Basata partners with Miriam Odemba Foundation to empower Tanzanian Youth

as reported in a local Newspaper

In a significant move to empower youth through the arts, the National Arts Council (BASATA) has pledged to strengthen its partnerships with organizations focused on youth development. 

This commitment was made during a high-profile meeting between BASATA’s Executive Secretary, Dr. Kedmon Mapana, and representatives from the Miriam Odemba Foundation, a non-governmental organization dedicated to uplifting young women and communities.

Dr. Mapana praised supermodel and philanthropist Miriam Odemba for her outstanding contributions to Tanzania’s fashion industry and her tireless efforts to help disadvantaged girls. 

He expressed BASATA’s eagerness to collaborate on projects that unlock talent and foster sustainable growth, emphasizing that the arts have a critical role in driving social transformation. 

"We recognize Miriam Odemba’s dedication to both the creative industry and social welfare. BASATA is ready to collaborate in initiatives that unlock talent and foster sustainable development," he said.

The conversation revolved around ways to empower young women through arts and fashion, providing them with skills and exposure that could propel them to success. 

Jennifer Mteleke, Managing Director of the Miriam Odemba Foundation, highlighted the immense potential of Tanzanian youth to capitalize on digital opportunities. “With technology and social media, young people have immense potential. Proper mentorship can propel them to international success, just as Miriam achieved,” she stated.

The foundation’s current focus is on fundraising for the Mwendapole Project, which aims to build sanitation facilities at a primary school in Kibaha, Pwani, a project that will directly benefit over 500 students.

This initiative is just one of the many ways the foundation is working to support the community while fostering the next generation of creative talent.

Miriam Odemba also expressed her admiration for BASATA’s inclusive leadership, especially under Dr. Mapana’s direction.

In a recent social media post, she praised the council’s reforms from 2019, which expanded opportunities for models, beauty pageants, and other creatives, opening doors for Tanzanians to enter the global market. 

"BASATA’s 2019 reforms expanded opportunities for models, beauty pageants, and other creatives. This opens doors for Tanzanians in the global market," she noted.

She also credited President Samia Suluhu Hassan for her efforts in championing arts, culture, and tourism, which have fostered a positive environment for talent development in Tanzania.

Further praising Dr. Mapana’s leadership, Odemba remarked on his ability to listen to everyone, from underground artists to celebrities. “He listens to everyone—underground artists and celebrities alike. That’s the kind of leader we need,” she said, emphasizing that this inclusive approach is key to empowering all artists, regardless of their background.

The meeting wrapped up with a powerful performance of “Asante Mama,” a tribute song to President Samia, by Miriam Odemba, Raykhan, and Rimaly, symbolizing the spirit of unity and the creative energy that these partnerships aim to harness.

Looking forward, the collaboration between BASATA and the Miriam Odemba Foundation aims to roll out programs that provide Tanzanian youth with the necessary skills, exposure, and platforms to excel in the creative industries. 

This partnership not only promises to open up new opportunities for young people in the arts but also seeks to make a lasting impact on their future success in both local and international arenas.

Through their collective efforts, these organizations hope to equip the next generation of creatives with the tools they need to succeed, ensuring that Tanzanian talent continues to shine on the world stage.