Minister for Community Development, Gender, Women, and Special Groups, Dr. Gwajima, has instructed the Commissioner for Social Welfare, Dr. Nandera Mhando, to ensure that reliable caregivers, known as "Fit Persons," receive identification cards.
The directive was issued on August 2, 2024, during her visit to inspect the implementation of alternative care programs aimed at preventing children from living in risky environments and fleeing to the streets. The Minister discussed the matter during a meeting with caregivers in Dar es Salaam.
During her visit to the Mabwepande and Mbweni wards in the Kinondoni District, Minister Dr. Gwajima emphasized the importance of these caregivers, who number 1,803 nationwide, in helping reduce the issue of street children by managing truancy at the community level.
"The solutions to community challenges lie at the local government level through collaboration with all stakeholders, addressing issues such as ethics and child abuse. If these issues are not discussed as thoroughly as other agendas, children may end up fleeing to the streets," stated Minister Dr. Gwajima.
She noted that the identification cards would help caregivers be easily recognized within the community and by various institutions, facilitating better communication and quicker assistance for the children in need.
The Minister also directed Social Welfare and Community Development Officers to maintain records of various stakeholders within the community to coordinate their efforts with those of the caregivers, enhancing their effectiveness in fulfilling their roles, including providing additional training.
Dr. Nandera Mhando, Commissioner for Social Welfare, reported that caregivers have assisted 586 children nationwide over the past seven months. The government's goal is to ensure that children in risky environments receive support and are eventually reunited with their families or with families willing to adopt and care for them.
Some caregivers, including Martin and Elmelde Kapela from Mabwepande Ward, mentioned that while they provide basic needs for children living in poor conditions in their community, they face challenges such as lacking identification cards and economic constraints.
The visit also included representatives from organizations involved in this agenda, such as SOS Children's Village, Railway Children Africa, and Global Advocates, who are committed to continuing their collaboration with the government on this initiative.
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