Empower Grassroots Innovation In Tanzania

Building Skills, Igniting Change

Our four training workshops have successfully engaged a total of 103 participants from diverse community backgrounds, ranging in age from 13 to 38. Through rigorous qualitative and quantitative assessments, we are proud to witness the trainees' newfound ability to address local challenges through the design and creation of localized technologies. A prime example of the impactful tech solutions emerging from this workshop is the garlic peeler. This device not only empowers garlic seed entrepreneurs by streamlining their value-addition processes but also proves invaluable for personal use, saving time and preventing finger injuries commonly associated with manual peeling.

Empowering Women, Electrifying Lives

We've empowered over 150 women from three different communities to install solar panels and bring light to their homes. This project equips women aged 12-65, primarily from Maasai families, with the skills to build and install household lighting systems.

Women in Hardware Tech

Our Creative Capacity Building workshop successfully trained 48 women, enabling them to design and create six tech solutions addressing common challenges faced by women in their communities. These innovations include a glass dryer, cabbage slicer, snacks maker, garlic peeler, dishwasher, and tomato blender. We celebrate our female innovators: one champion from our Ugali making project is representing her team at Makers In Residence in France, and three others have participated in the Imarisha innovation and entrepreneurship competition hosted by our partner, Westerwelle Startup Haus Arusha (WSHA).

Innovation in Education

At Twende, we remain committed to nurturing the next generation of innovators. Our Innovation Club has ignited the passion for innovation in 26 girls at St. Jude, and 9 Braeburn International School students thrived during our engaging hands-on Build It workshop. Their enthusiasm is a testament to the impact of our efforts.

Bikepreneur Project

The progress of our Bikepreneur project, launched in partnership with ABC Impact and Westerwelle Startup Haus Arusha, has been nothing short of remarkable. This initiative empowers young individuals with the necessary skills and resources to build sustainable bike-based businesses centered around innovation, entrepreneurship, and bike mechanics. Our recent Creative Capacity Building Workshop, held from April 2nd to 6th, yielded remarkable outcomes. Participants successfully designed and constructed four functional prototypes: a bicycle-powered vegetable slicer, water pump, and exercise machine, further fueling their entrepreneurial aspirations.

Conclusion

As we continue to nurture grassroots innovation and empower individuals, we are confident that the entrepreneurial ecosystem will flourish, leading to economic growth and social impact in the communities we serve. Twende remains dedicated to driving innovation, empowering individuals, and fostering a brighter future for all.