Today’s EdPowerment Business Incubation Center

Formal employment of young people in East Africa, particularly Tanzania, cannot keep up with its burgeoning youth population. Recently, government authorities have gone so far as to recommend that university graduates return to vocational schools to earn certificates because of the dearth of jobs. They are formally promoting an entrepreneurial mindset.

The EdPowerment Business Incubation Center (EBIC) responds to this urgent need for practical skills that can generate a sustainable income – within the context of building a business.

EBIC prepares young adults (over 16) to earn sustainable incomes by becoming experts in trades that are in demand locally – carpentry, cookery (meals and snacks), and tailoring. The Center also houses production for our reusable feminine pad program. (We now distribute these pads to 5 schools as part of reproductive health education). Not only does the Center teach technical skills, but it also introduces the apprentices to business and marketing basics.

Our message and model: An activity is not a business. Using hands-on methods to teach trade skills to apprentices is just the start. We stress concepts never before learned such as – how to find markets, how to apply financial discipline to the process of buying and selling; how to be creative in all aspects of business; and how to use the Internet to communicate & promote growth.

Computer Training and Services

In 2025 the Center added its fourth program to provide local students and business persons with a way to learn critical internet and computer skills.  These are not taught in local secondary schools and therefore, there is virtually no way for many in this area to partake in the modern online world.  For starters, locals are not able to access markets for supplies or for sales; they cannot take advantage of the multitude of free learning sites; and students and those seeking employment cannot complete critical applications. 

We cannot overstate what this new program will offer interested community members, who seek to advance themselves either academically or commercially.  Our Center will offer experienced teachers, individualized coaching, current laptops, printing services and internet access that is sparce in this District.

Women using laptop in a classroom setting.
Three people using a laptop together.
Classroom with students using laptops and projector.
People gathered around laptop at wooden table.

Carpentry

Inspired by the enthusiasm of students in the Dahani Boys Club when taught how to build some basic furniture - bookshelves and benches, the second vocational program taught at the Center is skilled carpentry.  Led by experienced professionals, the Center provides the tools, equipment and facilities necessary to produce quality furniture and items that will be marketable locally.

In a carefully structured environment and curriculum, four apprentices - our first selection - are learning how to create, engineer and complete products that will excel in quality and appearance.  At the same time, they will be equipped with a fundamental understanding of how to evaluate markets, profitability, reinvestment and other steps that lead to a sustainable business. 

This is an ambitious program that EdPowerment will continue to monitor, shape and evaluate.  The ultimate goal is to impart knowledge and skills for motivated young adults to prosper locally outside of the traditional academic classroom.

Men working on a wooden structure.
Group of people gathered around wooden table.
Students learning woodworking with tools.
Two young men working on wood projects.
Construction workers inside an unfinished building.
Person standing behind a white desk.

Cooking & Snack Production

Again, it was the excitement of students at Saturday's Boys and Girls Clubs that moved EdPowerment to include this  program to be taught to apprentices at the Business Incubation Center. Students at Dahani were so engaged when instructed on how to prepare varied foods (along with some nutritional guidance)!  So we took our cue and recruited Salma, an outstanding and accomplished chef, to lead this program at the Center.  We provide all necessary equipment and supplies to teach four young women the basics of how to prepare a variety of snack and food items popular in local villages.  

In addition to the proper cooking methods, the Center teaches the necessary hygiene, sanitation and storage processes and other key aspects of either starting a food establishment or selling products to markets.  Students are also gaining experience in packaging and selling techniques.  Basic English that will help them to source materials and grow their businesses are a vital part of our program for them, as well as all of the other students at the Center.

So far, the testing of their products has generated A LOT of positive reviews and we look forward to this becoming not only a source of profit to the Center, but also the starting point for a new generation of cooks throughout local villages. 

Two women preparing food with a wooden spoon.
Man in orange hoodie grating potatoes.
Group of children making pink food outdoors.
Young girl serving food to women in a room.
Girls gathered around a table of baked goods.
Skills Seminars & Clubs
Women gather around a table of food.
Group of people gathering for a meal.
People serving food at a community event.

TAILORING
Wings For Confident Women

EdPowerment’s pioneering program to introduce reusable menstrual pads into this rural area is now part of a broader Tailoring Program.  Apprentices and Interns from 2025 dedicate several days each week to producing pads now distributed in 5 local schools.  The other days are devoted to learning how to sew garments in demand:  school uniforms, dresses, pants and bags.  As with all of EBIC’s programs, quality and design distinguish our products so that they can be marketed successfully in a variety of outlets. 

For more information on WINGS, our ambitious reusable pad program, visit Here