31-year-old Abel Mwakatima is fondly referred to as a “man of the people” in his community in Rungwe, Mbeya region. His qualities of integrity and charisma endear him to his community. A natural leader, Abel however, lacked the skills to drive and further his aspirations in the community.

In June 2018, Abel was one of over 20 youth selected by Advancing Youth to attend a one-week leadership training. Thereafter, he was selected to become an Advancing Youth Advisory Council member at district level. Following the training, Abel was appointed by the Rungwe community to become a secretary for his ward, Kiwila. He leads a seven-person “baraza” which mediates land and marriage cases on Mondays and Thursdays each week.

Since his appointment, Abel has mediated over 300 cases successfully with only about 15 proceeding to referrals at the district level. Abel credits the training he received from Advancing Youth to his successful leadership journey, “The tools I gained  allow me to build trust amongst my community, I am equipped with self-efficacy in my work and opened my eyes to the nature of community needs. Now I know how to be patient as a leader and how to best serve the community diligently and effectively, putting their needs before mine. I am motivated to change the way I think and work. Also I am able to mediate conflict and negotiate, a skill that is critical in solving community challenges,” Abel says. As a community mobilizer, Abel’s leadership training cascades to the youth in his community. He facilitates three savings and lending groups made up of 72 members, on formalization procedures, constitutional formation, and advocates for another youth groups’ right to access government loans. 

So far, two groups are formalized, and one savings and lending group has obtained a government loan. “Umoja wa Vijana Kanyenye” received a loan amounting to TZS 7 million (about $3,000USD) from the local government youth fund. The loans go towards the farming of vegetables such as tomatoes, green peppers on three hectares of land.

Abel is a now an influential leader due to the skills he received from Feed the Future Tanzania Advancing Youth.