DAR ES SALAAM: PRESIDENT Samia Suluhu Hassan has said the realisation of every child’s dream depends on the decisions and actions taken today, emphasising that the welfare of children is central to nation’s future development.
In a message posted on her official WhatsApp Channel to mark the Day of the African Child, commemorated annually on June 16, President Samia said Tanzania is committed to building a society, where every child receives quality care, protection and opportunities to thrive.
“As we prepare to begin implementing the National Development Vision 2050, we are determined to build a nation where every child receives proper care and development, is protected and is provided with a strong foundation for life,” President Samia said.
The Day of the African Child is observed every year on June 16 to honour the courage of South African schoolchildren, who took part in the 1976 Soweto Uprising, protesting against poor-quality education and demanding equal rights.
The day, established by the African Union, is also used to advocate for the protection, welfare and development of children across the continent.
President Samia stressed that ensuring children’s wellbeing is not the responsibility of the government alone but requires the collective efforts of all citizens.
“The survival, protection, security and development of our nation depend on the well-being of our children,” she said.
Minister for Community Development, Gender, Women and Special Groups, Dr Dorothy Gwajima, announced that Tanzania will hold national celebrations for the Day of the African Child on June 30, 2026, across all regions of the country.
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Dr Gwajima said the decision to commemorate the event on June 30 was made to align it with International Day of Families, observed on May 15 and International Widows’ Day on June 23, noting that many of the stakeholders involved are the same.
She said discussions and awareness activities on children’s issues would take place on June 16 while preparations continue for the national climax later this month.
The 2026 theme, “The Child is Nurturing: The Foundation of a Strong Family and a Strong Nation,” highlights the importance of proper care and development of children from pregnancy through to the age of 18.
According to the minister, the theme also serves as a reminder of society’s responsibility to provide children with positive upbringing, moral values, love, protection and security to enable them to reach their full potential and contribute to national development.