Kubuni Centre and Collaborative

Kubuni (meaning “to create” in Kiswahili) serves as a platform to support local capacity building, innovation and knowledge sharing with the aims of creating equal opportunities for Tanzanians, and bridging the gap in knowledge production through practical applications.

• Capacity Building: We define capacity building as the process of developing and strengthening skills Tanzanians need to thrive in today’s world. We do so by providing training, workshops, and support with the end goal of students being capable to complete tasks independently.

• Innovation: We define innovation as being original and creative in thinking. The Kubuni Centre provides the space and materials to experiment, create and make mistakes in their product and business designs. We believe the best products are made through doing and re-doing!

• Knowledge Sharing: We define knowledge sharing as the transfer of valuable skills, methods and information through international, national, and local relationships and networks to everyone involved in our projects. We believe that the best way to learn is to pass down experience, not copy off a blackboard!

The Kubuni Centre is our creative hub providing space and workshops to entrepreneurs in Mbeya Region. Focused on community empowerment, the Kubuni Centre, provides the skills, resources and physical space for Tanzanians to realize their innovative ideas.

The Kubuni Collaborative brings together various skilled personnel (mentors from Canada, USA, Ireland, Germany and other countries) to create knowledge sharing relationships with Tanzanians in the Mbeya Region. We aim to create a large network of people wanting to provide their skillset to, and learn from vulnerable youth. Our mentors approach this partnership with the intention working with Tanzanians to build and hone their skills. This means that the ideas are equally created between the two, and once the mentor is no longer in residence, our students are left with the ability to continue growing and to access support. We create these networks through working with 4 local universities/colleges in the Mbeya Region, and various international universities. These networks of universities allow us to provide placement opportunities where Tanzanian students are able to work directly with international students, provide research opportunities for international students and have more collaborative projects.

For more information visit our website or  email us at kubuni.tobfc@gmail.com

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Tackling the Issue

Maasai Women's Beading Co-op

TOBFC has established and continues to work with three Maasai Women's Beading Cooperatives, helping to connect their products, including hand-beaded jewelry and household items, to local and international markets. In addition, TOBFC assists the members in improving their business methods and product development. The 25 women involved in this program are able to advance their financial autonomy and invest in family and community improvement activities. Through the program, TOBFC has established a fund to educate the daughters of the group members at the secondary and post-secondary levels.