The African population is heavily skewed towards younger people. In Tanzania 55% of the national population is under 20 years old. Though the majority of the children have access to primary education few will find opportunities for further studies or training to secure their livelihood. The study evaluates a community based youth development project in western Tanzania, initiated and run by community members with only limited external financial support. This project attempts to tackle the problems of the young people in this particular rural area through various practical and educational means, including vocational training, formation of women and youth groups for various economic activities and health and gender education with special emphasis on HIV/AIDS prevention. The study focuses on the emergence and growth of the project and assesses the potential for a locally sustained continuation of the work.