Community for Change Organization (COCO) is a local, growing NGO working in Rukwa, Started on 15th aug 2019, and Katavi regions of Tanzania. We focus on empowering women, supporting adolescents with their reproductive health and rights (RHR), and promoting early childhood development (ECD). Our vision is to build stronger, healthier communities where young people and women have the knowledge, confidence, and opportunities to thrive.
Thematic Areas of Work
- Adolescent Reproductive Health and Rights (RHR): Providing education, awareness, and safe spaces for young people to make informed decisions.
- Women Empowerment: Strengthening women’s voices through skills training, economic empowerment, and leadership opportunities.
- Early Childhood Development (ECD): Supporting parents and caregivers with knowledge and tools to nurture children’s growth and education from an early age.
Current Measurable Metrics
- Reached over 2,500 adolescents through RHR education and awareness sessions.
- Supported more than 300 women in starting or growing small businesses through training and micro-support.
- Worked with 15 community groups on ECD programs, directly benefiting over 600 children under five.
- Built strong local partnerships with schools, health centers, and community leaders.
Testimonials and Stories of Change
- “Before COCO came, I didn’t know much about family planning or my rights. Now I feel confident to make choices for myself and even guide my friends.” — Adolescent girl, Sumbawanga.
- “The business training gave me courage to start selling agricultural products. I now support my family and send my children to school.” — Woman entrepreneur, Katavi.
Articles/Blogs to Feature
- “Empowering Women to Break Barriers in Rural Communities”
- “Why Early Childhood Development Matters for the Future”
- “Youth Voices in Reproductive Health: Lessons from Rukwa”
What’s Next for COCO
We aim to expand our programs to reach more remote communities, strengthen our ECD centers, and set up youth-friendly corners for health and counseling services. We also plan to train more local champions who can sustain the work within their own villages.
Current Needs
- Funding support to scale up our activities.
- Training materials and resources for adolescents and caregivers.
- Partnerships with local and international organizations to increase impact.
- Volunteers and mentors to help with capacity building and outreach.
Case Study: Ester Kasoni – From Struggle to Success
When Ester Kasoni, a 19-year-old girl from Sumbawanga, discovered she was pregnant while still in school, her world turned upside down. With little knowledge about safe reproductive health services and no one to guide her, Ester turned to unsafe methods she had heard about from peers. She attempted to terminate the pregnancy by boiling local herbs and drinking them in large amounts.
The consequences were devastating. Within hours, Ester suffered severe abdominal pain, heavy bleeding, and dizziness. She tried to hide her condition out of fear and shame, but her health deteriorated rapidly. By the time she reached a health facility, she was weak and fighting for her life.
Beyond the physical pain, Ester faced deep emotional scars. She dropped out school for several months, struggled with stigma, and lost many friends who judged her harshly. Isolated and hopeless, she felt her future had been taken away.
It was at this critical point that the Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) Project reached Ester’s village. Implemented by COCO with support from Ipas, the project provided her with access to safe spaces, open discussions, and accurate information on reproductive health. Through group sessions, she learned the dangers of unsafe abortion, the importance of family planning, and her right to make safe health choices.
Slowly, Ester rebuilt her confidence. With encouragement from COCO staff and the support of other young women in the program, she began sharing her story to help others avoid the mistakes she made. She is not only regained her self-esteem but also discovered new strength and purpose.
Today, Ester is more than a survivor, she is a thriving entrepreneur and community advocate. She earns an income that supports her independence, while actively engaging in community meetings to educate girls, parents, and leaders about the importance of safe reproductive health services. Her courage has inspired many, breaking the silence around unsafe abortion and shifting attitudes in her community.
Ester’s journey is a powerful reminder that with the right interventions, young women can overcome adversity and become agents of change. Her transformation shows how the SRHR project not only saves lives but also restores hope, empowers girls, and builds stronger communities for the future.
She is part of this group.
