#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

This year’s International Day of the Girl Child (IDGC) was nothing short of inspiring. From Zanzibar to Dar es Salaam, and all the way to Butiama in the Mara Region, girls stood tall and spoke with courage reminding everyone that they’re not just the future, they’re the change we need today.

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.

Mara nyingi tunasema kwamba watoto ni waigizaji wazuri lakini je, tumewahi kufikiria wanachoiga ni nini?

Recently, our team gathered at our conference room for the usual hustle of meetings but for a mental health refresher, a space to pause, check in, and sharpen the way we show up for others in our work.

Tunapochagua kupiga au kufoka, mara nyingi wanajifunza kwamba matatizo hutatuliwa kwa nguvu na mabavu.

Kwa mujibu wa Shirika la Afya Duniani (WHO), lishe bora katika utoto wa awali hupunguza hatari ya utapiamlo, unene uliopitiliza, na magonjwa yasiyoambukiza kama kisukari baadaye maishani.

The 11th International Consultation of Child Helplines focused on a powerful theme: “Children at the Centre! A Global Voice for Mental Health, Violence Prevention and Response – Envisioning Helplines for 2030.” And yes, it was as inspiring as it sounds.

Tafiti zinaonesha kuwa watoto wanaotumia muda mwingi kutazama filamu na muziki bila usimamizi huanza kuonesha mabadiliko ya tabia: hukasirika kwa haraka, huiga lugha zisizofaa, au hukosa huruma kwa wengine.

Kuna fursa nyingi za kuwafundisha watoto kuhusu pesa katika maisha ya kila siku. Huhitaji kuwa na elimu ya kifedha au programu maalum.

Je, tunawalea watoto wetu kwa namna itakayowawezesha kuilinda dunia yao?

Kahama isn't the first place that comes to mind when people talk about national change.

Mtoto kwa mzazi hakui, hata akiwa na mji wake na watoto wake.

For too many women, children and men, reporting abuse can be a frightening and isolating experience. The new Desk is a response to that reality, a dedicated space within the police station where survivors can be heard, supported, and referred to the help they need, with dignity and care.

Wazazi wa kizazi hiki, tunakabiliwa na changamoto mpya hasa uwanda mpana wa upatikanaji wa taarifa zenye mkanganyiko juu ya masuala la baleghe na mambo mengine ya afya ya uzazi kwa watoto wetu.

Je, kuwa mzazi katika ulimwengu wa leo ni kazi ngumu zaidi kuliko ilivyokuwa zamani?

Kukosa usingizi kwa watoto wenye umri wa mwaka mmoja (1) hadi mitatu (3) ni jambo la kawaida kabisa na siyo kosa lako na hata si kosa la mtoto.

Chaguo Langu Haki Yangu has grown from a concept into a movement. A movement grounded in rights, led by people, and driven by shared values.

Juzi kati tulikuwa na maongezi na Bw. Siegfried Mbuya, mwanasaikolojia na mtaalamu wa makuzi na maendeleo ya awali ya mtoto juu ya mustakabali wa malezi na mahusiano ya watoto na wazazi.

At C-Sema, we know that real change starts at the community level often with young people at the center.

Je, tunapaswa kuwasaidia kwa kiwango gani? Au tuwaachie uhuru wa kujifunza wenyewe? 

lugha tano za upendo ambazo ni mguso wa mwili, maneno ya kuhimiza, muda wa pamoja, zawadi, na vitendo vya huduma...

Kama wazazi, tunao wajibu mkubwa wa kuwalea watoto wetu kwa misingi ya usawa na haki.

One of the most eye-opening moments? Realizing just how much bullying can affect a child’s life, mentally, emotionally, and academically.

Kuzungumza na watoto kuhusu mahusiano huwa ni jambo gumu kwa wazazi wengi wa Kitanzania. Utamaduni wetu unahimiza heshima na maadili ya...

Ending FGM is not just about changing laws—it’s about changing mindsets, dismantling harmful traditions, and empowering girls.

Ingawa majukwaa haya yanatoa nafasi ya kujifunza na kuburudika, pia yanawaweka karibu na hatari kama vile unyanyasaji wa kingono.....

Sayansi inasemaje kuhusu kauli chanya? Kauli chanya huchochea mabadiliko chanya katika akili za watoto.

Kama wazazi, tunaweza kufanikisha hili kwa kuwauliza watoto maswali rahisi na yenye maana yatakayowasaidia  kutafakari kuhusu maisha yao.

Mafanikio ya watoto shuleni si matokeo ya bahati, bali ni jitihada za watoto, walimu na maandalizi thabiti na msaada endelevu tunaowaonesha.

Furaha ya msimu wa sikukuu inaweza kugeuka kuwa changamoto ikiwa hatua za uangalizi wa watoto hazitachukuliwa kwa umakini.

Tarehe zile za kusafiri zimefika kwenda kusalimia babu na bibi na ndugu wengine katika maeneo mbali mbali

With over 300 million children falling victim to online sexual exploitation and abuse each year, the scale of the crisis is staggering.

At a recent seminar facilitated by Tostan, our team gained a new and thought-provoking perspective on the complex issue of social norms.

Photo: Our team of young experts at Tanzania national broadcaster (TBC) talking SRH and comprehensive condoms use Tanzania's youth,...

Shughuli kama kuogelea, kupanda/kukwea vitu, na kukimbia kimbia huchochea ukuaji huu wa kifiziolojia na kuimarisha uwezo wa mwili.

Kurusha vitu ni kitendo kipya ambacho watoto hujifunza kufanya  wakiwa na umri wa mwaka mmoja(1) hadi miaka minne(4) na kinachowafurisha.

Change doesn’t happen in isolation, it happens when we all show up and show out.  

Malengo ya elimu kwa mtoto yanategemea sana ushirikiano baina ya waalimu na wazazi.

Mwanaidi's one-year-old child had suddenly refused to breastfeed, leaving her worried and unsure of what to do next.

Ibrahim, a 15-year-old Standard 5 student called the Helpline, grappling with persistent difficulties in his mathematics studies.