Author: Salha Daniel

June 16th is the Day of the African Child. It was first established by the Organization of the African Unity in 1991. The day aims at raising awareness for the situation of children in African soil, and on the need for continuous improvement in education. It encourages people’s spirit to share what they have with a child in Africa.

In this year’s event, for Lushoto district was held at Sunga Mtae in Lushoto district around the compounds of Upendo Agricultural secondary school. The Youth Peace Makers Tanzania participated in the celebration of the Day of African Child, which commenced with a motorcade at district commissioner office in Lushoto. The ridding to the area of the event took place around 9 a.m.
The event was attended by the District commissioner hon. January Lugangika who was the guest of honor, Mrs Ikupa Mwasyoge the Lushoto District Executive Director (DED), Mr Mahanyu General Secretary of CCM in Lushoto district, Mrs Joyce Israel, the Development, gender and Child officer in Lushoto district, Mrs Doris, the Director of Legal Vision Organization, HE for SHE Club from IJA Lushoto, Lushoto OCD representative and a few others.
Speaking on behalf of children across the district and country at large, Mrs Joyce thanked the government for implementing Early Childhood Education, giving access to education for children with disability. Furthermore, the officer appreciated the work of Youth Peace Makers Tanzania in promoting and defending the child’s right through its different programs.
Different groups of children

were given a chance to sing songs, poem and performing drama. All of these expressed the challenges that African child faces. Furthermore, songs, drama and poem showed that society is still violent and thus abuse children’s rights. It was learnt that parents do not care much about the rights of their children and thus allowing forced and early marriage; that was aired by children through their performances and songs.
There were also speeches from District Commissioner (DC), District Executive Director (DED), development, gender and child officer as well as CCM party representatives. The content of these speeches focused on the rights of the child and how these rights can be protected. But also they highlighted issues like early marriage, child labour and how children are treated in families and the communities. There was no doubt that civil societies have made a great contribution in advocating and protecting the rights of the child through raising awareness and educating the society.
Generally, too much emphasis was put on educating African child. And therefore, a request was sent to the government to enforce the laws in place and other policies in favour of children’s education but also civil society and other individuals who are advocating for child’s rights should fasten their shoelace to protect and defend the right of a child in Africa.

On 23rd February 2019 YPM received 21 visitors from Haugland, Norway who came to Tanzania to learn about African traditions and to see some YPM’s programmes. They stayed in Tanzania up to the 3rd day of March 2019. When they arrived on the 23rd February they went to passionist hotel where they rested for a while then they visited Bongoyo island which is in the city of Dar Es Salaam. On 24th February they went to Mikumi National Park where they spent a night, and on 25th February they enjoying a morning safari at Mikumi National park. On the same day around 11 hours they left Mikumi for Lushoto where they arrived at 21 hours. They spent a night at Lushoto Highland Hotel, whereas on 26th they went to YPM office where they learnt various programs which are done by YPM. The YPM management and program officers gave presentations pertaining the programs which are done by YPM. Later in the evening the visitors met the tensing group, in which the tensing group shared what they are doing, and they ended playing volleyball together. On 27th February morning they visited The Children’s home which is located at Irente where they learnt the centre’s history, played with the children, and then they went to Irente farm where they got an amazing experience of seeing some plants which they have never seen in their lives, such as sugarcane, cassava, avocado tree, banana trees, etc. They also enjoyed lunch at Irente farm. In the afternoon they went to Ubiri secondary school where they saw YPM Clubs which are Subject to Citizen club and the Environmental club. Those clubs showed fashion shows, there was music dance, singing, presentations about environmental conservation in Tanzania, the right of pregnant girls to continue with school, and the right to education in Tanzania generally. The visitors also shared their home country experience regarding those presentations. Finally the visitors sang a song.
On 28th February in the morning they went to Magamba forest for biking and hiking, then they went back to YPM’s office. In the afternoon they went to Ntumbi village and met with VICOBA groups where they learnt how the said groups invest money and take loans, their projects and the way they observe their rules in managing their groups. During the evening they went to the families in those villages where 2 visitors went to one family where they cooked food and learnt how those families lives, therefore they spent a night in those respective families.
On 1st March they prepared breakfast in those families where they spent a night, and thereafter they went back to the hotel where they rested for a while. In the evening they played a football match with YPM football team. In the evening they went to Irente view to enjoy the sunset at Irente cliff. Finally they got a farewell dinner at Irente view hotel with YPM Staff, tensing representative and Football team representative. Finally they went back to Highland hotel.
On the 2nd day of March at 6 hours in the morning they left Lushoto for Dar Es Salaam where they arrived at 14 hours where they went to the cultural market and bought some stuffs. Then they went to Passionist hotel where they had reflections and deliberations about their trip, and they rested for a while before going to the airport. At 23 hours on the same day they left the hotel and went to the airport. On the 3rd day of March at 4 hours they took a flight to Norway.
Their stay was fruitful and enjoyable, we have learnt a lot from them and they learnt a lot from us as well despite the timetable being very tight. But all of them were able to participate fully in all programs. We cordially invite them to Tanzania once again.

