When Amina (not her real name) walked into the office of the Tanzania Youth Talent Association (TAYOTA) in Tanga for the first time, she carried years of silent pain. For a long time, she had endured abuse from close family members, afraid to speak out because she feared punishment and shame. But through the “Violence Against Children and Adolescents” (VACA) Project, Amina finally found the courage to tell her story and reclaim her future.
Her experience is not unique. In Tanga and in many parts of Tanzania, child abuse often happens in secrecy, protected by harmful norms that discourage reporting. This silence leaves children exposed while perpetrators remain unchallenged.
To address this, TAYOTA partnered with the TangaYetu initiative in 2021 to establish and implement the VACA Project. Its mission was simple but powerful: to break the silence.
According to George Bwire, Executive Director of TAYOTA, their research revealed that most abuse is committed by people close to the victims. Yet children and their families were often too scared or ashamed to report.
To overcome this, the project used multiple approaches:
The results have been remarkable. While the original target was to reach 10,000 young people, the project has reached over 71,000 children and youth across Tanga City. More than 130 school clubs have been formed far surpassing the initial goal of 15. These clubs have become safe spaces where children can report abuse and gain confidence.
At Kisimatui Primary School in Pongwe Ward, Head Teacher Bakari Kobero has witnessed these changes firsthand.
“Children now know exactly where to report when they face abuse,” he explains.
He recalls a recent case where a previously quiet student found the courage to talk about their experience during a club meeting. Authorities were notified, the child received psychological support, and later returned to school safely. “This would not have been possible a few years ago,” he adds.
Teachers have also benefitted from training. Using songs, drama, and interactive teaching, they help students understand their rights and how to identify and report abuse. This has made learning more engaging and impactful.
Beyond schools, the project has also reshaped community perceptions. Parents and guardians now participate in awareness sessions that challenge long-held harmful practices.
“Parents are no longer afraid to speak,” says Bwire. “We tell them clearly: silence protects abusers, not children.”
However, challenges remain. Certain cultural practices such as late-night music events (vigodoro) continue to expose children to risk. Kobero notes, “Some traditions should be preserved, but others must be corrected to protect our children. We must balance culture and safety.”
The project has also worked closely with law enforcement and the justice system. Police officers, magistrates, and health workers have been trained to handle cases effectively and professionally.
But one major barrier persists medical examination costs. Many families cannot afford these fees, yet the examinations are crucial for legal investigations. Bwire calls upon government and international partners to subsidize these costs to ensure justice is accessible to all.
Despite obstacles, the project has already supported the rescue of 12 children who were at risk of illegal trafficking, ensuring their safety and bringing perpetrators before the law.
Under TangaYetu Phase II, the project continues under a new name: Pamoja Tuwalinde (“Together Let’s Protect Them”).
This phase builds on earlier achievements by strengthening:
For survivors like Amina, the impact is life-changing. With counseling and social support, she is now back in school and committed to achieving her dream of becoming a teacher. Her resilience embodies the project’s message: no child should face abuse alone, and every child deserves a safe place to grow and learn.
Parents are noticing the changes too. One mother shared that her child once withdrawn and fearful is now confident after joining a school anti-violence club. “He comes home teaching us what he learned about children’s rights and why parents must protect them,” she said.
The success of child protection initiatives in Tanga offers lessons for the entire country. By combining community awareness, school-based structures, and system-wide reforms, the program shows that change is possible even in communities where silence once prevailed.
“This is a roadmap for ending child abuse everywhere,” Bwire emphasizes. “Educating, empowering, and protecting our children is a shared responsibility.”
As Pamoja Tuwalinde moves forward under TangaYetu Phase II, its message remains unwavering: Every child deserves to grow up safe, respected, and free from abuse.
For Amina and thousands of other children, this hope is now within reach.