The social group known as TUFANIKISHE PAMOJA has joined hands with the management of The Valentine Home Centre, a child care institution located in Buza Ward, Temeke District in Dar es Salaam, in a community focused initiative aimed at supporting orphaned children.
The participation of TUFANIKISHE PAMOJA in engaging with children at the orphanage has emerged as a practical example of how community-based groups can play a significant role in the implementation of social welfare policies in Tanzania.
The centre, which operates under the Anglican Church of Tanzania, Dar es Salaam Diocese, has been providing care, protection and essential services to orphaned children and those with special needs, particularly within communities facing social and economic challenges.
According to the National Policies on Community Development, Gender, Women and Special Groups, as well as the Child Development Policy, the responsibility of safeguarding and ensuring the well-being of children in vulnerable situations requires collective participation from the government, faith-based institutions and community groups.
In this context, the contribution of TUFANIKISHE PAMOJA aligns directly with the principles of these policies, especially in promoting community participation in the delivery of social services.
Speaking during the event, the Chairperson of TUFANIKISHE PAMOJA, Mr. Daudi Tuli Abdallah, said that the provision of various necessities to the children was part of the group’s commitment to giving back to society.
“This initiative is part of our responsibility to give back to the community through the principles and goals we have set as a group. We believe that genuine development cannot be achieved without caring for vulnerable groups, especially children,” said Mr. Daudi.
From a social policy perspective, his remarks reflect the concept of civic social responsibility, which emphasizes that community welfare should not be left to the government alone but should be a shared obligation among all stakeholders.
Current realities indicate that the number of children requiring special care continues to rise due to economic pressures, changing family structures and evolving social conditions, thereby increasing the burden on existing social institutions.
Mr. Daudi further emphasized that such community outreach activities would not be short-term interventions, but rather part of a long-term and sustainable agenda of the group.
“These community support activities will continue on a sustainable basis, as they are part of our core objectives of addressing social issues,” he added.
This approach carries strategic significance within the framework of sustainable development policies, which recognize that one off assistance provides temporary relief, while sustained programs build resilient and long lasting social welfare systems.
On his part, the Director of The Valentine Home Centre, Mr. Gao John Gao, commended TUFANIKISHE PAMOJA for recognizing the challenges facing orphaned children and choosing to collaborate with the centre in addressing them.
“We are deeply grateful for their recognition of the difficulties facing children with special needs. Support like this not only meets material needs but also brings emotional comfort and renewed hope,” said Mr. Gao.
Beyond expressing gratitude, the Director called upon other institutions and community groups to emulate the example set by TUFANIKISHE PAMOJA.
“We encourage other institutions to follow this example in order to ensure that Tanzanian children grow and thrive within foundations of humanity and patriotism towards their country,” he added.
The Valentine Home Centre was officially established in 2015 and has since been providing care, protection and essential services to orphaned and vulnerable children. The centre stands as one of the faith-based institutions actively translating national social welfare policies into action at the community level.
During the event, in addition to directly engaging in activities such as cultivation and tree planting, the group donated various items including food supplies, school materials and contributions towards some of the centre’s operational needs.
According to social affairs analysts, the initiative undertaken by TUFANIKISHE PAMOJA at The Valentine Home Centre is viewed as a clear example of social policy implementation originating at the grassroots level and extending to the national sphere.
Analysts note that the involvement of community groups enhances the effectiveness of social protection systems by bridging the gap between the actual needs of vulnerable populations and the capacity of formal service delivery mechanisms.
Furthermore, they emphasize that the sustainability of such initiatives not only improves the physical well being of children but also strengthens values of human dignity, social cohesion and patriotism key pillars in nurturing a productive generation capable of contributing meaningfully to national development.