Adam Mtilizi(26 Years)

"It was a great experience with learning by doing", Adam.

My name is Adam Mtilizi (26) a graduate of Dodoma University, Bachelor of Arts in Development studies. I have been sponsored by IOP in my university education. I completed my studies in 2021 and I have been a volunteer in the exchange program called Change Program from 2021 to 2022.

In my life I have learned lots of things through different ways but being in the exchange program it is an exception. I have been travelling to different places, I have met new people and I have been working with different people. The experience I have will help me throughout my career. In May me and my fellow (Elizabeth) we travelled to Lushoto, to work with youth in Youth Peace Makers Tanzania. We worked together with two youth namely; (Moses and Magreth) together we were 4 in our team. We stayed in Lushoto for two weeks and we conducted trainings and discussions to the youth who are in peacemakers clubs. During my stay I have enjoyed the team work we had the cooperation we got from the staffs and mostly of the exercise was how we handle the challenges among ourselves. For sure the It was a great experience with learning by doing!!!

Moses Kazula (25)

"Exchange program has enlarged my scope of work", Said Moses

My name is Moses Kazula (25) a volunteer from the organization called Youth Peace Makers Tanzania’ which is located in Tanga region in Lushoto District. I’m working as gym master and a photographer. I have got a chance to participate in the Change program for one month. We have received two youth volunteers from Ilula who stayed for two weeks and we (me and my fellow called Magreth) have been travelling to Ilula for two weeks and a half.

My highlight during this one month is, I can see my confidence has been boosted a lot. I have confidence in what I do and how I do it. Working outside from being a photographer and gym master has been outside of my comfort zone. In the beginning I questioned myself and I was not sure on how I do it. I always stand behind the camera, but this time I was supposed to be in front of the camera…..and that was not very comfortable. But as I finished the program in one month, by working with youth in Lushoto and Ilula, I have realized that Exchange program has enlarged my scope of work, I can now work both sides in front of the camera and behind the camera.

Elizabeth Mganule

Elizabeth Mganule says"Being able to make decision has made me feel included in decision making process and heard"

Elizabeth Mganule(27) I have been a volunteer in the exchange program called Change Program from 2021 and 2022. I’m an accountant by professional.

Being in an exchange program has made me learn different things and has widened my understanding of leadership concept and youth participation. Throughout the exchange period I have been part of planning, coordinating, organizing and implementing activities. This has increased confidence and self-belief, has also contributed in greater involvement and responsibilities.

Also, through the Change program, I have been able to meet new people, travel to different places and working with different people. In addition, the program has helped me gain knowledge to deal with various challenges in working with different people. Change program it is the program that help youth to grow mentally, physically and spiritually.