The Role of the Church to Protect Children in Tanzania

Abstract

This paper critically examines the pervasive issue of violence against children in Tanzania, highlighting its occurrence across various settings including homes, schools, and religious institutions. It emphasizes the vulnerability of children due to factors such as gender, race, and social status, and the devastating consequences of violence including death, physical, and psychological scars. The study underscores the crucial role of the Church in Tanzania in child protection, advocating for its active involvement beyond the adherence to legal frameworks like The law of the child act No 21 of 2009. By exploring historical and contemporary roles of religious institutions in safeguarding children, the paper argues for a collaborative approach involving churches, communities, and legal entities to effectively combat child abuse and violence. The findings suggest that comprehensive child protection strategies, supported by the Churches moral and spiritual guidance, are essential in addressing this multifaceted issue and achieving sustainable development goals.

Presenters

Stephano Nzanga Masuluale
Student, Laws, Open University of Tanzania, Dodoma, Tanzania

Details

Presentation Type

Poster Session

Theme

Religious Community and Socialization

KEYWORDS

Child protection, Violence against children, Church's role, Tanzania, Sustainable Development Goals