Child abuse, absenteeism undermine education in Chamwino

DODOMA: RAMPANT absenteeism and increasing incidents of child abuse are undermining education in Chamwino District, Dodoma Region, with many children dropping out of school to engage in income-generating activities, local officials have warned.

Speaking at the Day of the African Child commemorations at Mloda Village, Ward Education Officer Amani Munna expressed concern over the high dropout rate.

“We enrol many pupils, but only a fraction complete primary school. One-third drop out by Standard Two, Three, Four or Six. Parents must ensure their children stay in school,” he urged.

Despite the government’s fee free education policy, some parents neglect responsibilities like paying for school meals or buying uniforms and learning materials, he added.

“If we fail to educate our children properly, we are setting up a future vulnerable to exploitation. But if we guide them well, they will build a stronger nation,” he said.

Chamwino District Community Development Officer, Maua Katengu, urged parents to instil discipline and monitor their children’s activities, especially on social media and in video halls that expose them to inappropriate content.

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“Raising children is about more than love; it’s also about discipline. Idle children grow into troubled youth,” she stressed.

She warned against the misuse of mobile phones and video halls and condemned the practice of pushing children into domestic work by encouraging them to fail exams.

“Some parents intentionally sabotage their children’s education to send them to town for work. That’s exploitation and it must stop,” Katengu said.

Community Development Officer Ms Christina Gambo echoed these concerns, noting that most child abuse cases happen within families and often go unreported.

“Children often suffer in silence. Parents must be the first line of protection, not leave it to teachers or domestic workers,” she said.