Turning waste into hope: A Story of literacy, clean energy, and economic empowerment. Through the Mimi na Mazingira Yangu, a small pirot project targeting women and youth who were supported to join adult literacy classes in Likokona, and Sengenya wards where they gained literacy and numeracy skills alongside practical training in producing clean cooking briquettes using locally available agricultural waste materials. The project was supported by Ireland Embassy in Tanzania. For many vulnerable women and youth including young mothers in Nanyumbu District in Mtwara Region, life was once marked by illiteracy, poverty, low self-confidence, and economic dependence.
Many had missed the opportunity to enroll or complete primary education due to various challenges, including long distances to school, poverty, harmful community perceptions about girls’ education, early marriages, and demanding household responsibilities. As adults, many struggled to read or write and had limited opportunities to improve their
livelihoods.
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At Likokona B, 29 graduates (19 women and 10 men) received training in briquette production, entrepreneurship, and business management, forming the registered NISHATI CTA group.
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Their success inspired 153 additionalcommunity members (96 women and 57 men) to learn briquette production, bringing the project's total direct reach to 182 beneficiaries (115 women and 67 men).
Women Becoming Economic Champions
The project has especially transformed the lives of vulnerable women and young mothers. Many participants who previously depended entirely on their husbands for household needs are now generating their own income through briquette production and sales.
One beneficiary shared:
“Before joining the project, I could not read or write
and depended fully on my husband. Today, I can
produce briquettes, earn income, support my
children’s needs, and contribute to protecting the
environment.”
Income earned from briquette sales is helping families
buy food, pay school expenses, access healthcare,
and start small businesses.
Literacy,skills and confidence
Beyond clean energy production, the project has empowered women and youth with literacy, numeracy, entrepreneurship, and simple bookkeeping skills, increasing their confidence, financial independence, and participation in community decision-making. Women who once faced intimidation due to illiteracy can now read, write, manage savings groups, and market their products with confidence.
A call to patnership and Support
The success of the briquette initiative proves that
when communities are equipped with knowledge
and practical skills, they can become drivers of
sustainable development.
CTA welcomes partnerships with donors, development organizations, private sector actors, and individuals who believe in empowering communities through education, climate action, and economic opportunities. Litte support huge impact!
Together, we can transform waste into opportunity and build a cleaner, more resilient future for women, youth, and families in Tanzania
