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Geita

Tanzania

Date of Workshop: January 15 - 16 2018

Workshop Coordinator:  Leigh Fox


Situated in northwestern Tanzania near the southern shore of Lake Victoria, Geita boasts a rich history in the gold trade. The name "Geita" comes from the Wayango (Warongo) tribe's words Akabanga keita abhantu, which translates to "the loss of the forest that was on the mountain," a site once used for traditional rituals. Today, Geita's economy is supported by agriculture, gold mining, and a diverse range of businesses.


A Youth Visioning Workshop, held in January 2018, with 15 participants aged 19 to 32, revealed a shared belief among the youth: greater opportunities for success lie in nearby cities. While jobs and businesses within Geita were acknowledged as feasible, the idea of reaching a "next level" of success seemed tied to urban centers. A few participants had already left to work in cities, only to return to the community, citing the challenges and intense competition of city life. Despite these firsthand experiences, many young people remained optimistic about finding career and livelihood success outside the village. However, community and family ties remained strong, with many expressing intentions to return home for holidays, even if they planned to live and work elsewhere.


The workshop fostered active participation, with the group deeply engaged in brainstorming potential career paths. Both women and men contributed equally, though a few participants led most of the discussions. The quieter individuals were vocal in their agreement or disagreement regarding the availability and quality of job opportunities. Many of the future careers discussed required specialized training and education, which most were eager to pursue. In contrast, present-day job options were more focused on self-employment and small businesses, reflecting the community's entrepreneurial spirit.


"Forests should be used for planting more trees," one participant shared, highlighting the group's awareness of the importance of forestry in their lives and the potential for sustainable development. The workshop participants demonstrated enthusiasm for balancing career aspirations with a commitment to environmental stewardship.

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