Many of the root causes for child migration to the streets can be found in the attitudes, experiences and levels of consciousness that affect the way people relate to children. "Tulinde Watoto Sasa!" (Kiswahili for "Let's Protect Children Now!") is an awareness raising campaign that educates Tanzania's general public about the harmful effects of violence against children. The campaign also communicates the benefits of true child protection for families, communities and the entire nation.

No violence against children is justifiable...all violence against children is preventable.
UN Secretary General's study on violence against children

If you beat a child, he will get used to it. After he gets used to it, he will beat another.
Boy about violence

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NEWS from the campaign...
* "Tulinde Watoto Sasa!" Campaign Info Booklet (also in Kiswahili)
* Research Report: Survey of community "perceptions" of children on the streets
* Mkombozi's drama troupe raises awareness on violence against children

ARTICLES of interest / on topic...
* Children in residential care vulnerable to violence from peers
* People take personal problems out on children
* "When you are insulted, you feel very bad"
* "Being beaten is like living in a war"

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LEARN more about the campaign rationale...
Why does Mkombozi raise awareness about violence against children?

Violence against children is harmful...
Violence against children is not a new phenomenon - it has occured throughout history. However, at this point in time, a growing body of research is providing the world with evidence of its harmful effects. The UN Secretary General's study on violence against children suggests that although violence against children is widespread, it is preventable, and the world has resources to effect its elimination.

The silence must be broken...
Violence is not a natural nor necessary feature of children's lives, and we should not accept it as such. If we want to see change - in legislation, in communities, in families, in services, in institutions and in organisations - we must first acknowledge the nature and extent of the problem by bringing it out into the open. Mkombozi breaks the silence that surrounds violence against children.

Knowledge about violence gives people the power to stop it...
Even though Tanzania is in urgent need of legislation that supports the protection of children, ending violence is not a process which simply aims to criminalise perpetrators. In fact, ending violence against children is firstly an educational process: without raising awareness, behavioural change and sustainable prevention will be difficult to achieve in the wider society. Mkombozi knows that public awareness must precede public action.

The whole society can benefit...
Working towards the reduction of violence against children means breaking a harmful cycle and ultimately creating a more peaceful and caring society for all - a society in which violent actions are not a natural part of conflict resolution. Mkombozi believes that investing in the protection of children is one of the keys to societal development.

Our work aims to eliminate violence...
Tulinde Watoto Sasa! raises awareness on the assumption that if people become more aware about the true consequences of violence in children's lives, as well as the great benefits of child protection, this will inspire and catalyse the building of safer and more caring communities. Mkombozi seeks to challenge and influence the norms, attitudes and beliefs which justify and accept violence against children.

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Comments, questions, suggestions: info@mkombozi.org