Project
From shore to forest: how nature empowers Tanzanian youth to thrive
Through UNESCO’s Better Education for Africa’s Rise (BEAR) project, two remarkable individuals, Pavu Mcha Hamisi and Ramadhani Abdullah Makame, have turned these natural resources into tools for empowerment. Their stories reflect resilience, creativity, and the promise of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to transform lives and communities.
Pavu's seaweed entrepreneurship journey and transformation
Pavu Mcha Hamisi, a 38-year-old woman from a coastal village, never imagined that seaweed—something she had seen all her life—would become the foundation of her success story.
“Through the BEAR II project, I received training on establishing relationships through community groups, marketing online, and crafting products from seaweed. The project even provided me with the startup capital to get my business off the ground." she explained.
"Now, I make a line of seaweed-based products like shampoo, lotion, body oil, scrubs, and massage oils. With newfound confidence, I have expanded my business through online marketing and, to note, I’m selling more than ever. Sales have doubled with seaweed flour— becoming a favorite product among my customers.”
A steady income has been life-changing for Pavu and her family, giving her peace of mind about meeting their needs.
As her business grows, so do the challenges. Pavu currently relies on a grain-grinding machine that isn’t designed for seaweed, which slows her production. She dreams of a dedicated seaweed grinder and hopes that with continued support from UNESCO, she might one day acquire it.
Pavu’s story is a testament to the power of support, training, and a little capital.
I’m no longer worried about daily needs. Thanks to UNESCO, I’ve found my way out of poverty—and I know others can, too.
While the story of seaweed showcases the transformative power of the ocean, the next journey takes us into the heart of Tanzania's forests, where wood becomes a medium of craftsmanship and innovation.
A carpenter’s journey to success and sustainability
Since 2018, Ramadhani Abdullah Makame, a 28-year-old carpenter from Zanzibar, has experienced big changes in his life after participating in the BEAR II project training, where he learned carpentry, material recycling, turning waste into valuable new products, environmental conservation, and marketing.
As a result, Makame now excels in crafting furniture and incorporating environmental conservation and customer service skills, which have become key to his growing success.
“I used to make products, but getting customers was an issue. The training guided me on how to attract and keep customers, and how to build good relationships with colleagues.”
Makame’s clients have expanded significantly, resulting in a higher income and a more fulfilling work environment.
"I have the land, so I decided to plant fruit trees. Now, I use the manure I produce from my industry to enrich my farm.", he explained with pride.
The training in environmental conservation has inspired him to make an even greater impact. Makame now transforms waste materials from his carpentry shop into manure, which he uses to fertilize fruit trees on his farm. This eco-friendly approach has enabled him to combine his skills as a carpenter with his passion for sustainability.
Makame also encourages other young people to attend similar training sessions, emphasizing the importance of soft skills alongside technical expertise.
“Many youths have skills but lack the know-how to use them effectively. I sincerely hope UNESCO to continue offering these trainings, especially in customer service and interpersonal skills. These skills have significantly transformed my business,” he concluded.
Through dedication, newly acquired skills, and a commitment to sustainability, Makame has turned his carpentry center into a model of success and eco-consciousness, inspiring others in his community to follow in his footsteps.
The Better Education for Africa’s Rise (BEAR) project is a flagship project dedicated to technical and vocational education and training (TVET) in Africa. 91鶹Ʒ been implementing this project in the continent since 2011 with financial support from the Government of the Republic of Korea. The second phase (2017-2022) was implemented in 5 countries of Eastern Africa.
