Sustainability in development aid is one of the most essential aspects for achieving long-term positive change and avoiding dependence on external support. We at Unapendwa e.V. therefore always strive to act sustainably and in accordance with the NGO's mission. Instead of short-term solutions that often only address symptoms, projects in Tanzania should aim to strengthen local capacities and promote self-reliance. Through our work within the Unapendwa community and the ongoing exchange with the various project groups, we can positively influence this. Only in this way can long-term sustainability be guaranteed. Sustainability at Unapendwa begins early. The meetings with the groups are therefore all the more important, as the trust built leads to dialogue. Self-reliance is paramount. The participants in the business training engaged in many discussions beforehand and independently decided where they saw their strengths, in order to acquire new skills based on these and implement what they had learned. Only in this way can long-term success be ensured. Every graduate of a sewing course, every chick hatched in the Kuku group, and every bracelet sold is a success. The goal of sustainability must always be to motivate and support the individuals involved in taking the next big step. This might involve establishing educational institutions, imparting knowledge, or creating economic structures that can function independently. Together with the NGO, we don't want to tie the women's groups to Unapendwa, but rather provide a springboard to self-sufficiency. The principle of "helping people to help themselves" is taken into account. However, a collaborative spirit should be paramount throughout the entire process, which is why contact is maintained—for example, through Elizabeth's visits to the sewing course graduates, even if they are no longer officially under the umbrella of Unapendwa.

It is important to consider ecological, social, and economic aspects equally in order to avoid jeopardizing the livelihoods of future generations. Especially in the Global South, there is often a dream of a "better future." This becomes problematic when this future is sought abroad instead of improving one's own circumstances in the immediate vicinity. Moreover, the resources to undertake a journey to the Global North—which is often dangerous—are frequently lacking. Therefore, Unapendwa is striving to exert greater influence on young people through its two planned projects: a youth center and daycare, as well as its Girls' Education Program. Tanzania has one of the youngest populations in the world, and we believe this presents a tremendous opportunity for every individual. However, due to cultural differences, trust must be built with time, respect, and tolerance in order to address taboo topics and, above all, to speak openly about them. This cannot happen overnight, but it is an important step and another aspect of sustainability.

Resources

Even in the use of resources, care is taken to ensure economically and ecologically sustainable practices . For example, fabrics for the sewing project are purchased at the local fabric market, and denim jackets are bought at the second-hand market. This not only supports the local economy but also reduces waste. The sanitary pads for the GEP (Health Education Program) are made from towels, and the knowledge and skills acquired during the sewing course can later be used by the graduates to start their own businesses. This creates a cycle that, ideally, has a positive impact through the direct recipients at Unapendwa .