic growth but also their ability to navigate an interconnected world. Addressing these gaps becomes imperative not only for the empowerment of individuals but also for the overall resilience and progress of the nation. Initiatives that bridge these divides, such as the Dumisha Amani project, emerge as crucial stepping stones towards a more inclusive and empowered Tanzanian youth, ready to shape a brighter future.

Upon the successful implementation of the Dumisha Amani Project, a collaborative effort between GPF and UNDP in partnership with targeted youth in their respective districts, this initiative, also involving the active engagement of Local Government authorities and the Prime Minister's office, exemplifies a comprehensive approach to fostering inclusivity and equitable development in the region.

 

Through the establishment of four youth centers, the Dumisha Amani Project not only enhances digital connectivity but also directly contributes to expanding internet access among the youth, thereby opening doors to a world of information and opportunity.

The inclusion of digital literacy programs, integrated into the Dumisha Amani Project's youth engagement and capacity-building initiatives, becomes a crucial component. These programs ensure that the youth in these regions are equipped with the necessary skills to navigate the online world responsibly, promoting critical thinking and discernment.

 

Creating more doors of opportunities and hope to the youth, as emphasized in the Dumisha Amani Project, becomes a catalyst for skill development and employment opportunities. Drawing on data from the International Labour Organization (ILO) indicating a growing demand for digital skills in the job market, the project, through partnerships with tech companies, provides additional resources and expertise to support youth in developing digital skills aligned with the evolving demands of the modern workforce.

 

By addressing economic disparities, educational gaps, and limited access to information, the Dumisha Amani Project empowers Tanzanian youth to actively counter extremist narratives. The integration of digital inclusion strategies, coupled with the collaborative efforts of GPF, UNDP, the Prime Minister's office, Local Government authorities and youth, signifies a transformative journey toward lasting peace and sustainable development, fostering a more inclusive, resilient, and peaceful society in Tanzania.