Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – July 2026

Every child deserves more than a seat in a classroom, they deserve a safe place to learn, the opportunity to thrive, and the freedom to dream about their future.

Today marks a historic milestone in advancing that vision. At the Arise Africa Conference, HakiElimu, in collaboration with Together for Girls, officially launched the Tanzania Safe to Learn (StL) National Diagnostic Exercise Report. As Tanzania's first comprehensive baseline assessment focused on preventing school-based violence, this landmark report provides a clear picture of the country's current progress while identifying the critical actions needed to ensure every child can learn in safety and dignity.

The Great Contradiction: National Progress vs. Classroom Reality

The timing of this report couldn't be more critical. Fresh off the heels of Tanzania’s 2024 Violence Against Children Survey (VACS), there is undeniable reason to celebrate. The data shows a significant, hard-won decline in violence against children compared to the 2009 baseline, a testament to years of fierce, sustained national advocacy.

But numbers on a page don’t always match the reality on the ground.

While national commitments are at an all-time high, the Safe to Learn assessment highlights a troubling implementation gap. The grand strategies designed in capital cities are hitting roadblocks before they reach the rural classroom door.

About the Assessment: Conducted between September 15 and October 16, 2025, this mixed-methods diagnostic put Tanzania’s education system under the microscope. Spanning six regions (four on the mainland, two in Zanzibar) and ten districts, researchers gathered insights directly from the people who live it: students, teachers, education officials, and community leaders.

The study evaluated the education ecosystem against the five core pillars of the global Safe to Learn Call to Action:

1. Implementation of laws and policies
2. School-based prevention and response mechanisms
3. Social norms and behavior change
4. Financing for violence prevention
5. Evidence generation and use

The Bright Spots: A Foundation to Build On

It’s not all uphill. The report highlights that Tanzania has successfully built a powerful blueprint for child protection. We aren't starting from scratch. Promising initiatives already moving the needle include:

• Curriculum Upgrades: Integrating violence prevention and essential life skills directly into school lessons.
• Active Safeguards: The rollout of school safety initiatives under the BOOST and SEQUIP programs, alongside student-led clubs and dedicated reporting desks.
• Grassroots & Crisis Support: Active child protection committees stretching from the national level down to communities, supported by One-Stop Centres providing vital medical, legal, and psychosocial care for survivors.

The Hard Truths: 5 Gaps We Must Close

To fix a system, you have to be honest about where it’s broken. The diagnostic exercise identified five critical pain points that require urgent, uncompromising attention:

1. The Corporal Punishment Double Standard

While Zanzibar has taken progressive, monumental strides toward completely prohibiting corporal punishment, Tanzania Mainland still permits regulated caning under Education Circular No. 24 of 2002. This policy gap directly contradicts international child rights standards and clouds the message on safe discipline.

2. Under-Resourced Safeguards

A reporting box is useless if children don't trust the system behind it. While school-based reporting structures exist, trained psychosocial and counseling staff are critically scarce particularly in rural schools. Furthermore, many of these vital safety nets rely entirely on unpredictable, donor-funded programs.

3. Deep-Rooted Social Norms

In too many communities, physical violence is still heavily normalized as standard "discipline." Current behavior-change campaigns are fragmented, isolated, and lack the unified momentum needed to shift generations of cultural acceptance.

4. The Funding Desert

Good intentions require budgets. Right now, violence prevention initiatives remain painfully dependent on external donor funding. Domestic budget allocations specifically earmarked for child protection at the district and school levels are nearly non-existent.

5. Manual Data Bottlenecks

Tanzania is great at high-level data collection, but school-level reporting is trapped in a bygone era of manual paperwork. Without digitized, real-time feedback loops, policy-makers are flying blind.

The Blueprint for Action: Next Steps for Tanzania

HakiElimu’s report isn’t just a critique; it is a roadmap. To translate national policy into real-world protection over the next five years, the report calls on the government, civil society, and partners to rally behind these critical actions:

• Harmonize the Law: Ban corporal punishment across all schools nationwide to align with international human rights.
• Fund from Within: Establish dedicated domestic budget lines for school-based child protection rather than relying on external aid.
• Professionalize Support: Train and deploy dedicated counseling and safeguarding focal points to schools, prioritizing rural areas.
• Go Digital: Scale up school-level digital child protection data systems for real-time tracking and accountability.
• Look to the Future: Heavily invest in disability-inclusive programming, early childhood protection, and modern defenses against digital threats like cyberbullying and online exploitation.

