Dodoma. Young people have been challenged to stop complaining about national challenges and take responsibility for developing solutions, upholding integrity and preparing for leadership.
Clerk of the National Assembly Baraka Leonard said Tanzania needed young people able to think critically, debate constructively and contribute to strong democratic institutions.
He made the call on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, while opening the Eighth Meeting of the Second Youth Parliament in Dodoma.
He said the platform was intended not only to teach parliamentary procedures but also to prepare leaders to serve with patriotism and accountability.
‘Leadership is a responsibility, not an opportunity for personal gain. A good leader understands that the position entrusted to them is meant to serve the community and protect the public interest,’ he said.
Mr Leonard outlined four principles for participants: discipline and respect for parliamentary procedures; evidence-based arguments; accountability in representing young people; and integrity, patriotism and commitment to national service.
He urged the young legislators to follow parliamentary rules and resolve disagreements through constructive debate rather than hostility.
He challenged participants to address issues affecting young people, including education, employment, entrepreneurship, technology, healthcare and participation in decision-making.
They should examine the causes of problems and propose practical solutions, he said.
‘Do not limit yourselves to explaining challenges. Examine their causes and propose measures that can address them,’ he said.
Mr Leonard urged those who did not secure leadership positions to remain active by presenting arguments and alternative proposals, saying Parliament depended on contributions from all members.
The Youth Parliament will also debate and pass the proposed Parliamentary Centenary Celebrations Bill, 2026, as Tanzania prepares to mark 100 years of its parliamentary institution.
The centenary dates back to the establishment of the Legislative Council of Tanganyika in 1926.
‘The Bill would allow young people to help preserve Parliament’s history, experience, values and traditions,’ said Mr Leonard.
Earlier, Head of the Parliamentary Communications Unit Zuhura Mtatifikolo said participants arrived in Dodoma on November 8 and received training on Parliament’s history, structure and functions, the Youth Parliament’s Standing Orders and parliamentary procedures.
On Tuesday, they confirmed their Prime Minister and elected a Deputy Speaker, completing the selection of other parliamentary roles, including ministers and shadow ministers, for the session.
Youth Parliament Speaker, Ms Anna Mrema, urged participants to see themselves as agents of change rather than wait for future leadership opportunities.
‘We should not complain that the Speaker has not done this or that a particular Member of Parliament has failed to act. We are the change we want to see, and we can start making that change now,’ she said.
Ms Mrema cited discipline, integrity and respect as essential leadership values, urging participants to take their knowledge to their communities and encourage positive change.
She called for regular assessments of youth empowerment programmes to determine whether training was producing meaningful results in participants’ communities.
The five-day session is expected to give participants practical experience in legislative work, democratic governance and decision-making.