Mtoto Salama

Combating Violence Against Children in Buyuni Ward, Tanzania

In partnership with the Gender and Adolescence Initiative (GAI), RUFFO is proud to introduce the Mtoto Salama Project, funded by the Children's Rights and Violence Prevention Fund (CRVPF). This collaborative initiative aims to address the root causes of violence against children and adolescents in Buyuni Ward, a rural area on the outskirts of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The project focuses on reducing school dropout rates and alleviating household poverty.

Through scenario analysis, we have identified the alarming rate of school dropout among children in Buyuni Ward as a significant concern. This phenomenon is attributed to various factors, including dangerous school environments and economic hardships within households. Students reported instances of corporal punishment and other forms of violence perpetrated by teachers, such as bullying, sexual harassment, and sextortion, leading them to abandon their education. Additionally, financial constraints prevent many families from providing their children with essential school supplies, further exacerbating the issue. The Mtoto Salama Project aims to create a secure learning environment in schools and improve household incomes to mitigate the factors contributing to school dropout rates.

Moreover, household poverty has far-reaching negative consequences for children, including increased instances of child marriage, child labour, and neglect. The project seeks to address these challenges by targeting the root causes of child marriage, which often result in single motherhood and strained family relationships. By providing support and resources to vulnerable families, we aim to break the cycle of poverty and its associated impacts on children's well-being.