Wajibu Wako, Haki Yetu (Phase 2)

Funded by

ForumCiv SASA Program

From: 2024-09-01

To: 2026-05-31

The Wajibu Wako, Haki Yetu project is a 21-month initiative supported by ForumCiv under the Strengthening Agency for Social Accountability (SASA) program. It aims to promote social accountability and inclusive governance among young citizens in Zanzibar, with a focus on enhancing youth engagement in local governance spaces. Building on the successes of the previous phase, the renewed grant supports ZAFAYCO to intensify and sustain its efforts in four target districts—North A and Central in Unguja, and Micheweni and Chake Chake in Pemba—where earlier interventions laid a strong foundation for youth-led civic engagement.

This phase of the project focuses on expanding the impact by creating and strengthening peer civic educator networks at the community level. These networks are designed to act as focal points for young people, providing access to civic information and guidance on how to engage meaningfully with governance systems. So far, the project has successfully mobilized over 100 young people and engaged 40 youth stakeholders, including district authorities, justice system actors, and civil society organizations. These groups have participated in training and dialogue sessions that have led to the establishment of district-based civic peer networks, equipping them to raise awareness and deliver civic education within their communities.

Through this initiative, ZAFAYCO envisions a growing movement of young changemakers working at the grassroots level to promote transparency, accountability, and inclusive development. The project also emphasizes the importance of gender equality and the inclusion of persons with disabilities in governance spaces, aiming to contribute to stronger linkages between local and central government structures.

Looking ahead, the project aims to extend its outreach to more than 200 Shehias across Unguja, creating platforms to surface, and document pressing challenges related to youth participation, access to opportunities, and inclusion in decision-making processes. These issues will be systematically referred to relevant district authorities for appropriate response and action.