I am Erick Leonard Mallya, born and raised in Tanzania, and a passionate leader and multimedia journalist with over seven years of experience in communication, advocacy, and community development.
As a digital communicator and certified trainer in organizational development with UZIKWASA, I have focused on promoting leadership, human rights, and sustainable community growth. Since 2020, I have trained more than 1,000 leaders across government, community organizations, and media, empowering them to create lasting change in their communities. My mission is to break the walls between leaders and youth, fostering dialogue and collaboration to bridge the generational gap in leadership.
Since May 2024, I have been a member of the European Union Youth Sounding Board for the Tanzania delegation, contributing to key discussions on youth engagement and policy development.
I am deeply passionate about sustainability and have led several climate change interventions in Tanzania. I work closely with local governments and communities to promote clean energy, environmental conservation, and gender-sensitive climate adaptation. My efforts have introduced alternative energy solutions like energy-saving stoves and engaged audiences through more than 200 radio episodes discussing sustainable waste management. I have also contributed to policy dialogues, including Tanzania’s participation in COP 27 and COP 28.
My leadership extends to organizing the Pangani Marathon, an initiative that supports the elderly population by improving access to healthcare services. I am also dedicated to youth empowerment, having facilitated workshops through the Ujana Salama project and continuing to engage young people in socio-political issues through sports and radio programming.
During my time as an editor at Pangani FM, I mentored award-winning journalists, reinforcing my belief in the power of media to drive change. My commitment to sustainability and leadership reflects my deep-rooted passion for building an inclusive, sustainable future. I am eager to join the UPG Sustainability Leadership program to further mobilize communities and inspire citizen leadership in the pursuit of a better world.
Being a Reflective Leader
I believe my strengths align perfectly with what it means to be a UPG Sustainability Leader. Over the years, I have had the privilege of training more than 1,000 leaders from various sectors, including government officials, community leaders, and media professionals. This experience has not only deepened my understanding of leadership but also strengthened my ability to communicate, inspire, and foster meaningful change. I know that empowering others is essential for creating a sustainable future, and I am ready to leverage this experience to contribute to the UPG Sustainability movement.
I have a strong track record in climate action, having led several interventions in Tanzania focused on clean energy, environmental conservation, and gender-sensitive climate adaptation strategies. These efforts have not only introduced practical solutions, like energy-saving stoves, but have also contributed to policy discussions, including Tanzania’s participation in COP 27 and COP 28. My passion for sustainability runs deep, and I am eager to bring this commitment and experience to the global UPG community.
Collaboration is another strength I bring to the table. Throughout my journey, I’ve had the opportunity to bring together stakeholders from diverse sectors, whether through organizing the Pangani Marathon or working on climate initiatives. I strongly believe that solving sustainability challenges requires us to work together across sectors, and I am confident that my ability to build partnerships will contribute positively to the UPG network.
As someone passionate about youth empowerment, I have always sought to bridge the gap between youth and leadership. My involvement in youth initiatives, such as Ujana Salama, and my role on the European Union Youth Sounding Board for Tanzania, have further fueled my mission to break the walls between leaders and young people. I believe young people need to be at the heart of sustainability efforts, and I am committed to ensuring their voices are heard.
Lastly, my background as a multimedia journalist has given me strong communication and advocacy skills. I’ve used media to raise awareness on sustainability issues, producing over 200 radio episodes on environmental conservation and climate action. I know how to translate complex sustainability topics into compelling narratives that resonate with communities, and I will continue using this skill to amplify UPG’s message and drive positive change.
Yes as a Journalist and as a mentor of youths led CSOs and Youths in general
Undergraduate: I have completed an undergraduate degree
Project Proposal: Empowering Leaders to Support Youth Digital Development in Tanga
Project Overview
This project aims to equip community leaders in the Tanga region with the knowledge and skills necessary to support young people’s digital development. By training leaders, we can create a more supportive environment where youth feel encouraged to explore digital opportunities and receive guidance when needed.
Project Objectives
Enhance community leaders’ understanding of digital technology and its implications.
Equip leaders with the tools and knowledge to support youth digital initiatives.
Promote digital inclusion and equity in the Tanga region.
Create a supportive environment for youth’s digital development.
Project Components
Leader Training Workshops:
Conduct workshops on digital trends, digital inclusion, and supporting youth digital initiatives.
Utilize interactive sessions, case studies, and discussions to facilitate learning.
Provide practical tools and resources for leaders to use in their communities.
Mentorship Program for Leaders:
Pair leaders with experienced mentors who can provide guidance and support.
Facilitate networking opportunities among leaders to share best practices.
Community Outreach and Awareness Campaigns:
Conduct outreach activities to inform community members about the importance of digital literacy and inclusion.
Develop and implement awareness campaigns to promote digital skills development among youth.
Collaboration with Local Organizations:
Partner with schools, youth organizations, and technology companies to support leader training and digital initiatives.
Leverage existing resources and networks to maximize impact.
Project Promotion and Evaluation
Leverage Radio: Partner with local radio stations to promote the project, conduct interviews, and gather feedback.
Utilize Social Media: Create a strong online presence to reach a wider audience and engage with stakeholders.
Conduct Surveys: Administer surveys to gather feedback from participants, community members, and leaders.
Expected Outcomes
Increased understanding of digital technology among community leaders.
Enhanced ability of leaders to support youth digital development.
A more supportive and inclusive digital environment for young people in Tanga.
Increased digital literacy and skills among youth in the region.
By empowering community leaders to support youth digital development, this project can create a more inclusive and equitable digital environment in the
Resistance from some of the government structures, leaders and policies.
Social Norms especially against upon working with girls.
Financial capacity and resource mobilization
About 400 people
No or Not Yet
This is the wildcard section. As an evaluator, please provide a rating based on your overall impression and your sincere gut feeling about this application. No other justification is required.
