SYP, a regional youth programme of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), pursues the vision of an East and Southern Africa where all adolescents and young people (10-24 years) are healthy, productive and empowered. Switzerland has supported the SYP programme in countries within Southern Africa since its inception in 2013. In 2021, Swiss support for the programme extended to Rwanda, Tanzania and Mozambique.
The SYP programme was launched by the Deputy Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office - Labour, Youth, Employment and Persons with Disability Hon. Patrobas Katambi. The event was attended by the Ambassador of Switzerland to Tanzania, Didier Chassot; United Nations Resident Coordinator in Tanzania, Zlatan Milisic and UNFPA Tanzania Representative, Mark Schreiner. Also in attendance were government representatives, representatives of various youth groups, and Swiss Embassy and UNFPA staff.
In his remarks, Minister Katambi said the programme is perfectly aligned with the Tanzania Development Vision 2025, despite its roots being from Southern Africa. "The Government of Tanzania is wholeheartedly in support of these kinds of programmes as they directly impact youth development in particular, and national development in general," said the Minister.
Adolescents and young people are the fastest growing segment of Tanzania’s population with the age group of 10 to 24 years representing 33 percent of the total population. SYP addresses young people’s needs by improving policy, legal and programming environments; increasing young people’s knowledge and skills towards adoption of protective sexual behaviours; increasing access to and quality of youth friendly sexual and reproductive health services; and promoting youth empowerment and meaningful participation in decision-making processes. SYP will enhance and scale up existing interventions for adolescents and young people using a human rights and gender equality approach across multiple sectors.
Ambassador Chassot said he was pleased to strengthen the partnership with UNFPA to continue empowering and mentoring young people. "We hope this programme not only improves young people’s access to key services but also helps communities understand and challenge the social norms that perpetuate inequities between boys and girls," he said.
Prior to the launch, a half-day media briefing session was held to orient journalists about the programme and its expected results. The briefing included opening remarks from the Head of Cooperation at the Swiss Embassy, Mr. Leo Näscher, and a presentation and Q & A sessions.
Switzerland has provided official development assistance to Tanzania since 1981. In its current cooperation programme, Switzerland continues to provide approximately CHF 25 million (TZS 62.2 billion) in direct assistance annually, focusing on three key priorities – strengthening state institutions, promoting civic space and improving youth livelihoods.
For more information: Safeguard Young People programme
