“A moral leader is someone who leads to serve. What distinguishes them from ordinary leaders is that these kinds of leaders prioritize other people’s need.” —Dickson Kamala

Dickson Kamala addressed more than sixty young people at the Tandale Youth Development Center in Tanzania during a recent training program hosted on June 25. Global Peace Foundation (GPF) Tanzania’s ongoing youth leadership workshops gather influential young leaders under the theme “Moral and Innovative Leadership for Peace and Development,” to empower and motivate them to use their skills to facilitate and engage their community in sustainable development and conflict resolution.

Fatuma addresses her peers at a GPF Tanzania youth leadership training workshop

Making up more than 60% of the country’s entire population, Tanzania youth are susceptible to being recruited into extremist groups because of unemployment or poverty. However, young leaders also play a major role in countering this culture by offering an alternative social group that works for the benefit and safety of their families and communities, making GPF youth training programs timely and vital to empowering youth.

“A leader comes in many forms, whether you are white, black, Christians, or Muslims,” said Dickson. “Moral leadership is about distinguishing right from wrong and doing right. It is about seeking the just, the honest, the good. Leaders have great influence over others. Moral leadership gives life to others and enhances the lives of others. Immoral leadership takes away from others in order to enhance oneself.”

enson Daudi speaks at a GPF Tanzania youth leadership workshop

GPF volunteers like Benson Daudi led talks and discussions during the workshops on communication and procedures for conflict resolution. “Build good relationships before conflict occurs,” said Benson, “Do not let small problems escalate. Deal with them as they arise, respect differences, and remember that we are all one family under God.”

After attending a GPF Tanzania youth training, Josephat Mushi acknowledged that there were many challenges in helping youth like himself build bridges despite barriers of culture, faith, and socio-economic standing but said that the training helped him “understand ways of managing conflict.”

GPF Tanzania will continue providing monthly training programs for youth throughout the year.

Read more about peacebuilding in Tanzania