The HakiElimu Verdict

At HakiElimu, our philosophy is simple: Access to education means nothing without a safe learning environment.

The Safe to Learn National Diagnostic Exercise provides the precise coordinates we need to navigate the next five years. As Tanzania continues to roll out its National Plan of Action to End Violence Against Women and Children: II (NPA–VAWC II) 2024/25–2028/29 this report offers the practical, unvarnished guidance needed to turn promise into practice.

Let’s build schools where children don't just learn but where they can safely thrive, grow, and lead.

Want to dive deeper into the data? Read the full research here: Download the HakiElimu publication

Mbeya, Tanzania

Shirika la HakiElimu limezindua kampeni maalum ya kitaifa yenye lengo la kuhamasisha ujenzi, uboreshaji na matumizi ya Vituo vya Utambuzi na Upimaji wa Awali kwa Watoto (ESRACs), ikiwa ni sehemu ya juhudi za kuimarisha huduma za utambuzi wa mapema kwa watoto wenye mahitaji mbalimbali ya ujifunzaji na maendeleo.

Kampeni hiyo, yenye kaulimbiu “Tuwatambue Mapema, Tuwasaidie Vema,” imezinduliwa katika viwanja vya Shule ya Msingi Mwenge, Halmashauri ya Jiji la Mbeya, na imeandaliwa na HakiElimu kwa ushirikiano na Child Support Tanzania (CST).

Umuhimu wa huduma hizi unaonekana wazi kupitia takwimu za Kituo cha ESRAC cha shule ya Msingi Mwenge, ambapo katika kipindi cha Januari hadi Mei 2026 pekee, watoto 203 walipatiwa huduma za upimaji na utambuzi wa awali, wakiwemo wavulana 143 na wasichana 60. Mwaka 2025, kituo hicho kilitoa huduma kwa watoto 199, wakiwemo wavulana 141 na wasichana 58. Takwimu hizi zinaonesha ongezeko la mahitaji ya huduma za utambuzi wa mapema na umuhimu wake katika kuwawezesha watoto kupata msaada stahiki kwa wakati.

Wito kwa Halmashauri Kuimarisha Huduma za Utambuzi wa Awali

Akizungumza katika hafla hiyo kwa niaba ya Mkuu wa Mkoa wa Mbeya, Mkuu wa Wilaya ya Mbarali, Mhe. Brigedia Jenerali Maulid Hassan Surumbu, ametoa wito kwa viongozi wa halmashauri nchini kuhakikisha kuwa vituo vya utambuzi na upimaji wa awali vinapatikana katika maeneo yao ili kila mtoto aweze kupata elimu inayozingatia mahitaji yake binafsi.

Amesisitiza kuwa uwekezaji katika huduma za utambuzi wa mapema ni msingi muhimu wa kujenga mfumo wa elimu jumuishi unaowezesha watoto wote kupata fursa sawa za kujifunza na kufanikiwa, bila kujali changamoto wanazokabiliana nazo.

Utambuzi wa Mapema ni Mlango wa Fursa kwa Watoto

Akizungumza wakati wa uzinduzi huo, Mkurugenzi Mtendaji wa HakiElimu, Bi. Mary Ndaro, amesema kuwa vituo vya ESRACs vina mchango mkubwa katika kubaini mahitaji ya watoto mapema na kuwaunganisha na huduma stahiki za elimu na maendeleo.

"Tunaposimama hapa leo, tunaona zaidi ya jengo au vifaa vya upimaji. Tunaona watoto ambao leo wanapata nafasi ya kutambuliwa mapema na kupata msaada wanaouhitaji ili waweze kujifunza na kushiriki kikamilifu katika elimu kama watoto wengine. Tunaona matumaini mapya kwa wazazi na walimu," amesema Bi. Ndaro.

Ameongeza kuwa kampeni hiyo inalenga kuongeza uelewa wa umma kuhusu umuhimu wa utambuzi na upimaji wa mapema na kuhamasisha uwekezaji zaidi katika huduma zinazowawezesha watoto kufikia uwezo wao kamili.

Kwa Nini Utambuzi wa Mapema ni Muhimu?

