‘Protect children’s playgrounds’
ZANZIBAR: PRESIDENT Samia Suluhu Hassan has directed authorities to ensure that children’s recreational centres remain safe, childfriendly spaces that support their health, development and moral upbringing.
The Head of State made the remarks during the launch of the Kizimkazi Children’s Recreational Centre yesterday.
President Samia said such facilities should not be viewed merely as places for entertainment, but as important investments in children’s physical, social and intellectual development.
“We should not view these grounds merely as places for entertainment, but as an important investment in the proper growth and upbringing of our children,” she said.
She cautioned that activities and content offered at the centres must be appropriate for children and should not expose them to material that could undermine their morals.
President Samia also called for responsible use of technology at the facilities, saying music, films, visual displays and other forms of digital entertainment should be suitable for children’s ages and contribute to their development.
She stressed that technology should also be used in ways that promote Tanzanian culture, traditions and values, “I appeal to you that the technology used here should be for the benefit of children and for no other purpose.”
The President further directed those responsible for managing the facilities to give priority to children’s safety, particularly around playground equipment and during periods when the centres attract large numbers of visitors.
ALSO READ: Samia backs child welfare
She welcomed the use of sand beneath playground equipment at the Kizimkazi facility as a safety measure to reduce the risk of injury when children fall.
President Samia also called for the expansion and protection of recreational spaces for children across Zanzibar.
She directed the relevant urban planning authorities to set aside designated areas for children’s recreation and ensure that such spaces are protected from being taken over for unrelated developments.
At the same time, she encouraged greater privatesector investment in childfocused recreational facilities, including additional play equipment, toy shops and other facilities that can provide children with opportunities to play, learn and develop their creativity.
“This is a children’s playground, not a place for adults,” she said.
She said investment in such spaces would not only promote children’s health and development but could also contribute to domestic tourism, citing the growing number of visitors travelling to Kizimkazi to use the facility.
