Celebrating Cohort 2: Empowering Young People with Visual Impairments to Thrive in Employment and Entrepreneurship

This week marked another important milestone for Kilimanjaro Blind Trust Africa (KBTA) as we celebrated the graduation of Cohort 2 of our Employability and Entrepreneurship Skills Programme in Tanzania.

A total of 35 young people with visual impairments completed the programme, including 20 graduates from the Employability Skills Programme and 15 graduates from the Entrepreneurship Skills Programme. They leave equipped with practical, market-relevant skills, greater confidence, and the tools needed to pursue meaningful employment, build sustainable businesses, and contribute to Tanzania's economic growth.

Implemented by Kilimanjaro Blind Trust Africa (KBTA) in partnership with SHIVYAWATA and the Mastercard Foundation under the Young Africa Works strategy, the programme is helping break down barriers to economic inclusion by ensuring that young people with disabilities have access to opportunities that match their talent and potential.

Group photo of the young graduates holding their certificates

Turning Skills into Opportunities

Graduation is not the end of the journey— it is the beginning.

Our graduates have developed technical, employability, and entrepreneurial skills that prepare them to compete in today's labour market and create opportunities for themselves and others. Beyond technical training, the programme nurtures confidence, resilience, and the mindset needed to succeed in an increasingly competitive economy.

The programme's impact is already visible.

From Cohort 1, 18 out of 20 graduates secured internship opportunities, while three have already transitioned into long-term employment with different organizations. These outcomes demonstrate that when young people with disabilities are equipped with the right skills and connected to inclusive employers, they can excel and make meaningful contributions in the workplace.

For the 15 entrepreneurship graduates, support continues beyond graduation. Mentorship sessions are already underway to help them strengthen, expand, and sustain their enterprises, ensuring they are well-positioned to grow successful businesses that create lasting impact within their communities.

Young lady with visual impairment showcasing her products at a Trade Fair show

Building More Inclusive Workplaces

Creating opportunities for young people with disabilities requires collaboration.

We invite employers across Tanzania to partner with us by offering internship and employment opportunities to our talented graduates. They are skilled, motivated, and ready to contribute to diverse and inclusive workplaces.

Organizations seeking to strengthen disability inclusion are also encouraged to engage KBTA for a workplace disability inclusion audit.

Together, we can identify practical ways to improve accessibility, foster inclusive workplace cultures, and unlock the immense potential of persons with disabilities.

As we celebrate this new cohort of graduates, we remain committed to creating pathways to dignified work, entrepreneurship, and economic independence. Together with our partners, we are proving that disability is not a barrier to success—opportunity is.

To our graduates, congratulations. Your journey is only just beginning, and we look forward to celebrating your achievements in the years ahead.

Selected graduates cutting a cake for the graduation ceremony