C-Sema's and MoCDGWC's long standing Partnership continues to strengthen the 116 Childline in Zanzibar

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.

The 116 Childline has been operational in Zanzibar since 2016, providing essential services to children in need. Thanks to collaboration with the Government of Zanzibar, the helpline has remained accessible Monday to Friday, twelve hours a day, offering children a trusted space to seek help, report abuse, and receive referrals to protection services.

Mr. Khatib Mwadin Khatib, Ms. Abeida R. Abdallah, Mr. Mohamed Ali Ameir, Kiiya JK, Dr. Salum Khamis, Ms. Daima Mohammed Mkalimoto, Mr. Michael Marwa and Mr. Mohammed Jabir. (From left to right)

The recent meeting, led by Abeida R. Abdallah, Principal Secretary of the Ministry, brought together senior officials including Deputy Secretary Mr. Khatib Mwadin Khatib, Daima Mkali Moto, Director of Policy, Planning and Research; Salum Rashid, Director of Human Resources and Administration; Mohamed Jabir Makame, Head of the Children’s Development Division and liaison between the Ministry and C-Sema; and Mohamed Ali Ameir, Head of the Gender Division.

Representing us were Mr. Kiiya J.K., our Chief Executive Officer, and Mr. Michael Marwa, our Head of Programmes and Director of the National Child Helpline, who reiterated C-Sema’s long-standing commitment to strengthening child protection systems in Zanzibar.

During the conversations, the Ministry reaffirmed its dedication to enhancing the 116 Childline, recognizing it as a cornerstone in safeguarding children’s rights across the islands. Two key commitments were made:

• Providing office space to host the Childline call center and staff.

• Seconding 2–4 staff members from the Children’s Department to support referrals and case management.

  
  

This renewed collaboration solidified a shared vision between the Ministry and C-Sema, that is to ensure that every child in Zanzibar has access to a safe, reliable, and responsive helpline. With the strengthened partnership, the 116 Childline is poised to become even more effective continuing to give children across Zanzibar a lifeline they can count on.

Prepared by C-Sema's Communication's Team.