In a bid to enhance education and community development, DVV International in Tanzania has made significant strides by establishing community learning centres (CLCs) in the pilot districts of Kongwa, Kisarawe, and Mpwapwa. Centres have been established in Mzenga wards in Kisarawe and in Hogoro in Kongwa. Additionally, a learning hub has been set up at the Folk Development College in Chisalu. The centres aim to address the adult education needs of the local communities in these areas.

To ensure that the CLCs meet the specific needs of the pilot wards, DVV International conducted a comprehensive needs assessment. The assessment revealed several commonalities among the three wards, including similar income levels and livelihood sources. Most community members in these areas have low incomes, spending less than a dollar per day. Their main sources of livelihood involve small-scale farming techniques such as hand hoe cultivation, ox-ploughs, and tractors. Crops cultivated include maize, simsim, cassava, rice, sunflower, groundnuts, and sorghum. Livestock rearing, including cows, goats, sheep, and poultry, such as hens, also contribute to their livelihood. Microenterprises and small-scale businesses, such as mama ntilie (food vendors), Mpesa (mobile money transfer), small kiosks, shops, and the sale of clothing, wooden spoons, and handwoven handbags, also play a significant role.

To effectively implement integrated functional literacy in the CLCs, DVV International has focused on building the capacity of District Adult Education Officers in these pilot districts. The trained officers will then pass on their knowledge to Community Facilitators, who will be responsible for training learner groups.

Recognizing the need for a holistic and practical approach, DVV International has embraced a multisectoral and multi-departmental strategy, forging partnerships with stakeholders, development partners, civil society, and faith-based organizations. As part of this collaborative effort, a series of meetings was conducted in the wards of Mzenga, Hogoro, and Matomondo wards in Tanzania. These meetings brought together various stakeholders from different sectors and departments of the local government at the ward level.

During the meetings, the spotlight was on how the CLCs can actively engage in activities that promote lifelong learning. Several non-governmental organizations offering services in the wards pledged their support and cooperation with the CLC coordinators to provide training to the learner groups. This collaborative approach will ensure that the centres become hubs for comprehensive learning, catering to the diverse needs of the community.

With the establishment of CLCs and the promotion of multisectoral and multi-departmental collaboration, DVV International is taking significant steps towards empowering communities and fostering sustainable development. By addressing the specific needs of the pilot districts and engaging a wide range of stakeholders, these initiatives hold the potential to bring about positive change and enhance the overall well-being of the communities involved.