Naye Mkurugenzi wa Child Support Tanzania (CST), Bi. Noelah Godfrey Msuya, amesema kuwa utambuzi wa mapema huwasaidia walimu, wazazi na wataalamu kuelewa mahitaji halisi ya mtoto na kubaini mbinu sahihi za kumsaidia katika mazingira ya kujifunzia.

Akifafanua zaidi, Bi. Msuya ametolea mfano changamoto ya dyscalculia — hali inayosababisha ugumu wa kujifunza hesabu. Amesema watoto wengi wenye changamoto hiyo mara nyingi huonekana kuwa wavivu au wasiopenda kujifunza somo la hesabu, ilhali ukweli ni kwamba wanahitaji tathmini ya mapema na mbinu maalumu za ufundishaji.

"Mimi ni miongoni mwa watoto wa wakati huo ambao hawakufanyiwa upimaji mapema," amesema Msuya. "Huenda walimu wangu hawakugundua kuwa nilikuwa na changamoto ya dyscalculia."

Uzoefu wake binafsi unaonesha umuhimu wa kuwabaini watoto mapema ili wapate msaada wanaouhitaji kwa wakati ili kuwawezesha kufanikiwa katika elimu na maisha yao ya sasa na baadaye.

Ushuhuda wa Mzazi: “Utambuzi Umenipa Matumaini”

Bi. Angela Charles, mmoja wa wazazi wenye mtoto mwenye mahitaji maalumu, alitoa ushuhuda wake kuhusu manufaa ya utambuzi wa mapema.

Alieleza kuwa kwa muda mrefu hakuwa akifahamu chanzo cha changamoto zilizokuwa zikimkabili mtoto wake. Hata hivyo, baada ya mtoto kufanyiwa tathmini, alipata mwongozo sahihi wa namna ya kumsaidia na kumwezesha kupata mazingira bora ya kujifunzia.

"Mtoto wangu ana ulemavu wa akili. Awali sikuwa naelewa kabisa tatizo lake, lakini baada ya kupata utambuzi nilielekezwa namna ya kumsaidia na kumpeleka katika shule hii ya Child Support," amesema.

Ushuhuda huo unaonesha namna huduma za utambuzi wa awali zinavyoweza kubadilisha maisha ya watoto na familia zao kwa kuwapa maarifa, msaada na matumaini mapya.

Hali Halisi ya Vituo vya ESRACs Nchini

Pamoja na umuhimu mkubwa wa vituo vya ESRACs, takwimu zinaonesha kuwa bado kuna changamoto kubwa ya upatikanaji wa huduma hizo nchini.

Ikiwa ni takribani miaka 5 imepita tangu serikali ilipotoa mwongozo wa uanzishwaji a vituo hivi katika ngazi ya halmashauri zote nchini mwaka 2022, takwimu zinaonesha kuwa kati ya halmashauri 184 zilizopo Tanzania, ni halmashauri 36 pekee zenye vituo vya ESRACs. Aidha, vituo vingi vilivyopo bado vinakabiliwa na changamoto za miundombinu, upungufu wa vifaa muhimu pamoja na uhaba wa wataalamu wenye ujuzi wa kutoa huduma hizo.

Kutokana na hali hiyo, watoto wengi wanaendelea kuchelewa kutambuliwa na kupata huduma wanazohitaji. Wengine hushindwa kueleweka darasani na kuonekana kama wavivu au wasiotaka kujifunza, wakati ukweli ni kwamba wanahitaji tathmini na msaada wa kitaalamu ili kufikia uwezo wao wa kujifunza.

Wito wa Pamoja kwa Jamii na Wadau wa Elimu

Uzinduzi wa kampeni ya “Tuwatambue Mapema, Tuwasaidie Vema” ni wito kwa jamii, wadau wa elimu, sekta binafsi na serikali kushirikiana kuhakikisha upatikanaji wa vituo vya ESRACs katika kila halmashauri nchini.

Kupitia kampeni hii, HakiElimu na washirika wake wanakusudia kuhamasisha uwekezaji zaidi katika huduma za utambuzi wa mapema ili kuhakikisha kila mtoto anatambuliwa kwa wakati, anapata msaada stahiki na anapewa fursa sawa ya kujifunza, kushiriki na kufanikiwa.

Kwa pamoja, tunaweza kujenga mfumo wa elimu jumuishi unaomfikia kila mtoto na kuhakikisha hakuna anayebaki nyuma.

