What we do
IYANNA FOUNDATION: EMPOWERING YOUTH, TRANSFORMING COMMUNITIES
WHO WE ARE
Iyanna Foundation is a registered non-governmental organization under the Ministry of
Health, Community Development, Gender, Elderly, and Children – Community Development
Department in Tanzania. We work at the intersection of youth development, education,
health, and gender equity—partnering with communities to break cycles of poverty and build
resilient futures for young people, especially young mothers and underserved youth.
Our programs are grounded in community engagement, methodologies, and strategic
partnerships that we believe will help the organization achieve its mission of reducing cases
of teenage pregnancies and empower the youth both boys and girls to be able to make
informed decision and choices in their lives.
Chess for Empowerment
We use chess as a powerful tool to build confidence, leadership, and critical thinking among youth. Through school-based clubs and competitions, children—especially girls—develop decision-making skills and resilience, creating pathways for personal growth, academic success, and future leadership in their communities.
Chess for Inclusion and Learning
Chess opens doors for inclusive learning at Iyanna Foundation. We work with children of all abilities, including those with autism, using chess to enhance focus, communication, and cognitive skills. Our programs promote equal participation, social interaction, and learning in safe, structured, and supportive environments.
Support for Young Mothers and Children
We offer holistic support for young mothers through safe shelter, counselling, medical care, and vocational training. Our education reintegration program helps them return to school, rebuild their confidence, and pursue independence, ensuring that teen pregnancy does not end a young woman’s dreams or potential.
STEM Education & Mentorship
We promote equal access to STEM by providing hands-on workshops and connecting students with mentors who guide academic and career paths. By integrating chess into STEM learning, we strengthen analytical thinking and problem-solving skills, empowering both girls and boys to thrive in tech-driven futures.
Life Skills Education
Our life skills program equips youth with tools for personal growth and informed decision-making. Through communication, goal setting, and conflict resolution training—often within our chess hubs—we create safe, peer-led spaces where young people gain confidence, self-awareness, and the ability to make healthy, empowered choices.
Community Collaboration
Sustainable change begins with strong community leadership. We partner with local government leaders to address gender-based violence and child protection. Through reflective leadership training and dialogue sessions, we build accountability and help communities challenge harmful norms while promoting safety, equity, and collective responsibility for vulnerable populations.
Reproductive Health & Life Skills Education
Knowledge is a powerful tool for prevention. We deliver youth-friendly health education and
life skills programs to help young people make informed choices.
Program Components:
• Life Skills Development: Training in communication, self-awareness, goal setting,
and conflict resolution.
• Peer Learning via Chess Clubs: Our chess hubs double as safe learning spaces to
discuss sensitive topics in a peer-supported environment.
Community & Government Collaboration
Reflective Leadership
for Social Change
To drive systemic change, Iyanna Foundation collaborates with local government leaders—
from ward and street levels to the district and regional offices—to address violence against
children and violence against women. This work is carried out in partnership with
UZIKWASA, a Tanzanian organization known for its groundbreaking approach to leadership
and social transformation.
Our Collaborative Activities:
• Reflective Leadership Trainings: Helping local leaders explore their values, biases,
and roles in preventing violence against children and Gender based violence.
• Community Dialogue & Accountability: Supporting leaders to mobilize their
communities around issues of child protection.
