MWANZA: THE Minister for Youth Development, Dr Joel Nanauka, has urged community development professionals to intensify public education on the National Development Vision 2050 to ensure people actively participate in achieving the country’s longterm development goals.
Dr Nanauka made the call on Wednesday in Mwanza during the launch of the 18th Conference of Community Development Professionals.
He said community development officers play a critical role in linking people, the government and development stakeholders, and should therefore lead efforts to promote the mindset and behavioural changes needed to realise Vision 2050.
According to the minister, the vision seeks to build a society that is knowledgeable, innovative and fully engaged in economic and social development, with young people expected to play a central role in driving that transformation.
“Community development professionals have a major role in promoting people’s participation in development activities and ensuring they understand the opportunities provided by the government,” he explained.
Dr Nanauka also urged the officers to uphold societal values and continue educating communities on child care, family welfare and the importance of participating in development initiatives.
He said the government will continue strengthening cooperation with community development officers to support the implementation of Vision 2050 and ensure people receive the knowledge needed to benefit from available development opportunities.
Among the priority areas, he cited public education on Vision 2050 through seminars and conferences, dissemination of information on government opportunities, encouraging youths to join wealth-creation groups and promoting proper child care and upbringing.
The minister further urged officers to continue registering community groups in their areas to facilitate access to government services and economic opportunities available to special groups.
He stressed that sustainable development cannot be achieved without people’s participation and called on community development officers to use their expertise to mobilise communities and contribute to building a prosperous nation for present and future generations.
Meanwhile, President of the Association of Community Development Officers in Tanzania (CODEPATA), Mr Victor Kabuje, called on the government to increase funding for the sector and improve the working environment and remunerations of community development officers.
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He said the measures would enable them to perform their duties more effectively and contribute to the successful implementation of the National Development Vision 2050.
Mr Kabuje said the association has more than 1,820 members from both the public and private sectors who continue to make significant contributions to community development across the country.
He noted that community development officers have played a leading role in encouraging people to join universal health insurance schemes, combating the spread of HIV/AIDS, raising awareness on social issues and addressing challenges facing women and children.
Mr Kabuje also underscored the importance of peace and stability, describing them as essential pillars for the successful implementation of Vision 2050.
“The implementation of the vision requires citizens to understand where they came from, where they are now and where they want to go as a nation in order to participate fully in achieving the set goals,” he added.