The SAUTI ZETU Consortium, coordinated by HakiElimu, successfully convened a two-day Stakeholders Symposium in Morogoro on September 22–23, 2024. The event brought together Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and key Local Government Authorities (LGAs) for a high-level policy dialogue focused on strengthening the delivery of Inclusive Education (IE) in Tanzania.

The symposium aimed to:

1. Facilitate collaboration between CSOs and LGA representatives to assess the current state of Inclusive Education in their regions.
2. Share key findings from CSO-led monitoring activities, including the 2024 Public Expenditure Tracking Survey (PETS) and evaluations of the implementation of the National Strategy for Inclusive Education (NSIE).
3. Document progress, identify challenges, and highlight achievements of the SAUTI ZETU project across the target districts.

Participants included representatives from the five implementing CSOs operating in Mtwara, Mbeya, Bagamoyo, Ifakara, and Mvomero Districts, along with 25 officials from local government authorities including District Education Officers (DEOs), Special Needs Education Officers (SNEOs), Quality Assurance Officers, Head Teachers, and representatives from Educational Support and Resource Assessment Centers (ESRACs).

More than just an information-sharing event, the symposium fostered collaborative learning and action plans. It provided a strategic platform for stakeholders to jointly address systemic challenges in the education sector, with particular attention to inclusivity. A key outcome of the event was the development of localized Joint Action Plans, ensuring that commitments translate into tangible improvements on the ground.

The symposium underscored the power of collective action in transforming education systems. Moving forward, sustained engagement and robust monitoring of the agreed action plans will be vital in achieving the consortium’s shared vision: an inclusive, effective, and equitable education system that serves all learners in the participating districts.

Jumatano, Oktoba 01, 2025

Umoja wa Kitaifa wa Asasi za Kiraia wa Shule Salama (National Safe School Coalition - NSSC) ni mtandao wa mashirika zaidi ya 20 ya Kiraia (CSOs) uliozinduliwa Machi 2024, unaofanya kazi Tanzania Bara na Visiwani. Umoja huu umejikita katika kuhakikisha watoto wanapata mazingira salama ya kujifunzia na kukua bila ukatili, kwa kuhimiza jamii isiyokubali adhabu za viboko na aina zote za ukatili ndani na nje ya shule.

Kwa kutambua kuwa Taifa linaelekea katika Uchaguzi Mkuu mwezi Oktoba 2025, sisi Umoja wa Kitaifa wa Asasi za Kiraia wa Shule Salama (NSSC) tukishirikiana na wadau wa vyombo vya habari wanaojihusisha na elimu ya uraia na ustawi wa watoto, tunatoa wito huu wa dharura. Ni rai yetu ya pamoja kuwa usalama na ulinzi wa watoto lazima viwe kipaumbele katika kipindi chote cha uchaguzi.

Watoto Wapo Katika Hatari Kubwa Katika Vipindi vya Uchaguzi.

Sheria ya Mtoto ya mwaka 2009 na Sheria ya Watoto Na. 6 ya 2011 ya Zanzibar zinafafanua kuwa mtoto ni mtu mwenye umri chini ya miaka 18. Watoto wamekuwa miongoni mwa makundi yaliyo hatarini zaidi – kutokana na ama kuachwa bila uangalizi huku wazazi na walezi wakijihusisha na shughuli za uchaguzi au kutumika vibaya katika shughuli za kisiasa na kampeni.

Kipindi hiki pia huwaweka watoto katika hatari kubwa zaidi kutokana na mila potofu, ikiwa ni pamoja na imani za kishirikina. Watoto wenye ulemavu hasa wenye ualbino wamekuwa wakikumbana na ukatili mkubwa katika vipindi vya uchaguzi. Ukatili huu huleta hofu, mazingira yasiyo salama, athari za kisaikolojia, maumivu na hata vifo kwa watoto na familia zao.

Wito Muhimu wa Kuchukua ili kuwalinda Watoto

Kwa kuzingatia hali hii, sisi wanachama wa Umoja huu tunatoa wito ufuatao:

1. Mashirika ya Kiraia (AZAKI) na NGOs

Endeleeni kutoa elimu ya uraia na ya mpiga kura inayojumuisha ujumbe wa kulinda haki za watoto katika kampeni zote za elimu ya uraia. AZAKI na NGOs zitoe kipaumbele katika kuhamasisha umma kuhusu hatari maalum zinazowakabili watoto wakati wa uchaguzi mkuu. Ni wajibu wao kuripoti na kutunza kumbukumbu za ukiukwaji haki dhidi ya watoto, na kushirikiana na jamii ili kutoa huduma za msaada wa kisaikolojia na wa dharura inapohitajika ili kumlinda mtoto.

