Tackle worsening street kids' problem, govt told.

Gender and Children Minister Sofia Simba

 A Member of Parliament has called on government to do more to tackle the causes of worsening problem of street children in the country.

 

The problem is serious,” Dr Christine Ishengoma (Special Seats, CCM) said in Parliament yesterday. “It has worsened in urban centres.”

 

She stated: “All children are entitled to equal rights for total parental care, but when will the problem of street children get lasting solution?”

 

The MP expressed concern as to why there was no special programme among councils to tackle the menace.

Pindi Chana, Deputy Minister in the Ministry of Community Development, Gender and Children said there were more than 5,000 children in the streets.

 

The government will carry out a countrywide survey for children to include those registered in schools, an exercise that will put all children under the spotlight of their parents and the community.

 

“This will help identify whether the child is in school or not. If found not in school or not in village or street both school headmaster and parents should inform the government,” she explained.

 

“We want members of the community to change their mindset, as we work to improve social systems,” she told the parliament.

 

According to the deputy minister, all orphans found in the streets, especially in Dar es Salaam are given shelter at Kurasini, Dogo-Dogo Centre and SoS Children’s Village Tanzania.

 

“As part of the broader plan, we have also eliminated school fees in public primary schools across the country,” she added.

 

The deputy minister announced Community Development, Gender and Children Minister Sofia Simba launched communication tools for children mid this week to help tackle the problem.