Our Projects

Smart Youth works with young people, women, and communities to promote sustainable livelihoods, environmental conservation, social inclusion, and community well-being. These projects address challenges in marine and coastal environments and freshwater ecosystems, while creating opportunities for communities to lead positive and sustainable change.

On the ground

Program: Jamii

Youth4Wazee Project

Location: Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Duration: 9 months, ending in 2027
Funder: Government of Sweden, through HelpAge Global Network

The Youth4Wazee Project promotes reliable income, dignity, respect, and social well-being for older people. Smart Youth aims to document 120 stories from older people and gather insights from 2,000 older people through research and community engagement.

The project uses older people’s lived experiences as evidence to inform policymakers, raise public awareness, and encourage decisions that respond to their needs. It also aims to strengthen civil society organizations and older people’s councils, and amplify older people’s voices through social media and other communication channels.

Key focus areas

Research and evidence gathering
Older people’s stories
Policy engagement
Social media advocacy
Community participation

Program: Hifadhi

Climate Smart Initiative — Marine and Coastal Livelihoods

Location: Bagamoyo and Saadani, Tanzania
Duration: 2 years (2026–2028)
Funder: Ocean Community Grant, UK Government

The Climate Smart Initiative aims to improve the livelihoods and resilience of women and young people in coastal communities through sustainable marine-based livelihoods, climate-smart practices, and conservation of coastal ecosystems.

Smart Youth will establish 18 Youth and Women Climate-Smart Groups, each with approximately 10–14 members. The groups will support practical learning, community participation, and the development of sustainable livelihood opportunities.

Through these activities, the initiative aims to strengthen coastal livelihoods, broaden income opportunities, and support the long-term health of marine and mangrove ecosystems.

Key activities

Sustainable marine livelihoods: crab fattening, sea cucumber farming, seaweed farming, and mangrove beekeeping through demonstration plots and farms.
Mangrove restoration: community participation in restoring and protecting mangrove ecosystems.
Beach clean-ups: reduce beach waste and promote cleaner coastal environments.
Climate awareness: climate-smart practices and responsible use of marine and coastal resources.
GEDSI: inclusive participation and equitable opportunities for women, young people, and persons with disabilities.

Program: Hifadhi

Youth- and Women-Led Behavior Change — Freshwater Ecosystems

Location: Kipili Archipelago, Nkasi District, Rukwa Region, Tanzania
Duration: 1-year pilot (2026–2027)
Funder: The Nature Conservancy

This pilot focuses on freshwater ecosystems and the communities around Lake Tanganyika in the Kipili Archipelago. It promotes positive behavior change by engaging students, young people, and women in community development and environmental sustainability.

The project combines school-based activities with wider community engagement to encourage environmental awareness, youth leadership, and practices that support freshwater ecosystem conservation.

As a one-year pilot, it will engage communities, promote positive practices, and build learning that can inform future freshwater conservation initiatives.

Key activities

In-school program: school clubs that encourage learning, participation, and positive behavior.
Youth and women’s engagement: community-led behavior change initiatives.
Freshwater environmental awareness: responsible practices that protect Lake Tanganyika and the surrounding environment.
Community-led change: local participation and leadership in addressing environmental challenges.

Intended reach

150 students through school clubs and the in-school program.
5,000 young people and women through wider community engagement.

Our flagship programs