International Men’s Day

On Saturday November 19th, Youth Challenge International (YCI), in partnership with local and international organizations celebrated International Men’s Day for the first time in Arusha and Morogoro, Tanzania. International Men’s Day is an event held in 60 countries worldwide that focuses on men’s and boy’s health, improving gender relations, promoting gender equality, and highlighting positive male role models.

In Arusha, YCI, The Umoja Centre,  Support for International Change, UMATI, Initiative for Youth Organization and Global Service Corps hosted the event at the Mbauda Open Market Ground from 11 am to 3 pm. This free event was aimed to promote men and boys as positive role models and to educate the community on the role of males and females in health, education, family life, violence and life choices. All members of the public were welcome to attend the performances, games, and educational activities of the exciting day.

Umoja Student Dramas at International Men's Day

Watermelon Eating Contest

To celebrate International Men’s day in Morogoro, volunteers, along with our partner organization Faraja Trust Fund,  held a soccer tournament on with 8 local teams. To participate in the tournament each team had to come to two information sessions on male sexual and reproductive health, HIV/AIDS, gender roles and good governance. At these sessions we challenged their knowledge of HIV/AIDS and gender roles. Furthermore, we encouraged them to be more active in their communities and challenged them to make a better Tanzania for not only themselves but their children and future generations. After a tense shoot, team “MORO KIDs” won – congratulations to the team!

Let the Soccer Tournament Begin!

In addition to the soccer tournament, there were a variety of other activities on the field this morning.  YCI and Faraja provided an on-site HIV testing centre, a DJ with music and dancing throughout the day, and drama group performances on the key objectives of International Men’s Day.

Duncan and Makho holding an IMD Training Sessions

It was a great event with over 500 youth and other community members coming together to acknowledge the roles and responsibilities of men and boys in creating a brighter future for all Tanzanians.

Thank you to all the international and local volunteers, YCI staff, partner staff and community members who helped to make International Men’s Day a success in Arusha and Morogoro!

-The YCI Tanzania Teams in Morogoro and Arusha

For more volunteer blogs, check out our Travel Diary category.