THE National Economic Empowerment Council (NEEC) has urged leaders in Lindi Region to develop a comprehensive strategy to prevent early pregnancies among girls, which interrupt their education and later hinder their involvement in economic activities to achieve their dreams.

NEEC executive secretary Beng'i Issa made the call here over the weekend when speaking during the launch of the programme dubbed: "Strengthening the Economy with Mama Samia" in the region. 

Issa suggested the need for a strategy to prevent early pregnancies so that girls can fulfill their economic dreams after completing their education.

“This region faces issues where girls drop out of school even after passing their exams to join secondary schools. It is estimated that 30% of these dropouts are due to early pregnancies,” said Issa. 

“Early pregnancies disrupt girls' economic dreams,” she added, noting that the programme aims to empower women, youth, and special groups. Providing education to youth is a crucial tool to help them achieve their economic goals, especially considering the many economic opportunities available in the region.

She said that the region's people are engaged in cashew nut farming, sesame, fishing, and seaweed cultivation, and the program will collaborate with the region to set priorities and develop programs for their empowerment.

NEEC boss also noted that the programme was well-received in the region, with residents eager for its swift commencement. Many participants were traders, farmers, value-added crop producers, and agricultural brokers.

She also encouraged the region to continue with its regular programs in cashew farming, cashew nut processing, crop value addition, fishing, and the 10% empowerment programs, while adhering to government directives.

 Zuhura Meza, Secretary of the Federation of People with Disabilities in Lindi Municipality, expressed gratitude to President Mama Samia for initiating the program, which aims to economically uplift women through entrepreneurship training and empowerment.

 “Upon returning home, I will educate people with disabilities who have not registered for the program so that they can also register and access training and empowerment opportunities,” she said, adding that this opportunity is set to uplift people with disabilities.

Rukia Selemen, a seaweed farmer from Kitumbi Kwela in Lindi Municipality, expressed her appreciation for the program's arrival in their municipality. She said it would provide valuable entrepreneurship education and help her improve her business.

Kilwa Masoko-based entrepreneur, Fatuma Juma said she is involved in processing various products, including yogurt, seaweed juice, and beauty products such as clothing. She stated that the program has integrated them into a system and improved their work quality.

“This programme has provided us with entrepreneurship education and aims to offer us empowerment,” she said. “We are prepared to receive this empowerment to boost our capital and businesses.”