2. Vyombo vya Habari na Mitandao ya Kijamii

Toeni nafasi kwa sauti za watoto kwenye taarifa zenu na mijadala ya umma. Hakikisheni mnaepuka lugha au ujumbe unaoweza kueneza chuki dhidi ya watoto na jamii. Vyombo vya habari vina wajibu wa moja kwa moja wa kuendeleza mijadala ya kisiasa inayomlinda mtoto. Pia vihakikishe vinatoa majukwaa ya kuripoti kwa maadili na kushughulikia matukio ya ukatili dhidi ya watoto. Vyombo vya habari pia vitoe taarifa na kuhabarisha umma juu ya vyama, wagombea au taasisi zinazowatumia vibaya Watoto katika kipindi hiki, ikiwa ni pamoja na kuwanyima haki yao ya kujifunza kwa kuwatoa darasani ili wahudhulie mikutano ya kampeni.

3. Vyama vya Siasa na Wagombea

Toeni kipaumbele juu ya haki na mahitaji ya watoto katika kampeni zenu. Tunahimiza kila chama na mgombea kutoa mpango wao wa kulinda na kuhudumia haki za watoto kabla na baada ya uchaguzi, bila kujali matokeo ya ushindi au kushindwa. Masuala kama upatikanaji wa elimu bora, huduma za afya, ulinzi dhidi ya ukatili na ustawi wa kijamii yazingatiwe kwenye ilani na mipango yao kabla na baada ya kampeni. Ni wajibu wa wanasiasa kuheshimu haki za watoto na waepuke kuwatumia au kuwahusisha watoto kwenye shughuli za kisiasa, ikiwa ni pamoja na kuwasafirisha kutoka eneo moja hadi jingine kwa ajili ya mikutano ya kampeni.

4. Wazazi na Jamii

Wahakikishe usalama wa watoto hususani karibu na vituo vya kupigia kura, mikutano ya kampeni na mikusanyiko ya umma. Wazazi na jamii wana wajibu wa kuripoti matukio yoyote ya ukatili au vitisho dhidi ya watoto na kudai uwajibikaji katika kuheshimu haki za watoto wakati na baada ya uchaguzi. Kama wapiga kura, wazazi na jamii wawahoji wagombea kuhusu mipango yao ya kulinda watoto. Tunawahimiza wapiga kura wote kuwaeleza wagombea kwamba kura zao zinahusiana na dhamira ya kulinda watoto.

5. Kwa Serikali na Taasisi Zake (Polisi, Vyombo vya Usalama, Serikali za Mitaa na Kuu):

Wachukue hatua za mapema kuhakikisha usalama wa watoto wakati wa uchaguzi, hususan karibu na vituo vya kupigia kura, mikutano ya kampeni na mikusanyiko ya umma. Taasisi hizi zina jukumu la kuitikia haraka ukiukwaji wowote dhidi ya watoto na kutoa huduma za ulinzi na msaada zinazohitajika.

Mtoto Si Mgombea wala Mpiga Kura

Ikumbukwe kuwa, Mtoto mwenye umri chini ya miaka 18 haruhusiwi kisheria kushiriki uchaguzi Mkuu kwa namna yoyote iwe ya kupiga kura au kugombea. Kwa muktadha huu, hatutegemei kwa namna yoyote kumuona mtoto akishiriki katika kampeni au mikutano ya kisiasa kwaajili ya kampeni za uchaguzi huu Mkuu. Ni wajibu basi wa vyombo hivi kuwakumbusha na kuwasimamia wanachama au vyama vya kisaisa ambavyo kwa namna moja ama nyingine wanakiuka haki hii ya msingi ya kikatiba kwa Watoto.

