World Children’s Day

Young people raise their voices as they commemorate World Children’s Day in Dar es Salaam.

In late November, UNICEF Tanzania in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, Community Development, Gender, Elderly and Children organized an Activate Talk with children and young people under the theme “My Aspirations, my path…” to commemorate World Children’s Day.

The event graced by the Minister of Health, Community Development, Gender, Elderly and Children, Hon. Ummy Mwalimu was attended by children, youth, government officials, Members of Parliament, development partners, faith-leaders and the private sector.

The aim was to give space for young people to be inspired, motivated and encouraged on their dreams and remain hopeful for the future, despite the many challenges they are facing.

Five young people shared their experiences on how they have managed to hold on to their dreams and aspirations despite the struggles that they have encountered.

The speakers were Miss Tanzania 2012 Brigitte Lyimo; a 14-year-old student, Vanessa Innocent; radio presenter Millard Ayo; a university student of Computer Engineering, Witness Mtui; and a leader of Junior Council of United Republic of Tanzania, Raphael Dennis. Their voices inspired their fellow peers and stirred a constructive dialogue between young people and other key stakeholders on how they can ensure children in Tanzania grow up with hope for a better future.

One of the main messages of the talk was for young people to be free to be who they choose to be, especially regarding their career choices, and express their desire for parents and families to support them in making their dreams a reality.

In her speech, Ms. Mwalimu reminded parents to be hands-on in raising their children and reiterated the government’s commitment to ending violence against children in the country.

UNICEF Representative, Ms. Maniza Zaman, said young citizens of today, play an important role in ensuring the implementation of the promises made in the SDGs as they will have a major impact on them.

“This next-generation has the potential to be the next generation of talent and innovators in this fast-changing world. All they need is equal opportunities - to be heard and supported to make the right choices for themselves so that they grow up with hope and live a life of purpose and compassion,” stated Ms. Zaman.