Bonga programme

The BONGA Programme, meaning “Let’s Talk,” is an adolescent empowerment initiative implemented by Maasai Pastoralist Devote Initiatives (MPDI) in Monduli and Longido Districts of Arusha Region, Tanzania. The programme targets marginalized adolescents aged 13–19 who have either dropped out of school or never had the opportunity to attend school due to poverty, cultural barriers, or limited access to education.

BONGA provides a safe and supportive environment where young people can openly discuss the challenges they face in their daily lives. Through dialogue sessions facilitated by trained animators, participants explore topics such as health, hygiene, gender equality, human rights, and social issues affecting their communities. These discussions help adolescents develop confidence, analytical thinking, and the ability to identify problems and propose solutions within their communities.

The programme is structured in three main phases. The first phase focuses on dialogue and problem solving, where adolescents analyze their experiences and learn about social and health-related issues. The second phase emphasizes life skills development, including communication, decision-making, creative thinking, and literacy skills. In the final phase, selected participants receive vocational training that equips them with practical skills to start small businesses, gain employment, or return to formal education.

Through BONGA, young people gain knowledge about their rights, develop self-esteem, and become more confident individuals capable of contributing positively to their families and communities.