Digital tools to improve social welfare delivery

DODOMA: THE government has equipped Social Welfare Officers across all 26 regions of Mainland Tanzania with smartphones to strengthen communication, improve service delivery and enhance direct engagement between officers and citizens.

The initiative, led by the Minister for Community Development, Gender, Women and Special Groups, Dorothy Gwajima, forms part of ongoing efforts to modernise welfare services through digital technology and ensure officers remain accessible to the public at all times.

Dr Gwajima distributed the devices in Dodoma recently while closing the 31st Annual General Meeting of the Tanzania Association of Social Workers (TASWO), which brought together more than 400 professionals from across the country to discuss strategies for improving social welfare services.

She said the distribution marks the beginning of a nationwide rollout that will extend to all district offices, aligning with the ministry’s KAZAKAZAWA philosophy, Kasi Zaidi, Karibu Zaidi na Wananchi, which aims to bring public services closer to citizens.

“These phones have been registered under the ministry and all operational costs will be covered. They are meant to help you address citizens’ challenges through digital communication platforms, in line with President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s directive that government services must remain close and responsive to the people,” she said.

Dr Gwajima noted that the government continues to strengthen social welfare systems through interventions targeting gender-based violence, children in vulnerable conditions and elderly care.

She said the initiatives are already yielding positive impacts, with thousands of beneficiaries accessing timely support across regions.

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Deputy Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Advocate Amon Mpanju, urged officers to use the devices professionally and responsibly, emphasising that the tools are an essential part of effective case management.

He highlighted the importance of close follow-up on gender-based violence cases, family disputes and child protection matters to ensure justice is served and services reach the intended beneficiaries.

“The ministry will cover the communication costs, but we expect the highest standards of ethics, accountability and diligence in using these devices,” he said.

Social Welfare Officers welcomed the government’s support, saying the smartphones will significantly ease communication, speed up reporting and improve coordination of field activities.

They noted that the devices will enhance real-time follow up on cases, streamline information flow and strengthen their ability to respond promptly to community needs.

They also pledged to continue serving with integrity, commitment and professionalism as the government intensifies efforts to modernise welfare services and expand their reach nationwide.