Caring for children not charity, says PM

DAR ES SALAAM: PRIME Minister Dr Mwigulu Nchemba has stressed that caring for children with special needs is not an act of charity, but a shared national responsibility essential for building a society rooted in unity, love, compassion and solidarity.

Speaking on Monday during a shared Easter meal with children with special needs at his Oysterbay residence, Dr Nchemba said no child should be left behind and underscored the need to provide proper care for all children to build a hopeful and prosperous society.

“Organising an event like this is not charity, it is our duty. Even the Holy Scriptures remind us to care for those in need. Every Tanzanian must recognise their responsibility to nurture our children, ensuring they get the care they deserve, whether in care centres or elsewhere,” he said.

Dr Nchemba noted that Easter offers an opportunity to reflect on and practise acts of love, compassion and solidarity, urging citizens to uphold these values in daily life.

He also encouraged the children to strengthen their faith, maintain good morals, focus on studies, respect teachers and caregivers and avoid behaviours that could compromise their future.

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“Each child has value and potential, regardless of the circumstances in which they are raised. All children are children of God; no one chooses where they are born, and everyone has their own destiny,” he said, adding that fulfilling one’s purpose requires doing what is right.

The Prime Minister further directed the government, through relevant ministries, to identify and formally register all childcare centres to ensure they receive proper support.

“We must assess and formalise all centres across the country. We should not depend on foreigners to raise our children, this is a responsibility for every Tanzanian,” he stressed.

He called on stakeholders and communities to work together in raising children with special needs, highlighting that it demands commitment, empathy and collective efforts.