Annual General Meeting 2021

This Year’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) was held in Dodoma Region. From 27 Sept to 28 Sept 2021 the meeting involved all member organizations from Tanzania. During the AGM, we were able to present the AfriYAN programmatic and financial annual reports of the year 2019/2020 – 2020/2021. Both reports reflected the activities that the network has done even during the middle of the covid 19 pandemic. The reports focused on the key thematic areas which AfriYAN Tanzania is working on such as Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights, Youth empowerment, Youth Participation (Expanding Afriyan network) in other regions.
We also had the presentations of reports at the regional level from members in which they presented their annual reports aimed to know what they have been doing throughout the years including the barriers they encounter during the implementation of their activities and come up with recommendations. The meeting aimed to inform members organizations on changing of organization structure also signing Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) by all members.

Objectives of the AGM

• To Present AfriYAN Annual progressive reports (programmatic and Financial)
• Members’ organization to present their regional reports
• To Review organization structure
• Signing of Memorandum of Understanding with all members

Activities Conducted during the AGM

The Chairperson of AfriYAN Tanzania Ms. Dianarose Lyimo gave a welcoming speech to all AfriYAN members and partners who attended the meeting. Thereafter, the meeting was officially opened by the Vice-Chairperson of AfriYAN ESA, Mr. Hussein Melele. He traced back the history and youthful energy during the establishment of the AfriYAN Tanzania chapter and applauded the endures efforts for keeping AfriYAN Tanzania as a youth leading network in the country advancing young people’s agenda economically, socially, and participation/leadership, Sexual Reproductive Health, and Rights.

There was also warm greetings from our partners UNFPA Tanzania represented by Ms.Tausi Hassan and Ms. Fatina Kiluvia who we very inspiring and shared with AfriYAN members updates on the future partnership by explaining the role of UNFPA Tanzania in ensuring effective youth engagement and participation in all matters concerning them without leaving no one behind and also. They emphasized member organizations engage effectively in the whole process of reviewing the Youth Development Policy and the establishment of the National Youth Council. They also briefly explain the new UNFPA Tanzania program for youth – Safe guarding Young People “SYP” and how member organizations can be part of it.

On behalf of AfriYAN Tanzania Leadership, The AfriYAN Tanzania Chairperson sent appreciation regards to the UNFPA Tanzania office under the strong leadership of Ms. Jacqueline Mahon who is also a guardian to AfriYAN Tanzania. She also cemented on the importance of engaging young people in decision-making tables at all levels on all matters concerning them without leaving anyone behind.

1. Presentation of AfiYAN Progressive Reports 2019-2021 (Program and Financial)

During the Annual General Meeting, AfriYAN Secretariate managed to present both programmatic and financial reports for the years 2019/2020 & 2020/2021. The programmatic report based on AfriYAN’s focus areas and showed what has been done as follows;

2. Presentation of AfriYAN Tanzania Financial Report

In 2019 – 2021 AfriYAN secured funds from UNFPA as a grant through KIWOHEDE for implementation of all activities but also SAT through the Youthwyze program. The reports were detailed into what was received and how it was used throughout the years.

AfriYAN Members had the opportunity to ask questions for clarity and provide their constructive inputs for improvement on both presented programmatic and financial reports.

3. Regional Presentations of Annual Reports from AfriYAN member Organizations

Member organizations from 12 regions were able to present their reports on what they have been doing throughout the years. This was done through one representative organization of the specific region. They shared the common challenges they face including Inadequate resources to implement activities through their regional plans but also lack of some competent skills such as resource mobilization, leadership, and organization development.

AfriYAN Secretariat had an opportunity to share feedback on various organization capacity assessments conducted by external auditors. One among them was improving the organization structure, whereby members agreed on an amendment of the constitution in that regard and align to the new organization act.   

Outcomes

• All member accepted to sign those Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
• There was strong support on changing organization structure of AfriYAN and including acceptance of creating a board team 
• There was a strong support on acceptance of membership fee to the members Organizations.
• The targeted number of participants from all regions was reached in the meeting as planned.
• Effective engagement of members during the meeting

Gaps/Challenges

• Not all member organizations shared their reports
• Not all participants had full authority to sign MoU and slowed the process

Reccomendation/Way Forward

• Emphasize to Member Organizations to engage more in AfriYAN Tanzania social media platforms
• The chairperson explained on how members should be expected to be engaged more in the next Safeguard Youth Program.