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Dar es Salaam, Tanzania - On May 8th, 2024, Raising Up Friendship Foundation (RUFFO) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the World Health Organization (WHO), alongside other non-state actors. This partnership underscores a shared commitment to advancing public health services across Tanzania. The MoU was signed on behalf of RUFFO by Executive Director and Co-Founder Hilda Ngaja. Dr. Charles Sagoe-Moses, the WHO country representative, highlighted the importance of this collaboration in addressing the country's health challenges. He noted that the partnerships will enable WHO to leverage the expertise, resources, and networks of these organizations to address the health challenges the country faces. The signing ceremony marked the culmination of an extensive process that began with an expression of interest launched in December 2022. Out of 46 submissions, RUFFO was was one of 11 selected through a rigorous evaluation and the FENSA process, mandated by the World Health Assembly in 2016. Hilda Ngaja expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, "This MoU signifies a critical step forward in our mission to empower women and children in Tanzania. We are honored to collaborate with WHO and other esteemed organizations to enhance disease prevention, health promotion, and innovative healthcare solutions. This partnership will enable us to make a significant impact on public health services across the country." RUFFO is proud to be part of this initiative and remains dedicated to its mission of empowering women and children in Tanzania. The organization looks forward to working closely with WHO and other partners to improve access to quality healthcare services, strengthen health workforce development, and promote the use of innovative technologies in healthcare delivery. The signing of the MoU represents a shared vision of improving public health in Tanzania, highlighting the critical role of partnerships in achieving the health for all agenda.

On February 9th, 2024, RUFFO had the privilege of participating in a special event held at Kerezange Secondary School in Kitunda, Ilala, Dar es Salaam. The event, aimed at welcoming incoming form one students, provided an opportunity for RUFFO to engage with students, educators, and community members, and to promote initiatives that support the well-being and empowerment of both boys and girls. During the event, representatives from RUFFO introduced the organization and its mission to support vulnerable students through various projects and initiatives. Among these initiatives is the Sitanyamaza club, which advocates against violence and promotes the importance of speaking out against abuse and injustice. The Sitanyamaza club plays a crucial role in providing a safe space for students to discuss and address issues such as violence, abuse, and discrimination. Through activities and discussions led by the club, students are empowered to recognize their rights, build self-confidence, and seek support when needed.

RUFFO and Fountain Gate, two leading organizations in Tanzania, have joined forces to advocate for gender equality in women's football. In a groundbreaking collaboration, they recently held a joint press conference to announce the launch of the "Usawa Mpirani" project. The initiative aims to address the challenges faced by women in football, including dispelling stereotypes and ensuring equal recognition for their contributions to the sport. Despite efforts by the national football federation, women's football continues to struggle due to limited resources and inadequate support. Through "Usawa Mpirani," RUFFO and Fountain Gate seek to break barriers and empower female footballers. The project includes educational workshops, economic empowerment programs, and leadership training, all aimed at enhancing the development of women's football in Tanzania. The collaboration between RUFFO and Fountain Gate underscores their commitment to promoting gender equality and creating a more inclusive football environment. It is hoped that this partnership will inspire other organizations to support women's football and pave the way for a brighter future for female athletes in Tanzania.

Recognizing the significance of this day, RUFFO took action to empower girls at Kerezange Secondary School by providing them with sanitary pads. This initiative is part of RUFFO's ongoing commitment to support girls' education and ensure that they can fully participate in school activities, regardless of their menstrual cycle. Menstruation is a natural and healthy process, yet it continues to be a topic shrouded in stigma and secrecy. Many girls face challenges during their periods, including limited access to sanitary products, inadequate sanitation facilities, and a lack of information about menstrual hygiene. These challenges often lead to absenteeism from school, negatively impacting girls' educational opportunities and overall well-being.New Paragraph

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania - On June 17, 2023, RUFFO, in collaboration with the Legal and Human Rights Center (LHRC), Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), and the Ministry of Community Development, Gender and Children, organized a groundbreaking event in Dar es Salaam to commemorate the Day of the African Child (DAC). The event aimed to provide a platform for children to voice their concerns and challenges, while empowering them to assert their rights and ensuring the full protection of those rights. The activity utilized the concept of Parliament, creating a unique space where children could express themselves freely. The objective was to enhance children's understanding of their rights and facilitate their active participation in society. By bringing together government officials responsible for children, the event ensured that policies and laws accurately reflected the real needs and priorities of children.

Managing periods in Tanzania is challenging due to a lack of access to menstrual products and sanitation services. Addressing menstrual health and hygiene may enable progress in attaining the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). While there is no specific goal or indicator on menstrual hygiene, menstruation is directly linked to a number of SDGS including but not limited to Goal 3; Goal 4; Goal 5; Goal 6; Goal 8; and Goal 12. At RUFFO we focus on educating girls and boys on menstruation health and hygiene at an early age as it promotes healthy habits and breaks stigmas around the natural process. In addition we undertake the distribution of sanitary towels to Tanzanian girls who cannot afford to purchase them.

The SITANYAMAZA CHILDREN FUN RUN by RUFFO held on International Human Rights Day 2021 was a day full of joy, peace, and love for children, parents, and stakeholders. The event, which was held at Fun City in Dar es Salaam, marked the second season of the Sitanyamaza children fun run. During the fun run, children were encouraged to speak up against abuse, and human rights and child rights education were provided. The event was not only a fun-filled day for children, but also an opportunity to raise awareness about child abuse and the importance of reporting it. The Sitanyamaza children fun run aligns with Tanzania's National Plan of Action, which aims to prevent and respond to violence against children, and also supports SDG goals, particularly goal 16 which focuses on promoting peace, justice, and strong institutions. We encourage parents and stakeholders to get involved in promoting child rights and reporting any acts of violence against children. Let's work together to create a safe and peaceful environment for our children.

Gender-Based Violence (GBV) is a serious issue affecting millions of people worldwide, particularly women and girls. In Tanzania, GBV is a significant problem, with a high number of reported cases each year. According to a 2017 study by the Tanzania Health and Demographic Survey, more than one in three women have experienced physical or sexual violence at some point in their lives. These statistics are alarming, and it is vital to take action to combat this issue. In response, RUFFO partnered with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) to launch an online campaign aimed at raising awareness about GBV in Tanzania during the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. The campaign took place between November 25th (International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) and December 10th (International Human Rights Day). The 16 Days of Activism aims to mobilize communities and raise awareness about GBV, its causes, and the measures to be taken to prevent it. The campaign aims to empower individuals and communities to take action to end GBV, promote respect, and support gender equality.

To mark Tanzania's 61st Independence Day, RUFFO organized a beach cleanup and tree planting event at Msasani Beach in support of Sustainable Development Goal number 13, which calls for urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts. Volunteers and community members participated in the event by collecting litter and planting trees along the coastline, promoting environmental conservation and raising awareness about the importance of community involvement in building a sustainable future. The event also created an opportunity for stakeholders to collaborate and share ideas on promoting environmental sustainability in Tanzania.