Sisi wanachama wa Umoja wa Shule Salama tunatoa wito kuwa uchaguzi huu uwe alama ya uzingatiwaji wa haki za jamii na hususani Watoto. Suala la ulinzi na usalama wa mtoto ni suala la kitaifa linalovuka mipaka ya itikadi zetu za vyama, ni suala la ulinzi wa taifa la kesho na hivyo ni muhimu kuwa na nia moja na wivu mkubwa kulinda tabaka hili la Watoto na taifa la kesho. Watoto wanastahili kukua kwa amani, bila hofu na wakiwa wamezungukwa na watu wazima wanaolinda haki zao. Tunatoa rai kwa wananchi wote kuwa macho, wenye huruma na kuchukua hatua kuhakikisha hakuna mtoto anayeachwa kwenye hatari wakati huu muhimu wa Uchaguzi Mkuu wa 2025.

Umetayarishwa na kutolewa na wanachama wa Umoja huu:

Kaya Foundation, HakiElimu, Save the Children, SAWA Morogoro, MTWANGONET, Msichana Initiative, ZAFELA, TAMWA, ZALHO, WILDAF, My LEGACY, CDF, Child Support Tanzania, HGWT, ZCRF, TCRF, ZAPHA+, Children in Cross Fire, Amani Girls Organization, Women Fund Tanzania Trust, Shule Direct, TENMET & CAMFED.

HakiElimu is honored to host 13 young leaders out of 100 participating in the "NextGen Leaders Program", a Youth Leadership Capacity Building initiative conducted in collaboration between ALII and HakiElimu.

During the official welcome, Mr. Godfrey Boniventura, Acting Executive Director and Head of Programs at HakiElimu, commended the young leaders for identifying and pursuing their aspirations at an early age. He encouraged them to remain steadfast in their vision, reminding them that challenges are part of the journey and should not deter them from their goals.

As part of the two-day engagement, the participants received a guided tour to learn about HakiElimu’s work and its contribution to advancing education in Tanzania. In addition, they took part in an introductory leadership training focused on the education sector, delivered by HakiElimu staff.

The training emphasized the importance of:

• Understanding their role as vital connectors across all leadership sectors;
• Developing critical thinking skills to drive innovation and improvement in education;
• Identifying key educational challenges and strategies to effectively address them.

The visit and training were held on 11th and 12th September 2025 at the Tafakari Hall, located within HakiElimu’s offices in Dar es Salaam.

At HakiElimu, we believe that every child regardless of gender deserves access to quality, inclusive education. However, creating truly equitable learning environments requires more than just policies and goodwill. It demands deliberate, coordinated action especially from those who shape education systems at the grassroots level. That’s why, through our Gender and Education Transformative (GET) project, we are working closely with Local Government Authorities (LGAs) to ensure that gender equality is embedded at the core of education planning and budgeting.

Why Local Government Matters

In Tanzania, the implementation of education policies falls under the Regional Administration and Local Government (RALG). LGAs are not merely administrators rather they play a critical role in translating national gender equality commitments into tangible changes at the community level. Without their active involvement, meaningful progress remains out of reach.

Recognizing this crucial role, HakiElimu recently convened a four-day stakeholders’ engagement meeting at Nashera Hotel in Dodoma. The reflection session brought together 40 officials from eight GET project councils: Musoma, Muleba, Babati, Iramba, Korogwe, Mpwapwa, Kilosa, and Mkuranga. The objective was to strengthen the participants’ capacity to implement gender-responsive practices in education planning and service delivery.

Building Skills, Identifying Gaps, Driving Change

During the sessions, participants engaged deeply with the concept of gender equality in education. They explored key gender concepts, assessed how gender biases may be present in existing education plans, and learned practical strategies for integrating gender considerations into their daily work.

A significant part of the workshop involved reviewing the 2024/25 and 2025/26 education plans and budgets to identify areas where gender issues were overlooked. Based on these insights, participants collaboratively developed a Gender Mainstreaming Framework to guide their actions through 2027/28. This framework is not just a strategic document it is a roadmap toward more inclusive and effective governance.

Participants came from a diverse range of departments, including Planning, Community Development, Social Welfare, and Education, representing both primary and secondary school levels. This diversity promoted a comprehensive and inclusive discussion, reinforcing that achieving gender equity is a shared responsibility across all sectors.

Voices from the Field

The workshop left a lasting impression on participants; many of whom reflected on the new knowledge and perspectives they had gained.

"I have learned about gender equality because I had a deep desire for this issue to be given high priority. I will personally prioritize implementing gender equality in all of my activities." Perpetua Mgasi, Kilosa

"What I liked most was the issue of gender-responsive budgeting is something I previously wasn’t aware of, never practiced, nor even thought about. It is a very important agenda in promoting gender equality, starting from our families and extending to society as a whole." Lilian B. Kiyenze, District Social Welfare Officer, Muleba

These reflections underscore an important truth that when officials are empowered with the right tools and understanding, they become influential agents of change in their communities.

