CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS: VP Mpango accents parental role

DODOMA: VICE-PRESIDENT Dr Philip Mpango has urged Tanzanians to ensure they raise children on a decent path, preparing them to be patriotic, hardworking and good citizens.

Dr Mpango made the statement yesterday after participating in Christmas Mass at Mwenyeheri Maria Theresa Catholic Church at Airport Parish in Dodoma, led by Father Emmanuel Mtambo.

He also urged Tanzanians to celebrate the holiday with peace and tranquility, as well as to help people with special needs, including orphans.

Similarly, the Vice-President told Tanzanians to continue fighting against all forms of violence against women and children.

“It is good to use Christmas for rethinking and combating acts of abandoning children and abortion,” Dr Mpango said.

Moreover, he urged believers and religious leaders to continue praying for the nation to maintain its peace and avoid any conflicts.

He also directed Tanzanians to prepare to participate well in the 2024 local government elections, as well as to pray for the nation to have righteous leaders.

Recently, during the climax of Social Welfare Week and the 50th Anniversary of the Institute of Social Work (ISW), Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa also urged all institutions involved in raising children, including families, schools, religious institutions, and society, to ensure proper parenting and upbringing of children to build a better nation.

The Premier also urged social welfare colleges in the country to review and update their curriculum to provide solutions to the current challenges in society, while encouraging them to conduct various studies aimed at improving parenting and moral conduct.

The Prime Minister noted that the country is facing the challenge of moral decay caused by modern lifestyles.

He warned about the negative effects of moral decay on society and urged social welfare stakeholders to discuss strategies for strengthening the parenting system for children and youth in the country.

The Prime Minister stated that the government will continue to strengthen the welfare of the people by improving systems, monitoring and managing social welfare issues, and allocating funds for various interventions.

Mr Majaliwa stressed the importance of assessing the entire system of upbringing and development of children and young people, who are the main pillars for promoting values in society.

Regarding the theme of the anniversary, ‘Parenting and Upbringing of Children and Youths for National Development,’ the PM expressed his belief that the theme is timely and will enable the nation to set national strategies to address the challenges of moral decay.

Mr Majaliwa acknowledged that due to economic challenges, many families struggle to find enough time to raise children and young people. He emphasised that parenting and upbringing are crucial for the nation’s development.

The Premier advised Minister for Community Development, Gender, Women and Special Groups, Dr Dorothy Gwajima, to write a proposal to the Prime Minister’s office regarding the management of social welfare officers who work under other ministries, including the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Regional Administration and Local Governments (PO-RALG).

Mr Majaliwa also highlighted that access to social welfare services is a priority of the sixth phase of the government and praised President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan’s commitment to empowering special groups to participate fully in development and social activities.