Cheka Sana Tanzania

Skills, knowledge and confidence

Amos Trust partners with Cheka Sana to support girls and young women living on the streets of Mwanza, equipping them with the skills, knowledge and confidence to build independent and hopeful lives. Many participants are already mothers or are at risk of early pregnancy, facing heightened vulnerability.

Mwanza, Tanzania’s second city, lies on the shores of Lake Victoria and is a major hub for land and water transport. The city’s busy environment exposes girls and young women to abuse and exploitation.

StreetBorn programme

Cheka Sana’s StreetBorn programme begins with outreach to identify girls and young women forced onto the streets, often due to domestic violence or poverty. Survival on the streets can lead to sex work, unwanted pregnancies and other health risks.

The programme provides:

• Psychosocial support to address emotional needs
• Life skills sessions to foster self-awareness, mutual trust and knowledge of sexual and reproductive health, linking participants to local health services
• Peer support networks to build solidarity and shared understanding among women with similar lived experiences

“One-to-one sessions, peer mediation and psychosocial support gave me the chance to share my challenges and realise how I could determine my goals.” Cheka Sana participant

Self-defence and empowerment

Participants receive self-defence training to protect themselves from abuse and gain confidence to assert boundaries, taking control of their bodies and futures.

Girls and young women practicing self-defence at Cheka Sana Tanzania.

Economic independence

The final stage focuses on financial autonomy. Women undertake apprenticeships in tailoring, hairdressing, catering and event decoration. With a start-up kit, they can establish their own businesses, achieving safer and more stable living conditions.

“My journey from a vulnerable street child to a mother and entrepreneur has shown me the transformative impact of Cheka Sana. I can hardly believe I now see a bright future for myself and my children.” Cheka Sana participant

Through psychosocial support, life skills, self-defence and entrepreneurship, Cheka Sana enables young women in Mwanza to transition from street survival to confident, independent futures.

Photography: Christoph Stulz and Tom Merilion