At the 2023 World Youth Development Forum, the "One Computer Lab One School" project initiated by Tanzania Enlightenment Development Innovations (TEDI) was selected as one of the first 100 Excellence Actions under the Action Plan for Global Youth Development. This project aims to establish computer labs in resource-scarce public schools in Tanzania and provide digital skills training for teachers and students. Since its inception in July 2019, the project has directly or indirectly trained over 20,000 young people. In August 2024, TEDI successfully established its overseas office in Changsha, China.

Here is the story of Gloria Anderson:

From Tanzania to China: My Journey of Innovation and Empowerment

by： Gloria Anderson，Founder and Executive Director of Tanzania Enlightenment Development Innovations (TEDI)

In the summer of 2023, I received an invitation from the World Youth Development Forum (WYDF) that changed the trajectory of my work and open doors I never imagined. I was honored to join the China-Africa Youth Forum on Innovation & Entrepreneurship in Changsha, Hunan, from June 28th to July 4th. This forum was more than just a gathering; it was a capacity-building program where I learned deeply about China-Africa innovation and entrepreneurship, and it allowed me to present my work on a global platform.

During the opening ceremony, standing in front of an audience from different parts of the world, I spoke passionately about the work we do in Tanzania to enhance digital technology in public schools. Through partnerships with the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology, as well as district offices, we have been striving to bring digital literacy to every classroom, making technology accessible to students who need it most. The experience was surreal; for the first time, our efforts were showcased on an international stage. The encouragement and support I received were overwhelming, not just for me but for the entire team back in Tanzania. We owe a debt of gratitude to the All-China Youth Federation for believing in our work and giving us this platform.

One of the highlights of the forum was the day of my presentation. After the opening meeting, we visited the China-Africa Youth Innovation and Entrepreneurship Base in Hunan, where we were introduced to the incredible work being done to support youth-led organizations from Africa. It was during this visit that I met Ms. Li Weimin, the Director of the Hunan Xiangjiang New Area (Changsha High Tech Zone) Foreign Science and Technology Exchange Center. Our conversation in June 2023 was a turning point; we discussed the possibility of registering our organization in Changsha—a dream I had never dared to dream.

Returning to Tanzania, I continued the conversation with Ms. Li and her team. The process was intricate and lengthy, involving the submission of numerous documents, translating them into Chinese, and obtaining authorization from various authorities in Tanzania, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Chinese embassy. The process took nearly a year, a year filled with anticipation, challenges, and unwavering determination. But today, in August 2024, that dream has become a reality. Our office in Changsha has been officially launched.

What can I say? The journey from a young girl with a dream of improving the lives of youths in Tanzania through education to establishing an office in China is nothing short of remarkable. I am deeply grateful to the Hunan Xiangjiang New Area Foreign Enterprise Service Center for facilitating our registration and helping us establish our office at the Hunan Xiangjiang New Area International Technology and Business Platform. This milestone marks the beginning of a new chapter for us at TEDI.

At TEDI, our mission is to empower youth through education, entrepreneurship, and digital literacy. Establishing our presence in China allows us to bridge connections between Tanzanian and Chinese institutions, creating opportunities for youth to exchange knowledge, skills, and innovative ideas. Our work will focus on fostering collaborations with Tanzanian government departments, business associations, and service agencies, facilitating partnerships that drive forward the shared goal of youth empowerment.

We are also thankful to the All-China Youth Federation and the World Youth Development Forum Organizing Committee for their early recognition of our work in Tanzania by listing our 'One Computer Lab One School Project' among the 100 excellence actions for global youth development during the World Youth Development Forum in October 2023. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Government of the People’s Republic of China for their unwavering support of youth-led initiatives in Africa, which has been instrumental in helping us advance our mission.

As I reflect on this journey, I am filled with gratitude and pride. What began as a simple dream has now evolved into a global initiative, and I am excited to see what the future holds for TEDI and the youth we are committed to empowering. This is just the beginning.