ICS Program Manager Sabrina Majikata presents an action plan at a recent workshop. Photo: Courtesy
By Adonis Byemelwa
Shinyanga: In the heart of Tanzania, the Investing in Children and their Societies (ICS) organization is revolutionizing the educational landscape and empowering communities in ways that resonate far beyond the classroom. With alarming rates of child abuse affecting vulnerable populations—over 40% of children experience some form of violence, according to a study by the University of Dar es Salaam—ICS’s mission has never been more critical.
Reports from UNICEF reveal harrowing cases of early marriages and exploitation, particularly in rural areas, where cultural norms often perpetuate cycles of abuse. One recent case in Shinyanga involved a 14-year-old girl forced into marriage, underscoring the urgent need for systemic change. By addressing these pressing issues head-on, ICS is not only fostering safer environments for children but also challenging the societal structures that allow such abuses to persist. Their comprehensive approach seeks to break the cycle of violence and create a future where every child can thrive.
Founded 16 years ago in Simiyu Region, ICS has become a beacon of hope for rural schoolchildren who often find solace in their school environments, escaping the harsh realities of home life. With a mission to rehabilitate classrooms and improve school infrastructure, ICS addresses not just educational needs, but the broader socio-economic challenges that families face.
Sabrina Majikata, the ICS Program Manager, highlights the stark reality for many rural children who are burdened with tedious house chores and vulnerable to harassment. Recognizing that these children thrive in supportive school settings, ICS has invested in building permanent wells and water tanks, creating safe havens where children can play and learn.
The organization’s efforts extend beyond just physical improvements; they focus on cultivating a nurturing environment that encourages children to remain engaged in their education long after the school bell rings.
But the challenge doesn't stop there. Early marriage, particularly rampant in the Shinyanga Region, poses a grave threat to young girls’ futures. ICS's research indicates that over 59% of early marriages occur in this area, prompting a strategic shift toward women’s empowerment initiatives.
By enhancing the economic stability of families, ICS aims to dismantle the societal norms that perpetuate these harmful practices. Through capacity-building programs, parents receive training and resources, including seeds for mechanized agriculture, empowering them to improve their livelihoods.
The organization's holistic approach includes a groundbreaking child protection initiative integrated with skillful parenting programs. By focusing on agribusiness as a central pillar, ICS ensures that families not only secure economic stability but also learn to relinquish outdated traditions.
In partnership with the National Institute for Medical Research and Glasgow University, ICS conducted randomized control trials that revealed alarming rates of child abuse and poverty, advocating for interventions that uplift household economies and challenge gender stereotypes.
Sabrina emphasizes the importance of a whole-school approach to creating safe learning environments. Through collaboration with teachers, cooks, and school administrators, ICS fosters a culture of safety and support, encouraging feedback from all stakeholders to refine their parenting model.
Talk Shop captures the essence of engaging in meaningful conversations about fatherhood and parenting from a male perspective. Photo: Courtesy
This model includes life skills training and mentorship programs, which have proven invaluable in helping children build confidence and establish boundaries.
In its commitment to combating child abuse, ICS has empowered parents and guardians with knowledge about children's rights and effective parenting styles. By actively teaching about the dangers of early marriages and the importance of education, ICS is not only addressing immediate issues but also laying the groundwork for long-term societal change.
The organization also recognizes the interconnectedness of women’s and children’s issues. When women endure gender-based violence, their children often suffer the consequences. This understanding drives ICS to adopt a comprehensive approach, aligning with the National Child Protection Framework and collaborating with local councils to identify areas of intervention.
ICS’s initiatives have led to tangible outcomes. Families have been guided to invest in horticulture, while children learn about their family's income sources and the importance of saving.
One success story involves a parent who provided a hen for a poultry project managed by children during school breaks. This project not only fosters responsibility but has expanded into pig farming, showcasing the potential of grassroots economic empowerment.
The organization also addresses the needs of divorced teenage mothers in the Ngokolo area. Through vocational training programs in tailoring, cookery, and animal husbandry, ICS provides these young women with essential skills and mentorship, enabling them to break the cycle of dependency.
ICS's partnerships are crucial to their success. Collaborating with organizations like Guidance for the Development of Early Childhood and benefitting from anonymous donations, ICS has garnered support from various sectors. The government recognizes their contributions, particularly in child protection policy, and praises their collaborative efforts.
ICS young women in fashion design at the exhibition. Photo: Courtesy
With a small but dedicated team of just 12 employees in Simiyu and Shinyanga, ICS is poised for growth. Plans to expand services into Dodoma Region are underway, promising to enhance their impact further. The introduction of a parents’ app has revolutionized communication, allowing busy parents to lodge concerns, provide feedback, and engage with ICS remotely.
Despite facing challenges, especially in uprooting deeply ingrained traditional practices, ICS employs a gradual approach to foster change. By training children in schools and empowering women to advocate against stereotypes, ICS is fostering a culture of resilience and empowerment. The organization has made strides in creating a supportive network, recognizing that a multi-faceted approach is essential for sustainable change.
Looking to the future, ICS envisions becoming a robust technical organization, scaling its programs through collaboration with colleges and social work institutions across Tanzania. By linking activities with government initiatives under the Ministry of Community Development, ICS is positioned to amplify its impact, leveraging evidence-based programs to reach even more families.
Sabrina Majikata’s leadership embodies the spirit of ICS: an unwavering commitment to fostering safe, nurturing environments for children and families. By investing in both education and economic empowerment, ICS is not just addressing immediate needs but paving the way for a brighter future, one where children can thrive and families can break free from cycles of poverty and violence. As they continue to build on their successes, ICS stands as a testament to the power of community-driven change, inspiring hope and resilience in the face of adversity.
Looking ahead, the Tanzanian government is prioritizing child protection and poverty alleviation, recognizing that nearly 50% of children in the country live in poverty, as highlighted by a recent Unicef report. This study underscores the urgent need for collaborative efforts between NGOs like ICS and governmental initiatives to create sustainable solutions.
A study conducted by the World Bank highlights the multifaceted challenges facing children in Tanzania, revealing that inadequate access to education, health care, and nutrition significantly hampers their development. This research emphasizes that over 60% of children in rural areas lack basic health services, exacerbating the cycle of poverty.
The findings call for enhanced collaboration between government bodies and NGOs to implement comprehensive strategies that address these interconnected issues, ensuring a holistic approach to child protection and poverty alleviation. Such initiatives could include improving educational infrastructure, expanding healthcare access, and providing nutritional support, ultimately fostering a safer and more supportive environment for the country’s youth.
With plans to enhance policies that support economic empowerment and education access, the government aims to bolster organizations that champion these causes. Together, they can forge a future where every child has the opportunity to flourish, turning the tide on child poverty in Tanzania and ensuring a brighter tomorrow for generations to come.