Dar es Salaam: The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Community Development, Gender, Women, and Special Groups, Dr. John Jingu, has urged child care providers to approach their work with empathy and dedication. He emphasized that caring for children, especially those with emotional needs, requires a deep sense of tenderness and commitment, rather than treating it as a mere job. This call to action was made during a graduation ceremony for 120 officers who completed a six-month course on alternative child care, sponsored by the FairStart Foundation from Denmark and conducted by SOS Children's Villages in Tanzania. Dr. Jingu encouraged the graduates to share their newfound knowledge, fostering a culture of quality alternative care. He highlighted the critical role of family in child-rearing, stating that the future of the nation depends on how children are raised. The PS also addressed the challenges faced by some children, who may have missed the opportunity to grow up in a biological family, and the need for alternative care systems to provide them with the necessary support. SOS Children's Villages, a key player in this initiative, has been working for over 30 years in regions like Mwanza, Arusha, Dar es Salaam, and Zanzibar, aiming to empower children and youth in alternative care to become self-reliant and resilient. The organization's mission is to ensure that children and young people receive quality care services that meet their needs, helping them develop skills in caregiving, health, education, and self-reliance. According to SOS, one in ten children and young people globally face family separation, abandonment, neglect, or abusive environments, hindering their future prospects. The organization's approach focuses on breaking harmful cycles and fostering a sense of belonging and trust. By providing nurturing relationships and a supportive family environment, SOS aims to empower these children to thrive and build a brighter future.
