Initiative out to curb child abuse in Mpwapwa District

The project was launched recently by Children and Dignity Forum (CDF), a non-governmental organization, and will be implemented in Pwaga and Lupeta wards.

In statement issued yesterday, CDF executive director Koshuma Mtengeti said the primary objective of the two-year initiative is to decrease the incidence of child sexual abuse, particularly among girls, by fostering community engagement in prevention efforts.

“Through this project, CDF will collaborate with various stakeholders, including children in schools, teachers, school administrators, government officials, landlords, healthcare providers, parents and fatherhood groups,” she said.

She said the collaborations will occur within the targeted wards where CDF already has established partnerships.

“CDF will implement a range of activities, including providing sexual health education to teenagers, empowering healthcare providers to offer quality and youth-friendly reproductive health services, supporting parents and landlords near school areas, and training teachers to recognize and prevent sexual violence against children,” she said.

Additionally, the project will involve identifying and addressing challenges related to sexual violence in the community, as well as conducting community-wide education initiatives through debates, pamphlets, public meetings, and media campaigns.

Mtengeti said CDF will engage with various government officials in Mpwapwa District Council, including those working in the social welfare office, the department of community development, education department, district medical officer’s office, gender and child police desk, district court, as well as ward and village executives from Lupeta and Pwaga wards.

This collaboration aims to ensure comprehensive support and coordination in child protection efforts across the district.