It was a pleasure to welcome Ms. YooKyung Jung and Ms. Heesu Choi, Team Leader and Tanzania Country Program Manager from the Child Fund Korea, to our Headquarters in Dar-es-Salaam for a two-day learning visit on the 18th and 19th of February.
The visit kicked off with warm introductions between Ms. YooKyung, Ms. Heesu, and our Chief Executive, Kiiya J.K. Over cups of steaming coffee, they shared stories and insights, highlighting the meaningful work done by both organisations in safeguarding the rights of children and, exploring the potential areas of collaboration.
Driven by a shared commitment to child welfare, our guests were eager to immerse themselves into the heart of our mission. Ms. YooKyung and Ms. Heesu were escorted to explore the inner workings of the National Child Helpline under the guidance of one of our team leaders. There, they gained firsthand insight into the Helpline’s case management processes, witnessing the thorough care with which cases are received, categorised, and referred. They also delved deep into the network of our case categories and victim care. This experience offered a profound understanding of the multifaceted challenges facing children in Tanzania.
Throughout the visit, spirited discussions flourished as ideas flowed freely between our guests and team members. Best practices, challenges, and innovative solutions in child protection were explored, fostering a rich exchange of knowledge and expertise.
The following day, the team embarked on a field visit to Ukonga, where one of our Child Helpline initiatives in responding to Violence Against Children (VAC) cases is underway.
Meeting with Ukonga Ward Social Welfare Officer Ms. Donatila Tarimo and Ward Education Officer Ms. Anita Mwangamila, our guests witnessed the impact of our initiatives and the transformative power of community-driven interventions in addressing VAC. They toured the designated counseling room provided by Ukonga Ward leadership, where victims and their parents receive crucial Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) through professional counseling services led by Mr. Bosco Bosco, a counseling psychologist from the National Child Helpline.
Next, the team proceeded to Mzambarauni Primary School (with a student population of 1,600+, 10% of which is children with disability), an inclusive school catering to both mainstream students and those with disabilities. Here, they were greeted by Miss Maria Lyombo, the Head Teacher, who graciously granted consent for the team to engage with the students recognising the importance of providing a nurturing and secure environment for the students in her care.
Through songs and candid conversations, the discussion centered around the myriad of challenges faced by these children, both within the school premises and at home. The pressing needs of the school, including the necessity for hostels, beds, furniture, and proper water connectivity, were also brought to light, prompting commitments from the team to address these vital concerns. This exchange underscored the collective dedication to ensuring that every child, regardless of their abilities or circumstances, has the opportunity to thrive and succeed.
At Amani Primary School (with a student population of 2,671), Mr. Pendamani Kajiru, the Head Teacher, extended a similar warm welcome and consent for engagement and documentation. Miss Angela Siso facilitated a session to assess the pupils' understanding of child abuse topics, highlighting the importance of the visit in conducting a feasibility survey. Our Chief Executive Kiiya J.K and our guests from Child Fund Korea, Ms. YooKyung and Ms. Heesu reiterated their commitment to supporting children and promoting child protection.
As the day concluded, amidst the flurry of interactions and exchanges, the underlying message resonated deeply; the imperative to nurture children's dreams and protect their futures. Each encounter reinforced the belief that the future belongs to those who dare to dream, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure that every child has the opportunity to realise their aspirations.
Prepared by Child Helpline Team and reviewed and published by C-Sema's Communication Team.