Who We are
Vijana Life Organization (ViLO) began in 2018 with a simple idea sparked by the experiences of two Form Four students—a boy and a girl—at Majani ya Chai Secondary School in Dar es Salaam. These students faced the daily realities of educational challenges, particularly the girl, who struggled to afford basic school necessities like uniforms and textbooks. With the help of a scholarship, she was able to complete her secondary education—a moment that inspired hope and possibility.
Seeing the struggles around them, these two students decided to take action. While still in school, they founded a small club to support their peers and other youth facing similar hardships, providing guidance, mentorship, and basic support to help them overcome barriers to education and personal growth.
Our Story
In 2019, the initiative grew beyond the school walls, evolving into a community-focused life and youth support group. This unregistered organization began extending assistance to vulnerable youth and children in orphanages, providing essential resources and mentorship to help them navigate life’s challenges.
By 2020, their vision had matured, and the organization was formally registered as Vijana Life Organization (ViLO). From its humble beginnings in a school club, ViLO has grown into a platform that empowers young people to overcome barriers, achieve their potential, and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
The Reality We’re Facing
Youth make up more than one‑third of Tanzania’s population (34.4%), yet many face persistent social and economic barriers that limit their opportunities to thrive.
Only about one‑third (34%) of Tanzanian youth have completed secondary or higher education, leaving many without the academic foundation needed for meaningful employment or further learning.
Roughly 24–26% of young people (15–35 years) are unemployed and actively seeking work, highlighting the scarcity of stable job opportunities and the importance of youth‑focused skills development.
Teenage pregnancy remains high: around 27% of adolescent girls aged 15–19 have begun childbearing, limiting their educational attainment and future economic prospects.
Child marriage and early childbirth continue to impact girls’ lives, with nearly 30% of women aged 20–24 married before age 18, often correlating with school dropout and reduced opportunities.
Mental health challenges among adolescents are significant yet under‑addressed, contributing to school absenteeism, low academic performance, and poor overall wellbeing.
These statistics are not just numbers — behind each one is a young person with potential, dreams, and strengths. We exists to transform these realities by equipping youth with the knowledge, skills, and support they need to overcome barriers and build prosperous, healthy futures.
Our Why in one sentence
Our mission is to empower youth to advance sustainable health, education, and development, and to strengthen their social impact in Tanzania.
Innovation and Creativity
Partnership and Collaboration
Inclusion and Equity
Volunteerism
Key Achievements
Life Skills Training
150+ girls trained in communication, leadership, and decision-making.
140 graduates benefited from employability skills for youth.
STEM and Technology Education
500 students have benefited from STEM education, including using computers to collect data for environmental variety in the community.
78 youth benefited from science and technology, including coding and basic computer programs.
Health and Disability Inclusion
100 Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences students benefited from health care sign language training for people with disabilities.
234 youth benefited from health education on non-communicable diseases, including lung health education.
Economic Empowerment and Entrepreneurship
69 young girls benefited from entrepreneurship and vocational trainings.
Menstrual Health and SRH Education
2,500 adolescent girls and young women benefited from menstrual pads and SRH education.