What Is the Twajali Livelihood Program?
Economic vulnerability is one of the greatest barriers to lasting community development. The Twajali Initiative's Livelihood Program is designed to break that cycle by equipping individuals — particularly women and youth — with the skills, resources, and networks they need to build stable, dignified livelihoods.
Rather than offering one-time handouts, the program takes a structured, phased approach that builds capacity from the ground up.
Program Structure
The Livelihood Program operates in four interconnected phases:
- Assessment & Enrollment: Community members are identified through local partnerships and assessed for program fit based on need, interest, and commitment.
- Skills Training: Participants receive vocational training tailored to local economic opportunities — including agriculture, tailoring, carpentry, digital skills, and small business management.
- Seed Support: Graduates receive starter resources — tools, materials, or micro-grants — to launch their economic activities.
- Mentorship & Follow-Up: Ongoing mentorship and business coaching help participants scale their activities and navigate challenges.
Who Does the Program Serve?
The Livelihood Program prioritizes the most economically vulnerable members of target communities, with a particular focus on:
- Women heads of household
- Youth aged 18–35 who are neither in school nor formally employed
- Persons with disabilities seeking income-generating opportunities
- Small-scale farmers seeking to diversify their income streams
The Role of Savings Groups
A key component of the Livelihood Program is the establishment and strengthening of Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs). These community-managed groups allow members to pool savings, access small loans, and build a culture of financial discipline and mutual support.
VSLAs have proven to be particularly powerful tools for women's economic empowerment, offering a safe and trusted space to grow financial independence.
Measuring Impact
Twajali tracks livelihood outcomes through regular household surveys and community monitoring reports. Key indicators include household income changes, business survival rates, and participation in savings groups. This data helps refine the program continuously and demonstrate accountability to communities and supporters.
Get Involved
Organizations and individuals interested in supporting the Livelihood Program — through funding, mentorship, or technical expertise — are encouraged to reach out through the Twajali Initiative's contact channels.