Support street-connected girls & women in Tanzania

Dear Supporters,

We’re excited to share an update on the impact your support has had through the Empowerment of Young Mothers through Business Initiatives’ program in Mwanza, Tanzania. Thanks to your generosity, 37 young mothers have gained the skills, resources, and support they need to transform their lives and create a safer, more stable future for themselves and their children.

Since December 2023, these young mothers have participated in a series of business empowerment programs, including entrepreneurship and financial literacy training, with each receiving a tailored startup kit containing the necessary equipment and materials for their chosen trade. As a result, they have successfully launched businesses across various fields, with 22 mothers in tailoring services, 12 in hairdressing, 2 in catering, and 2 in decoration services.

These businesses are already showing positive results. By July 2024, all 37 mothers reported an average income increase of 30%, allowing them to meet their families’ needs more effectively and helping them work towards financial independence.

This initiative has created lasting change not only for the young mothers but also for their children. With increased income and stability, 80% of these children are no longer living on the streets, instead benefiting from safer living conditions. Many mothers have been able to provide improved nutrition, healthcare, and educational resources, promoting healthier development in  their children,ensuring a brighter future.

Jennifer, a 21-year-old mother of two, embodies the transformative impact of Cheka Sana's programs. Determined to overcome the challenges of her past, Jennifer embraced training in tailoring, where she discovered her talent for design. With the support of Cheka Sana’s social workers and healthcare resources, she not only secured a steady income but also created a more stable life for her family. Today, Jennifer provide’s her children with a nurturing home environment, proudly sending her eldest to school. Her journey is an inspiring example of resilience and the possibilities that open with timely support and practical skills. She shares, “My journey from a vulnerable street child to an empowered mother and entrepreneur highlights the critical role of Cheka Sana Tanzania in transforming my life. I can’t believe I see myself as someone who believes in a bright future for me and my children.”

Your contributions have made a real difference.Thank you for  supporting  the work of Cheka Sana. Together, we are building brighter futures for vulnerable young mothers and their children in Tanzania.

Dear Supporters,

We are delighted to share an update on the impact of Cheka Sana's work, made possible by your generous support on GlobalGiving. Cheka Sana’s initiatives empower vulnerable young women and girls on the streets of Tanzania, providing life skills, psychosocial support, self-defence training, and entrepreneurial opportunities.

Freya (not her real name) fled home at age 19 due to sexual abuse. She struggled to survive on the streets, facing harsh conditions and further abuse. Like many young women on the streets, she got involved in commercial sex work to earn a living. During a street outreach programme, she met a social worker from Cheka Sana and joined the Street Born Project. She undertook counselling, self-defence classes, life skills sessions, and business training. Determined to change her life, she completed a six-month tailoring course and became a skilled tailor.

Today, Freya is a successful designer, rents her own home, and has left sex work behind. She now serves as an ambassador, inspiring and guiding other girls facing similar struggles.

“Through the efforts of Cheka Sana Tanzania, I transformed my life from one of despair and abuse to one of empowerment and independence”. 

With your support, Cheka Sana can continue helping young women like Freya achieve a brighter future. Thank you for your continued help.