LocationsDumisha Amani II trains 60 youth across Zanzibar, strengthening vocational skills and promoting peace
February 10, 2026
Graduates of the Dumisha Amani II youth vocational programme stand together during the Zanzibar graduation ceremony, marking a key milestone in strengthening pathways to employment and peace.
The Dumisha Amani II project has reached a major milestone with the completion of vocational training, graduating 60 young people (21 female, 39 male) across Unguja and Pemba on 7–8 February 2026. Over 12 intensive days, trainees built practical competencies in electrical installation, plumbing and pipe fitting, and carpentry and joinery—skills that open doors to employment and entrepreneurship while reinforcing social cohesion and peace.
The graduation ceremony spotlighted a whole of society partnership model that aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and UNDP’s system wide offer for inclusive, resilient development. The initiative is funded by the United Nations Peace and Development Trust Fund (UNPDF) and implemented by UNDP with the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar, in partnership with Zanzibar Vocational Training Authority (VTA), CRJE (East Africa), and Center for Youth Dialogue (CYD).
Leadership voices: Peace, skills and opportunity go hand in hand
During the graduation ceremony, Guest of Honour Hon. Salhina Mwita Ameir, Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Second Vice President’s Office of Zanzibar, urged young people to make full use of the opportunities provided to them to achieve economic self reliance and contribute to national development. He emphasized that practical skills are essential in today’s world and encouraged graduates to use their new competencies responsibly as they enter the job market. “Equipping young people with practical skills reduces dependency—both individually and nationally. Today’s world depends on skills, and this training is an opportunity for youth to empower themselves and become ambassadors who inspire others to progress.”, Hon. Salhina Mwita Ameir.
The Guest of Honour also reinforced that development is the foundation of peace. By providing market relevant skills and building confidence, the programme helps steer youth away from negative pathways and toward productive participation in local economies and community life.
Hon. Salhina Mwita Ameir delivers remarks at the Dumisha Amani II youth vocational training graduation, underscoring the power of skills in building pathways to work and peace.
UNDP’s approach: Skills for livelihoods, pathways to peace
Speaking on behalf of UNDP in the ceremony, Fridah Mwakasyuka congratulated the graduates and underlined that Dumisha Amani II tackles core drivers of fragility—youth unemployment, lack of practical skills, and limited social inclusion—through targeted training, coaching and partnerships that connect young people to opportunities. “You are ambassadors of peace with skills,” she reminded graduates and encouraged them to apply their learning to build dignified livelihoods, support their families and strengthen social cohesion.
“You are ambassadors of peace with skills,”-Fridah Mwakasyuka, UNDP
This milestone also reflects UNDP’s integrated development approach. By pairing skills development with peacebuilding outcomes, the programme advances multiple SDGs, including SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 8 (Decent Work & Economic Growth), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions), while reinforcing SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through effective public private partnerships under the South-South and Triangular Cooperation Framework. It also contributes to UNDP’s system offer on inclusive growth, resilience, and governance for peaceful, just societies by translating training into real economic pathways and community trust.
Partners in action: A model of collaboration
Partners highlighted how structured collaboration turns training into tangible results. The Chinese Consul General, Li Qianghua, stated: “This training program is a shining example of tripartite cooperation.” He elaborated that this initiative is supported by the Government of China, implemented by the UNDP in partnership with the Government of Zanzibar, and jointly delivered by the Zanzibar Vocational Education Authority and Chinese enterprise CRJE (East Africa), describing the programme as a practical model of international partnership that connects skills to local development needs. Training providers and local stakeholders emphasized discipline, attendance and hands on practice as key to job readiness and enterprise formation.
Chinese Consul General Li Qianghua speaks at the Dumisha Amani II youth vocational training graduation event, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between UNDP, the Zanzibar Government and CRJE in supporting youth development.
The Zanzibar Youth Council echoed that graduates are now better prepared to enter the job market, start small businesses, and overcome economic challenges-outcomes that both reduce vulnerability and strengthen social cohesion.
Voices of youth: From theory to practice
Graduates reported that the programme transformed classroom knowledge into practical, employable skills, building confidence to take the next step—whether that’s seeking formal employment, joining apprenticeships, or launching micro enterprises in their communities.
Rukaiyya Haroub Salum, one of the graduates, highlighted how the training transformed their readiness for the job market, stating: “This programme has equipped us with the practical skills needed to secure jobs, start businesses, and work toward economic independence.”
To accelerate transitions into work, local partners encouraged graduates to organize into groups where appropriate, enabling easier access to government schemes such as interest free loans for tools and start up capital—an immediate bridge between training completion and income generating activity.
What does this milestone mean-and what comes next
Completing the first cohort across Unguja and Pemba is a proof point for the Dumisha Amani II approach: when youth skills development is intentionally linked to peace outcomes, communities gain the dual dividend of better livelihoods and stronger social fabric. This reduces risks that can destabilize communities and instead channels youth energy into productive, peaceful development. This milestone marks a transition rather than an end. With the Zanzibar training successfully completed, Dumisha Amani II will now expand its skills development efforts to targeted Mainland regions, deepening collaboration with local institutions and employers to advance skills, opportunity and peace. The programme will continue to align with national priorities and the SDGs—especially SDG 8 and SDG 16—by building a pipeline of skilled, motivated young people who contribute to inclusive growth and lasting peace across the islands.
About Dumisha Amani II
Funded by the United Nations Peace and Development Trust Fund (UNPDF), Dumisha Amani II is implemented by UNDP in partnership with the Government of Tanzania and Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar, civil society and private sector. The project invests in vocational skills, youth empowerment and peacebuilding, advancing national development priorities and the SDGs through a locally led, partnership driven approach.
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