Iyanna Foundation Tanzania / OsloMet
About us
Iyanna Foundation is a registered non-governmental organization under the Ministry of Health, Community Development, Gender, Elderly, and Children – Community Development Department in Tanzania. We work at the intersection of youth development, education, health, and gender equity—partnering with communities to break cycles of poverty and build resilient futures for young people, especially young mothers and underserved youth.
Our programs are grounded in community engagement, methodologies, and strategic partnerships that we believe will help the organization achieve its mission of reducing cases of teenage pregnancies and empower the youth both boys and girls to be able to make informed decision and choices in their lives.
About the project
Last year Iyanna Foundation recruited master students who would study and address the problem of the underlying cause of teenage pregnancies. The study focused on the individuals and /or institutions (with an interest in addressing the pregnancies) or structural challenges, such as poverty, gender inequality, social norms, low levels of education, lack of comprehensive reproductive health education any other factor that contributed to the problem of teenage pregnancies.
A group of dedicated students from the Master’s programme did field work in Tanzania, under supervision from Iyanna and the institute of Social Work at OsloMet. It has resulted in some exciting and well-recieved master’s theses.
The study findings will also help the Iyanna Foundation and other stakeholders in the local community be informed and develop targeted interventions and programs to address the problem. The study will be shared with local organizations and community members. Further, The Iyanna Foundation will use the insights to develop targeted interventions and programs to address the problem. At the same time, other organizations can also use the information to create their initiatives.
This year web have several more topics for research.
“The Influence of Social Media on Children’s Behaviour in Tanzania: A Study of Moral, Social, and Academic Impact.”
Children’s Exposure to Alcohol and Tobacco: A Study of Why Children Are Allowed to Purchase Restricted Substances in Tanzanian Communities.”
“Children as Caregivers: The Impact of Sibling Care Responsibilities on Child Development in Tanzania.”
“When Children Raise Children: A Study of Young Caregivers and Family Responsibilities in Tanzania.”
“Hidden Childhood Risks: Children’s Exposure to Adult Responsibilities and Harmful Practices in Tanzanian Families.”
“When Women Become Primary Providers: The Impact of Shifting Gender Roles on Family Life and Child Wellbeing in Tanzania
How do chess and sports programs contribute to life skills education and positive youth development in low-resource or community-based school settings?
Relevant for
Iyanna Foundation can accept 4-5 students from Child Welfare, NorPol, Social Work and Family Therapy together.
Contact
Application and questions can be sent to:
- Prisca Lema, Director of Iyanna Foundation prisca.lema@iyannafoundation.org
- Elly Omondi Project Manager Iyanna Foundation omoelly@hotmail.com
- Blanka Støren-Vaczy PhD. Associate professor OsloMet,blanst@oslome.no
More Information
IYANNA FOUNDATION: EMPOWERING YOUTH, TRANSFORMING COMMUNITIES
CORE PROGRAM AREAS
1.
Chess for Empowerment, Inclusion, and Learning
Chess is more than a game at Iyanna Foundation—it is a tool for education, inclusion, and empowerment. We use chess in multiple dimensions of our work:
a.
Building Cognitive and Life Skills
Through school-based chess clubs and schools’ chess competitions we help youth develop critical thinking, strategic planning, concentration, and decision-making skills. These clubs are especially effective in complementing our STEM education efforts.
b.
Fostering Inclusion: Chess & Autism
In partnership with FIDE (International Chess Federation), Iyanna Foundation uses chess as a therapeutic and educational tool to support children with autism. Our inclusive chess sessions are tailored to improve cognitive engagement, social interaction, and focus among neurodiverse children—creating an innovative, low-barrier entry point to learning and development.
c.
Youth Leadership & Safe Spaces
Chess clubs also serve as community hubs—safe spaces where young people can engage in peer learning, open discussions, and mentoring. These clubs foster children and youth leadership, especially among girls, and act as gateways for broader life-skills and health education.
2.
Support for Young Mothers and Children
Teen pregnancy can drastically affect a young woman’s future. Iyanna Foundation offers a comprehensive support system to ensure young mothers are not left behind.
Our Approach Includes:
•
Safe Haven & Health Support: Temporary shelter, counselling, and medical care for young mothers and their children.
•
Vocational Training: Skill-building programs to foster financial independence.
•
Education Reintegration: Partnerships with schools to facilitate re-entry into the formal education system.
3.
STEM Education & Mentorship
We are committed to closing the gender gap in STEM fields. Our inclusive approach encourages both girls and boys to explore and excel in science, technology, engineering, and math.
Key Initiatives:
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Interactive STEM Workshops: Hands-on learning that builds confidence and foundational knowledge.
•
Mentorship Programs: Role models and mentors guide students through educational and career pathways.
•
Chess Integration: Chess strengthens problem-solving and analytical thinking—essential STEM skills.
4.
Reproductive Health & Life Skills Education
Knowledge is a powerful tool for prevention. We deliver youth-friendly health education and life skills programs to help young people make informed choices.
Program Components:
•
Life Skills Development: Training in communication, self-awareness, goal setting, and conflict resolution.
•
Peer Learning via Chess Clubs: Our chess hubs double as safe learning spaces to discuss sensitive topics in a peer-supported environment.
5.
Community & Government Collaboration
Reflective Leadership for Social Change
To drive systemic change, Iyanna Foundation collaborates with local government leaders—from ward and street levels to the district and regional offices—to address violence against children and violence against women. This work is carried out in partnership with UZIKWASA, a Tanzanian organization known for its groundbreaking approach to leadership and social transformation.
Our Collaborative Activities:
•
Reflective Leadership Trainings: Helping local leaders explore their values, biases, and roles in preventing violence against children and Gender based violence.
•
Community Dialogue & Accountability: Supporting leaders to mobilize their communities around issues of child protection.