Call: raise children in just, conducive environment

AHEAD of the International Day of the African Child tomorrow, the public has been urged to ensure children are raised in a just and conducive environment to enable them realise their dreams.

Assistant Coordinator of Educational programmes under the All Together in Dignity (ATD) Fourth World Tanzania, Mr Gasper Mbwambo, made the call during a press conference held in Dar es Salaam, recently.

He made the plea ahead of events to commemorate the international day in Dar es Salaam with support from the Embassy of France, Alliance Française and the Embassy of Ireland.

“Concerted efforts are needed to ensure children’s upbringing observe their crucial right of being raised in a clean and safe environment for their well-being,” said Mr Mbwambo.

According to him, children, especially those who come from poor households live in environments that do not endanger their health and future dreams.

It is on this backdrop that ATD Tanzania decided to mark the important day for all children across the continent and globe by carrying out a campaign on environmental management under the theme of “Environment Care – Right of Clean and Safe Environment for All the Dar es Salaam Children”.

He pointed out that in Dar es Salaam the event will be commemorated at Pakacha Street in Tandale featured by various activities including planting of 300 trees which have been donated by the Tanzania Forest Services (TFS) Agency.

A facilitator of Street Library programme which is run by ATD, Mr Shabani Omari said the reason they have decided to mark the day by promoting issues of environment and not the right of a child is due to the fact that children are entitled to be brought up in clean and safe surrounding as a critical right.

Omari who represents fellow children said they desire to see members of society protect and observe cleanliness of the environment always and fore see their upbringing.

“Society should condemn all forms of violence against children,” noted Shabani, applauding Development Partners and other stakeholders for supporting children and youth to realise their dreams.

For his part, a Forest Preserve in Kinondoni District Mr Ismail Suddy indicated that environmental protection and economic development worked in tandem.