By Mutayoba Arbogast
At the heart of this narrative lies UYACHO, an orphanage nestled in the tranquil surroundings of Hamugembe ward, Bukoba municipality,in Kagers region.
Established in 1999, UYACHO has been a beacon of hope for hundreds of children facing adversity. Today, with 302 children under its care, the center stands as a testament to the unwavering dedication of its founder and director, Mrs. Saada Selemani.
However, behind the facade of resilience lies a stark reality – UYACHO, like many orphanage centers across Tanzania, is grappling with severe financial constraints.
Mrs. Saada, now 90 years old, laments the dwindling support from donors, leaving the center teetering on the brink of collapse. “These children need a lot of help from the government and the community,” she asserts, her voice tinged with urgency. “I am getting too old to serve them.”
The challenges faced by UYACHO are emblematic of a larger crisis gripping orphanage centers nationwide. In a country where resources are scarce and the needs of vulnerable children are immense, the struggle for survival is a daily reality.
The National Multisectoral Early Childhood Development Programme (NM-ECDP) highlights the importance of nutrition and protection in ensuring children’s holistic development. Yet, orphanages like UYACHO are hampered by insufficient funds, unable to provide the quality food and nutrition essential for the children’s growth.The situation is compounded by the abandonment of infants in perilous environments, further straining the resources of already overstretched centers.
With each passing day, the gap between the needs of these children and the resources available to meet them widens, threatening to engulf them in a cycle of despair.Amidst the adversity, voices of hope emerge.
Stakeholders like the Social Development Officer of Kagera region, Issa Mrimi, acknowledge the pressing need for support from development stakeholders and the wider community. “Let the stakeholders and the community come forward to help them,” Mr. Mrimi urges, his words resonating with a sense of urgency.
“The regional government is ready to assist when it receives special requests.”
In a resounding call to action, Tanzania’s Minister of Social Development, Gender, Women, and Special Groups, Dr. Doroth Gwajima, has emphasized the urgent need for collaborative efforts to address the plight of orphaned and vulnerable children.
“This is a continuous problem” she emphasizes, her resolve unwavering. “Society and government must work together to ensure the welfare of these children.”
Against the backdrop of dwindling resources and persistent challenges, Dr. Gwajima underscores the shared responsibility of both society and government in safeguarding the welfare of these children, whose laughter echoes faintly within the walls of orphanage centers like UYACHO.
Yet, amidst the shadows of uncertainty, there remains a beacon of hope – the promise of a brighter tomorrow, where every child has the opportunity to thrive and fulfill their destiny.
According to the 2022 Tanzania Demographic Survey, which for the first time included statistics on early childhood development, 53 percent of the children in mainland Tanzania and 39 percent in Zanzibar are developmentally off track in their health, learning, and psychosocial well-being.
UNICEF echoes this sentiment, stating, “Every child has the right to grow up in a supportive family environment.”With statistics revealing the alarming developmental setbacks faced by a significant portion of Tanzania’s children, and UNICEF’s poignant reminder of the inherent rights of every child to a supportive family environment, the imperative for action becomes ever more urgent.
“Children may be separated from their parents and placed in alternative care for various reasons,” UNICEF explains. “The vast majority of children without parental care have living family members, including at least one parent or other relative.”
As the world grapples with the staggering realities of millions of children living in residential care, it is evident that the time for decisive action is now.
Tanzania Development and AIDS Prevention (TADEPA) C.E.O, James Barongo, emphasizes the importance of daily commitment to the program slogan of Mtoto Kwanza( Child, the priority), stating, “Not only by words but most importantly, by implementing the activities highlighted including contributions to young children especially of under eight years in promoting their ability to thrive and ensure their survival.”
The immediate and long-term repercussions of family separation and unsuitable alternative care demand a concerted response, one that prioritizes the holistic well-being of every child.
The rallying cry is clear – let us join hands, not in mere words, but in tangible action, to ensure that no child is left behind in the pursuit of a brighter, more equitable future.
“Children in alternative care are regularly isolated from their families and local communities,” UNICEF warns. “Deprived of parental care, they can endure physical, psychological, emotional, and social harm – with consequences that last a lifetime.
These children are also more likely to experience violence, abuse, neglect, and exploitation.” As Tanzania, and indeed the world, confronts this pressing humanitarian challenge, the imperative to act becomes increasingly urgent.
