Tanzania Rescues Over 5,300 Street Children in Nationwide Campaign
Dodoma, Tanzania — More than 5,300 children living on Tanzania’s streets have been rescued in a sweeping government-led initiative, with the majority successfully reunited with their families, officials announced Wednesday.
Community Development Minister Dr. Dorothy Gwajima revealed that 5,353 vulnerable children—2,825 boys and 2,528 girls—were identified and assisted as part of a national campaign running through February 2026. Of these, 5,007 have returned to their families, while others received vocational training, foster care, or shelter in approved homes.
The effort, coordinated with the Prime Minister’s Office, comes ahead of the International Day for Street-Connected Children on April 12. Dr. Gwajima emphasized that the program not only rescues children but also prevents new cases through education and community support.
A Multi-Pronged Approach
To intercept at-risk children early, Tanzania has set up 14 Social Welfare Service Desks at major transit hubs, including bus terminals and Dar es Salaam Port. These stations offer counseling, mediation, and emergency aid to minors in crisis. Between July 2025 and March 2026 alone, the desks assisted 2,669 children and 2,479 adults.
For those already on the streets, the government provides medical care, temporary shelters, and skills training. Over 1,300 individuals—mostly women—found refuge in safe houses, while 382 high-risk children were housed at state-run facilities in Kurasini and Kikombo.
Tackling Root Causes
Authorities are also addressing family instability, a key driver of child homelessness. Dr. Gwajima reported resolving 12,033 marital disputes—9,995 amicably—and filing 6,520 child maintenance cases to secure financial support for vulnerable minors. Parenting workshops have reached 400 families so far.
“The streets are no place for a child,” Dr. Gwajima stated. “With strengthened community systems, we can ensure every Tanzanian child grows up safely and with dignity.”
— Reported by Nexio News
