DC condemns forced child labour
DODOMA: DODOMA District Commissioner, Jabiri Shekimweri, has condemned the behaviour of some parents who force children to work to support family income.
Speaking ahead of the International Day for Street Children, to be marked on April 12, Mr Shekimweri issued the warning during a media briefing at the Nkuhungu Ward government office, where he represented Dodoma Regional Commissioner, Rosemary Senyamule.
He underscored the importance of instilling a work ethic in children as a foundation for responsibility, but stressed that exploiting them for economic gain is unacceptable. He said families have an obligation to guide children and help them grow into responsible adults, not to use them as sources of income.
Mr Shekimweri cited recent data showing that in 2026, Dodoma Region identified 69 street connected children, with government interventions successfully reuniting 65 of them with their families.
He commended social welfare officers under the Ministry of Community Development, Gender, Women and Special Groups for their role in rescuing and reintegrating the children into safe environments.
Shekimweri noted that addressing the challenge of streetconnected children requires strong collaboration among families, communities, government institutions and development partners.
“Everyone has a role to ensure that every child grows in a safe, loving and morally upright environment. Such cooperation will provide a lasting solution for protecting the current and future generations,” he said.
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For her part, Minister for Community Development, Gender, Women and Special Groups, Dr Dorothy Gwajima, emphasised the responsibility of safeguarding children’s rights and ensuring they live dignified lives.
She explained that the rise in the number of street children is linked to family conflicts and various forms of violence, which force children to flee their homes.
Dr Gwajima stressed that all children must be protected and provided with basic rights, including education, health services and proper parental care.
She encouraged religious leaders to work closely with the government in promoting moral values among children and reminded parents to serve as role models.
She further urged early intervention by advising parents and guardians to report children facing difficulties to local government offices so they can receive timely assistance and avoid ending up on the streets.
The minister added that the government has established Gender and Children Desks at major bus terminals, where at least 2,969 children have been assisted through the service.