Looking Ahead

The journey towards gender transformative education is neither quick nor easy but it is one worth pursuing. Progress is being made step by step, plan by plan, and budget by budget. At HakiElimu, we are committed to walking this path alongside our local government partners, ensuring that national commitments translate into meaningful change at the grassroots level.

Our continued support through the GET project goes beyond capacity building. It is about empowering LGAs to become champions of equality, inclusion, and justice. Because real transformation does not happen in policy papers, it happens when leaders at all levels take committed action to make education work for every child.

Julai 10, 2025, HakiElimu ilipata heshima ya kipekee kutembelewa na Mwanaharakati maarufu kutoka nchini Pakistan na mshindi mwenye umri mdogo zaidi wa Tuzo ya Amani ya Nobel, Malala Yousafzai anayejulikana kwa kazi yake ya utetezi wa haki ya wasichana.

Akiwa HakiElimu, Malala ambaye aliambatana na ujumbe kutoka Malala Fund alipata wasaa wa kuongoza mjadala ulioangazia fursa na vikwazo dhidi ya mtoto wa kike ukihusisha washiriki kutoka mashirika manne yanayofadhiliwa na Malala Fund ambayo ni HakiElimu, Msichana Initiative, Hope 4 Young Girls, na Mtandao wa Elimu Tanzania (TEN/MET).

Ziara ya Malala katika ofisi za HakiElimu ni hatua muhimu ya ushirikiano unaoendelea kati ya shirika la HakiElimu na Malala Fund, ushirikiano ambao unalenga kuendeleza elimu ya wasichana nchini Tanzania. Kupitia ushirikiano huu, HakiElimu kwa sasa inatekeleza mradi ujulikanao kama Education Champion Network (ECN) mradi unaolenga kuboresha mazingira jumuishi ya ujifunzaji, na salama kwa wasichana katika shule 60 zilizoko kwenye wilaya 11 za Muleba, Mpwapwa, Kigoma, Njombe, Mbeya, Kilosa, Manispaa ya Tabora, Iramba, Musoma, Korogwe, na Moshi.

Mradi wa ECN unawanufaisha moja kwa moja wanafunzi 11,772 (wasichana 8,116 na wavulana 3,656) kupitia afua zinazolenga kuboresha matokeo ya kielimu na kuhakikisha kuwa hakuna mtoto anayeachwa nyuma katika safari ya elimu.

Kupitia mradi huu HakiElimu inafanya kazi ya utetezi wa sera na uzalishaji wa tafiti zitakazosaidia kufanya maamuzi ya kisera sambamba na hili pia unalenga kuimarisha uwezo wa mamlaka za serikali za mitaa na uongozi wa shule katika kuzuia ukatili dhidi ya watoto ikiwa ni pamoja na kupinga mila na desturi zenye madhara hasi kwa wasichana ili kuwawezesha wasichana waliotengwa kijamii kuendelea na masomo na kutimiza ndoto zao za kielimu.

On July 10, 2025, HakiElimu had the distinct honour of hosting Malala Yousafzai, the youngest-ever Nobel Peace Prize laureate and a renowned Pakistani education activist and girls' rights advocate. Leading a delegation from the Malala Fund, Malala moderated a "Learning Session" that featured panelists representing four Tanzanian bases Malala Fund grantees: HakiElimu, Msichana Initiative, Hope 4 Young Girls, and the Tanzania Education Network (TEN/MET).

Malala's visit to HakiElimu signifies a crucial step in our ongoing partnership with the Malala Fund, dedicated to advancing girls' education. Through this collaboration, HakiElimu is currently implementing the Education Champion Network (ECN) project.

This initiative strives to cultivate inclusive, safe, and high-quality learning environments for girls in 60 schools across 11 districts: Muleba, Mpwapwa, Kigoma, Njombe, Mbeya, Kilosa, Tabora Municipal, Iramba, Musoma, Korogwe, and Moshi.

The project directly benefits 11,772 students (8,116 girls and 3,656 boys) through interventions designed to improve educational outcomes and ensure that no child is left behind. The ECN initiative goes beyond direct student support, actively engaging in policy advocacy and generating evidence to inform decision-making. It also focuses on strengthening the capacity of local governments and school leadership to prevent violence against children. The project challenges harmful social norms and empowers marginalized girls to remain in school and fulfil their educational aspirations.