Purpose of the Post
The Youth Peacemakers Tanzania aims to improve the livelihoods of community members in identified target areas in Tanzania by empowering youths, women and other community members in skills to advocate, lobby and implement national development plans within their communities and groups. That involve skills in production and accessing of markets. The project is currently being implemented in the region of Tanga in districts of Lushoto, Korogwe, Handeni, Mkinga and Tanga with Youths being the main target.
The Accountant will serve as the Finance and Accounts focal point for the Youth Peacemakers in all her activities. His/her key role will be to supervise, develop and deliver on all accounts related matters. He/she will work and assist to control and direct the accounts section, produce timely reports and supervise transactions.
The Accountant will be expected to observe the mission and core values of Youth Peacemakers and demonstrate a quality of skills that is exemplary to others.

Job Description:
1. Prepares asset, liability, and capital account entries by compiling and analyzing account information
2. Tracking and maintaining fixed asset ledgers, general ledger
3. Interprets regulations and accounting policies and procedures
4. Posts financial transactions including transfers, deposits, and journals.
5. Prepares financial records for annual auditing and reporting purposes to facilitate a clean audit.
6. Summarizes current financial status by collecting information; preparing balance sheet and other reports.
7. Maintains financial security by following internal controls
8. Answers accounting procedure questions by researching and interpreting accounting policy and regulations.
9. Monitors and maintains appropriate bank balances in YPM accounts; reconciles general ledger accounts.
10. Prepares monthly forecast and bank reconciliation; researches and resolves discrepancies.
11. Account for any funds as per provided guidelines with high level of accuracy, honest, integrity and timeliness.
12. Provide periodic Financial reports as required (Monthly, Quarterly, bi annual and annually).
13. Maintain a professional performance Complies with national and local financial legal requirements by studying existing and new legislation, enforcing adherence to requirements, and advising management on needed actions.
14. Assists in the development and implementation of the YPM accounting system to ensure compliance with generally accepted accounting principles and auditing procedures.
15. Assists with the preparation of annual YPM budget for grants and categorical programs to assure expenditures are balanced to revenues.
16. Secures financial information by completing data base backups.
17. Maintains customer confidence and protects operations by keeping financial information confidential.
18. Contributes to team effort by accomplishing related duties timely and as needed.
19. Undertake any other tasks that further the objectives of the YPM Lushoto Branch.

Minimum Qualification:
1. Advance Diploma or Degree in Accountancy from a recognized University or college

2. Experience in non-profit fund accounting a plus

Desired
1. Women are highly encouraged to apply
2. Preferably age is between 20 – 40 years
3. Must be able to adhere to strict confidentiality policies regarding client and organizational information

4. This is a full time position which demands availability at working station.

Mode of application
1. Letter of motivation and a detailed CV attached together with certified relevant copies of certificates.
2. Send to: The Director
Youth Peacemakers Tanzania
Box 395 Lushoto – Tanga
3. Deadline for application 15th March 2019

On 21st September it is an international peace day celebration, Due to many YPM responsibilities this day was moved and celebrated on 25th Sept 2018. It was attended by the Tensing team with the YPM football team, Computer class kids and the staff.
Tahona Godfrey and Elias Adrian YPM volunteers were involved in running the whole exercise by explaining the importance of peace on earth and asking questions to some of the participants. The importance of the day was manifested through brief speeches from participants on how each of us has a role to play so as to enjoy peace. The words reflected the importance of Right to peace to all people. As youth in Africa they shared on a number of countries where peace is a farfetched reality, but also how many youths suffer violence through being forced into conflict and war tone areas. They see how peace is the ingredient for justice and human rights to all. The words echoed the message for the day given by the General Secretary of UN Antonio Guterres on marking the International Peace Day. As he says “It is time all nations and all people live up to the words of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which recognizes the inherent dignity and equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human race. This year marks the 70th anniversary of that landmark document.” — Secretary-General António Guterres
As Youth Peacemakers we join the world in celebrating and even more putting emphasis on the importance of peace as one of the basic and important ingredient for achieving Sustainable Development Goals. Youths under YPM are involved in a number of activities in Schools, Colleges and general life walks with peace as a guiding compass for success. It has been witnessed through the stories that were shared by the football players that they have been wining different trophies at their level to the point that now they will represent the district to the FA CUP in Tanga region. The secret has been working for peace, living peacefully and sharing peace even to opponents in their competitions. The same is needed to all people of the world. We need peace to each individual so as to enjoy the God given creation. Justice is fundamental for Peace, but the true provider of Justice should be raised in peaceful circumstances—YPM envision provision of peace platforms to youth and community members to be able to see justice throughout our communities.
The event was colored with training on S2C (Subject to Citizen), Brief explanations of Importance of VICOBA to Youths economic initiatives and various games like pulling a rope, a coca cola drinking competition, the fun learning activities on dependence and need of one another as well as a volleyball contest.
Through this event we believe the participating youths have gained an opportunity to appreciate the importance of peace in the world but will also use the talents and opportunities they have to invest and work for peace so as to set platforms for achieving their dreams.

“Blessed are the Peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” Mathew 5:9