Why Tanzania?

Tanzania is one of the poorest countries in the world. Poverty in cities is among the worst in Africa, with high rates of unemployment and HIV/AIDS, and high levels of emotional, physical and sexual violence.

More than 6 million Tanzanians live in slums and this is increasing by 6% on average each year. Conditions are often appalling, with people lacking access to clean water, sanitation, education and healthcare.

Large youth population

Tanzania is also home to one of the largest youth populations in the world – 22 million people (60% of the population) are under 25. A generation this size brings with it so much raw potential, and the opportunity to grow young people’s abilities as a vital development resource. However, nearly 60% of young people are neither in school nor employment.

Despite these difficult circumstances, young people in Tanzania have big hopes and aspirations. They dream of becoming successful businesspeople, of going to college to get diplomas in information technology, hotel management or tourism to help them find better jobs, or of finding money to support apprenticeship fees – among many other goals.

Addressing the needs of young people is at the centre of Tanzania’s development challenge. YES! Tanzania is helping meet this goal through the power of sport.