Youth With Disabilities Organization (YoWDO) in collaboration with Sightsavers, Challenge Worldwide have successfully conducted a workshop to evaluate the progress of the implementation of “Ready for Inclusive Sustainable Employment and Entrepreneurship (RISE/E) Project”, which has been implemented since 2024. The workshop took place on May 28th and 29th, 2025 at Seashells Hotel in Dar es Salaam bringing together all project implementers and partners including Tanzania Gender Network Program (TGNP), youth with disabilities in business and employments as benefited from the project as well as young men and female who are being supported by the project on how to grow their business.
The workshop officially opened with a warm welcome and inspiring address that set the tone for a day of learning, it started with the familiarization and introduction of the intended objectives. One of the officer from Sightsavers Opened the workshop and He said,
“Let this workshop be a platform not only for learning and dialogue, but also for action, connection, and lasting impact” Mr. Edwin, Director Sightsavers Tanzania.
Mr. Edwin, Director of Sightsavers Tanzania, delivering the opening remarks and warmly welcoming stakeholders, employers, jobseekers, entrepreneurs, sign language interpreters, and personal assistants to the RISEE Workshop.
A group photo featuring the workshop participants notably and staff from YoWDO, Sightsavers, Challenge Worldwide, and TNGP, together with participants of the RISEE project, sign language interpreters, and support staff.
The workshop revealed positive impacts of the project on youth with disabilities, including connections to job opportunities, internships and mentorship programs. On the entrepreneurship side, the project has provided financial and business education to youth, women and people with disabilities who own businesses.
Mr. Shungu Gaitan, a young man living with a physical disability, is among the proud beneficiaries of the RISEE Project’s Cohort One. Before joining the program, like many youths with disabilities, he faced significant barriers to get employment. Opportunities were scarce and confidence even scarcer.
“Being part of the RISEE family has changed my life. I’ve gained knowledge, confidence, and a renewed sense of purpose. For the first time, I feel seen, capable and hopeful. This opportunity has given me the strength, Now I believe I will pursue my dream of securing decent work and building a meaningful life.” Mr. Shungu Gaitan
Mr. Shungu Gaitan candidly shares his journey of navigating the challenges of job searching as a person with a disability and how the RISEE Project became a turning point helping him build confidence
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Mr. Genarius Ernest, Head of Programs from YoWDO presenting on experienced project risks, mitigation strategies, lessons learned, and provide recommendations and adaptation measures for improving future implementations.
The workshop identified project risk, opportunities and areas for improvements, considering insight delivered from employers, mentors, job seekers (People with disabilities), entrepreneurs, government representatives and officers from project partners.
Employability group discussion facilitated by YoWDO and Sightsavers, focusing on analyzing setbacks, lessons learned, and key areas for improvement to achieve the intended objectives of the project.
Entrepreneurs’ Group Discussion facilitated by Challenge World wide: RISEE project business participants engaging in a discussion on project milestones for the year 2024/2025.
On the conclusion of the workshop Ms. Sabina Maheke is the Project Officer from Sightsavers, took a heartfelt moment to extend her sincere gratitude to all who contributed to the success of the initiative. Her remarks reflected the strong spirit of partnership that has driven the project’s success
“This workshop marks a significant milestone for us. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Standard Chartered Bank through the Futuremakers initiative for funding the RISE/E Project an initiative that is empowering youth, people with disabilities and women to achieve economic independence and fulfill their dreams of accessing decent employment”. Ms. Sabina Maheke,
Ms. Sabina Maheke, Project Officer from Sightsavers, expressing heartfelt gratitude to the stakeholders, beneficiaries and the donor for their invaluable contributions in making the RISEE Project being exist with impact to the youth with disabilities and entrepreneurs.
We are inviting employers and stakeholders to join our portal and support the initiative of creating opportunities for people living with disabilities. https://career.yowdo.or.tz/login-register/
Future anticipations.
