Strategy targets moral values to support Vision 2050

DODOMA: THE government has launched a 10-year National Strategy to Address Moral Decay (2026/27–2036/37), aimed at strengthening ethical values across society and supporting the goals of the National Development Vision 2050.

The strategy was unveiled in Dodoma yesterday by the Minister for Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, Paul Makonda, alongside the Minister for Community Development, Gender, Women and Special Groups, Dr Dorothy Gwajima, with both leaders’ pledging close cooperation to ensure effective implementation.

Speaking during the launch, Mr Makonda said national morals form the foundation of any state, guiding behaviour, decision-making and overall direction across economic, political, social and environmental spheres.

“A nation that fails to instil and safeguard the values of its people risks losing a clear path toward sustainable development and may struggle to protect the interests of its citizens,” he said.

He noted that the importance of moral values is reflected in the 1977 Constitution, particularly under Article 9, which outlines key pillars, including human dignity, unity, equality, patriotism and accountability.

“These values define national identity and drive progress across all areas of development,” he said.

Mr Makonda added that the Vision 2050 framework places strong emphasis on preserving, promoting and protecting moral and cultural heritage as part of long-term development.

“While moral decay may appear minor, the situation within families is increasingly concerning. This strategy has been prepared to build a society grounded in dignity, patriotism, unity and accountability,” he said.

He stressed that the family remains central to shaping values, warning that neglect of early upbringing and character development undermines broader national efforts.

“Many families are focusing mainly on formal education and success while overlooking character development. It will not be possible to fight corruption, drug abuse or secure good leadership without investing in strong family foundations,” he said.

He called on parents to take greater responsibility in instilling values, noting that unethical behaviour often begins at the household level.

Mr Makonda also pointed to the growing influence of digital platforms, saying the use of social media should be reassessed through a dedicated approach to limit harmful content and protect children from moral decline.

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On her part, Dr Gwajima said the strategy cuts across multiple sectors and aligns with national efforts to eliminate violence against children and vulnerable groups.

She expressed confidence in the coordination role of Mr Makonda’s ministry, noting that stakeholders will have clearly defined responsibilities during implementation.

Dr Gwajima pledged continued collaboration, emphasising that success will depend on collective efforts rather than a single institution.

“This strategy cannot be implemented by one ministry alone. It requires the participation of all stakeholders, including development partners,” she said.

She added that her ministry will focus on coordinating and documenting progress, particularly in areas of child upbringing, development and family welfare as implementation advances

. Earlier, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, Gerson Msigwa, said the document was developed in line with directives issued by President Samia Suluhu Hassan, as well as the National Development Vision 2050 and the Cultural Policy of 1997, which is currently under review.

He said the strategy seeks to bring together the efforts, knowledge and resources of various stakeholders to build a society anchored in strong moral values, with particular focus on children and youth.

“The process has gone through all stages of validation, including consultations with traditional and religious leaders as well as representatives from different groups in society,” he said.

Mr Msigwa assured that implementation will be prioritised to ensure the strategy delivers tangible results at all levels, starting from the family level.