#116Stories

We attended this year's ISPCAN Congress and more specifically we shared our impact story at the Rise Up Policy Forum . The events took place this October 6 - 9, 2025 in Vilnius, Lithuania. And at the world’s largest event dedicated to child abuse and neglect prevention, KUWAZA impact was shared! Think of a young girl in a Zanzibar village (shehia), still wearing her school uniform, her heart racing as she reaches for the phone to confide in someone about inappropriate touche

At C-Sema, we recognize that online safety is no longer optional. The internet opens doors for learning and creativity yet exposes children to cyberbullying, blackmail, and exploitation. Safeguarding children in digital spaces remains one of our core commitments.

Think of a teenager in Arusha, curled up under a mosquito net, scrolling through endless feeds that make their worries feel even heavier...

C-Sema management was recently invited by the Ministry of Community Development, Gender, Women and Children (MoCDGWC) in Zanzibar for a high-level meeting on the future of the 116 Childline a vital helpline for children in need of protection and support.

In August 2025, the Chaguo Langu Haki Yangu (CLHY) program brought government leaders, teachers, police officers, parents, and even children into one room in Unguja and Pemba. These gatherings weren’t just meetings they felt like milestones, marking how far communities have come in protecting women and children from violence.

When people think of madrasas, they often picture quiet rooms filled with children reciting scriptures. But in Zanzibar, something deeper is happening, these sacred spaces are transforming into hubs of protection, dialogue, and community-led change. Thanks to the KUWAZA project, madrasas are no longer just places of learning.

There comes a day in every parent’s life filled with mixed emotions the day our daughter gets her first period. For her, it is a sign of growth and change; for us, it is a reminder that she is stepping into a new stage of life. This moment can arrive suddenly, carrying excitement, curiosity, and sometimes fear. Yet too often, it is surrounded by silence or shame. That is where our role as parents comes in: to make it an ordinary, dignified moment not one of shock or embarrass

Starting a new school is always a big deal for our children, no matter their age. It can be exciting, but it can also feel scary, new classrooms, new teachers, new routines, and a sea of unfamiliar faces. As parents, our role is to make that change feel less overwhelming and more like an adventure.

In the North Region of Unguja, Zanzibar, something powerful is happening. Children are finding the courage to speak up, and communities are learning how to listen. At the heart of this transformation is the KUWAZA IV Project, an initiative that champions child protection and builds safer spaces for young people to grow.