HakiElimu inashirikiana na Taasisi ya Benjamin Mkapa, taasisi iliyopewa dhamana na Tume ya Taifa ya Mipango kuongoza uchambuzi wa kina (Deep Dive Sessions) katika Nguzo ya Uwezo wa Watu na Maendeleo ya Jamii, ambayo inajumuisha afya, elimu na uhifadhi wa jamii.

Kupitia ushirikiano huu, HakiElimu inaongoza uchambuzi katika eneo la Elimu, likihusisha sekta mbalimbali kama vile elimu ya awali, msingi, sekondari, amali na ufundi, watu wazima, elimu ya ualimu, elimu ya juu, elimu jumuishi, na mfumo wa uongozi na utawala. Lengo la uchambuzi huu ni kutathmini hali ya sasa ya elimu nchini, kuweka vipaumbele vya maendeleo, kubaini fursa za uwekezaji, na kupendekeza maboresho yatakayoleta mageuzi katika elimu kuelekea Dira ya Taifa ya 2050.

Uchambuzi huu pia unalenga kuandaa Mantiki ya Mabadiliko (Log Frame) au Nadharia ya Mabadiliko (Theory of Change) itakayosaidia kuongoza utekelezaji wa mabadiliko haya kwa mafanikio

HakiElimu has launched the Gender and Education Transformative Project, valued at approximately 4.5 million Canadian dollars, equivalent to about 7.8 billion Tanzanian shillings. This national launch took place at Buna Secondary School, located in Korogwe District, Tanga region, bringing together various education stakeholders from Tanga and other districts also implementing the project.

The main goal of this project is "to improve water infrastructure, sanitation, and reduce sexual and gender-based violence to ensure girls continue their studies and achieve their educational dreams."

In his speech during the launch, Dr. John Kalage, the Executive Director of HakiElimu, thanked the Government of Canada through Global Affairs Canada for funding education projects in Tanzania. "We take pride in our long-standing partnership with the Government of Canada since 2014. The funded projects have benefited over 85,000 students in 127 program schools in 22 district councils. Among the major successes of these projects is reducing school dropout rates for girls and improving their academic performance, due to the better learning environment and essential resources," Dr. Kalage said.

The Gender and Education Transformative Project will be implemented in 16 primary schools and 24 secondary schools across 8 districts in 8 of Tanzania's 26 regions. These districts include Korogwe (Tanga), Mkuranga (Coast), Kilosa (Morogoro), Mpwapwa (Dodoma), Babati (Manyara), Iramba (Singida), Muleba (Kagera), and Musoma (Mara). The project targets 12,240 girls and 11,760 boys aged between 10 and 19. It will also provide training to 100 teachers, 140,000 community members, and 320 local government officials, while fostering a shared understanding of preventing gender-based violence and promoting gender equality in education.

In her remarks on behalf of the Canadian Government, Ms. Carol Mundle, Head of Cooperation, emphasized Canada's happiness in collaborating with HakiElimu to improve education in Tanzania. She praised Tanzania's efforts to achieve gender equality in primary and secondary education, stating, "The Government of Canada will continue to partner with HakiElimu and other stakeholders to ensure that both girls and boys receive quality education."

Ms. Mundle added that although there is still much work to be done, the Canadian government believes that, through collaboration with committed local partners like HakiElimu, local government authorities, teachers, students, and communities, they will overcome all the challenges hindering girls' and boys' education.

On his part, Dr. William Mwakilema, the District Commissioner of Korogwe, speaking on behalf of the Tanga Regional Commissioner, congratulated HakiElimu for once again earning the trust of the Government of Canada for the third consecutive phase. He stated that this is a testament to HakiElimu's effective performance, which deserves praise. "Please continue moving forward without looking back, as the government is with you in these noble efforts," Dr. Mwakilema said.

He also promised that the regional and district governments would continue to offer support to HakiElimu to ensure successful implementation and the achievement of desired outcomes. "I would like to take this opportunity to also direct local government officials and schools in areas where the project will build infrastructure and provide teaching and learning materials to maintain them with utmost care. It is also important for the public and local governments to understand the project and continue to monitor and provide support in the areas where they are needed," Dr. Mwakilema added.