Minister for Community Development, Dr. Dorothy Gwajima, has called on local government authorities to take a leading role in protecting children by responding promptly to family-related challenges reported by communities.
She emphasized that early reporting allows social welfare officers to collaborate with families and communities in finding lasting solutions, leveraging government resources and support from partners.
Speaking during the national commemoration of the International Day for Street Children held in Mtwara Region, Dr. Gwajima said:"Many children end up living and working on the streets because there is no timely intervention to address the problems they face at home. Often, no one reports these issues to local authorities before the child runs away, which denies social welfare experts the chance to offer support."
Dr. Gwajima noted that from July 2024 to March 2025, the government conducted 140 public education programs through community radio stations.
During the same period, 16,095 marital disputes were resolved, and 8,372 children were rescued from the streets. She added that to prevent children from fleeing home via public transport, child protection desks have been established at major transport hubs across 11 regions.
The main drivers behind children ending up on the streets, she said, include family conflicts, poverty, and inequality.
Dr. Gwajima urged the public to work closely with local authorities to create a safer and more supportive environment for children.
Mtwara Regional Commissioner, Colonel Patrick Sawala, reaffirmed the region’s commitment to tackling the issue of street children through sustainable strategies.
These include raising awareness among parents and guardians to promote responsible parenting and ensure children's rights are protected in accordance with the law.
"We are committed to working closely with communities to address child-rearing challenges and improve family stability," he said.
Meanwhile, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Community Development, Gender, Women, and Special Groups, Dr. John Jingu, said the national commemoration marks a significant step by the government toward developing a comprehensive strategy to address the plight of street children.
"This event reflects our dedication to formulating strong action plans that offer sustainable solutions for children living and working on the streets," he stated.
