Parents and guardians have been urged to play a stronger role in shaping good morals among children and ensuring timely school enrolment as a foundation for raising disciplined, knowledgeable and productive citizens.
The call was made on May 9, 2026 by the Chairperson of the Parents’ Association in Dodoma Region, Samwel Malechela, during Regional Parents’ Week celebrations held at Mpunguzi Ward in Dodoma City Council.
Malechela said the responsibility of raising children begins at home, stressing that parental guidance is critical in building both character and academic success.
“A parent must stay close to their child at all times, teach them good morals and ensure they receive their right to education. Without cooperation between parents and teachers, it will be difficult to fight school truancy,” he said.
He emphasized that close collaboration between parents, teachers and community leaders remains key in ensuring children attend school regularly and achieve their potential.
According to him, weak parental involvement has contributed to some children lacking proper guidance, leading to poor academic performance and rising cases of immoral behaviour in society.
Speaking at the same event, the representative of the Dodoma City Director, Rozalia Hhari, urged parents to take a leading role in addressing school truancy by monitoring their children’s attendance and maintaining close communication with teachers.
“It is the responsibility of every parent to ensure a child attends school and remains in a good learning environment. Through unity between families and schools, we will succeed in building a generation with strong morals and quality education,” she said.
Community leaders at the event also advised residents of Mpunguzi to safeguard their land and avoid selling farms irresponsibly, noting that Dodoma City continues to expand and land value is rising rapidly.
“Residents should avoid selling their farms and moving away. Indigenous communities must remain and benefit from the area’s development,” they stressed.
Meanwhile, the Chairperson of the Parents’ Association in Dodoma Urban District, Stephene Mwanga, said the association has continued to support government efforts by conducting outreach visits in all 41 wards to address community challenges.
Mwanga cited an incident in Chigongwe Ward where a stolen water pump was recovered after being sold in Kahama and later taken to Chamwino Primary Court.
“As the Parents’ Association, we recognized that citizens urgently needed water services, so we worked together to ensure the pump was returned and residents continued receiving water,” he said.
Mpunguzi Ward Councillor Isaya Chilongani said the ward has benefited from several development projects implemented by the government, including the construction of classrooms at Nkulabi Secondary School, where over TZS 46 million was allocated by Dodoma City Council.
He also mentioned the construction of sanitation facilities at Nkulabi Primary School, which began through community contributions before receiving government and stakeholder support. The government later provided TZS 18 million for the construction of 10 toilet pits.
The Regional Parents’ Week celebrations continue to serve as an important platform bringing together parents, leaders and residents to discuss parenting, education and community development issues, while also reviewing ongoing development projects in Mpunguzi Ward.
