Working with young professionals

I still remember that I half nodded (but confidently!) in the meeting when I first heard the term GEDSI (Gender and Social Inclusion), as I was not sure about the exact acronym and what it means to the DURP project. Though I probably guessed the meaning and importance for GCI.

In addition to mainstreaming important aspects in gender and youth, climate change etc. we were facing a number of other challenges in August 2024, when the project started. This included building a local team, municipal engagement and bringing in local stakeholders. It was an important but a challenging journey for us – fast forward – yesterday we hosted one of the main face to face capacity development events with young professionals in the city of Dar. This was facilitated by Rebecca Parrish and myself and we were totally impressed with the level of energy and engagement young professionals in Dar brought to the event. We focused on report and proposal writing and learned together with many activities. After lunch (and opposite to the norm) engagement levels have gone up further. We were eager to close after 7 hours of extensive work, but participants were fresh as they were at the start and present. Upon conclusion of the day, we were joined by Sarah Pima CEO of HUDEFO for the certificates distribution. For me, a key highlight of the day was a very high participation of female young professionals. This really helped me and DURP in understanding what Gender Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) means and must look like. This was very impressive in the workshop.

Thanks to the team and colleagues, especially Marwa Mohabe Theresia Kapinga Olaposi Falope Deepa Solanki Jemima Pellatt Dr Madaka Tumbo Rebecca Parrish Jamie Monkhouse Veronica Di Bella Hellena Sailas Asma Kulaga Andreas Beavor Adam Molleson Heather Millen Sarah Pima Geophrey Zenda Eng. Allen M Kimambo