RUFFO, ON DAY OF THE AFRICAN CHILD
June 28, 2023

 Ruffo, On Day Of The African Child


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.

 


The event witnessed the enthusiastic participation of students from six school clubs, including Kerezange Secondary School, Jangwani Secondary School, Azania Secondary School, Bagamoyo Primary School, Bagamoyo Secondary School, and Kibasila Secondary School. Additionally, children living and working on the streets actively contributed to the discussions, making the event a comprehensive representation of diverse perspectives.


A total of 200 children, comprising 110 girls and 90 boys, actively engaged in discussions and activities throughout the day. To support the smooth proceedings, 22 teachers, consisting of an equal distribution of 11 females and 11 males, provided guidance and support to the participants. Moreover, six social welfare officers, including one female representative from Bagamoyo and five representatives (two males and three females) from Dar es Salaam, accompanied the children, ensuring their well-being and providing relevant expertise and support throughout the event.


Hilda Ngaja - Executive Director of Raising Up Friendship Foundation


The event aimed to amplify children's voices and ensure access to justice against child abuse. It also served to commemorate the 75 years of the UN Declaration of Human Rights with children, emphasizing the importance of promoting and protecting their rights.


The Parliament-style setup allowed children to represent specific constituencies addressing issues such as children living and working on the streets, children in conflict with the law, children in hazardous environments, children against violence, and children against child abuse. The Speaker of Parliament, Members of Parliament, and Ministers or the Prime Minister provided explanations and addressed the children's knowledge and concerns.


Mwanaidi Ally Khamis - Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Gender Development, Children and Special Groups


"The objective of the activity was to create an inclusive environment where children felt empowered to express themselves and contribute to the protection of their rights," stated a representative from RUFFO. "By involving government officials and key stakeholders, we aimed to influence policy formulation and decision-making processes to better address the real needs and priorities of children."New Paragraph


The event successfully provided a valuable platform for children to express their concerns and challenges, ensuring their perspectives were heard by government officials. By collaborating with organizations like LHRC, OHCHR, and the Ministry of Community Development, Gender and Children, RUFFO strengthened the event's impact and created a space for meaningful dialogue.





"The presence of Ministers and government officials at the event demonstrated their commitment to listening and responding to the needs of children," explained the RUFFO representative. "Together with our esteemed partners, we are working towards a future where children are heard, valued, and protected."


The Day of the African Child event organized by RUFFO, LHRC, OHCHR, and the Ministry of Community Development, Gender and Children successfully provided a platform for children to express their concerns and challenges. Through meaningful discussions and exchange of ideas, the event empowered children by giving them a voice in society. The collaborative efforts of students, teachers, social welfare officers, government officials, and key organizationsNew Paragraph

RUFFO Joins WHO in Signing MOU to Advance Public Health Services in Tanzania

By Amos Mhando • May 8, 2024
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.

School Visit

By Henry Manyasi • February 26, 2024
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 Unite to Champion Women's Football Equality

By Henry Manyasi • February 26, 2024
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.
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