TANZANIANIAS have been challenged to heighten battle against poverty, ignorance and diseases, so as to develop the foundation of anti-poverty crusade built by Mwalimu Julius Nyerere and Sheikh Abeid Amani Karume.
This call was made by Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the UTU Kwanza Dr Shahzada Wali at the occasion to celebrate the 101st birth anniversary of late Mwalimu Nyerere and the 51st anniversary of the death of Sheikh Karume held at VETA Technical College in Coastal Region over the weekend.
On attainment of juridical independence in 1961, Tanzania declared total war against three development problems: poverty, ignorance and diseases.
Dr Wali said that Mwalimu Nyerere and the late Mzee Karume waged war against the indicators of poverty by building a strong foundation of good health and good education that they strongly believed would free people from ignorance and diseases.
“Indicators of poverty among the community including low income, unemployment, inability to own land or house, diseases, poor health condition, lack of clean and safe water, extreme acts of violence and lack of food security among the community,” Dr Wali mentioned
He noted that if a family or an individual is affected by poverty, the quality of life and their humanity will also be affected.
“In order to improve a people’s humanity, the first thing is to increase patriotism though fighting for our country by working hard and increase income which will enable us to fight all indicators of poverty, including getting rid of diseases and ignorance,” he said.
He said that Mwalimu Nyerere once said that education is not a way of escaping poverty; it is a way of fighting it.
This means, Dr Wali said “We need to improve ourselves by using our by encouraging our students to effectively use their study time well and develop the talents we have,” he added.
On her side, Director of LUTOGO Development Initiative Tanzania, which is a non-governmental organisation dealing with violence against women, children and environmental issues, Lulu Mwalunandu urged women to provide information on acts of violence in their families.
She said that tradition and misconception are the reason for women and children not providing information on the act of violence they face in society, so that strict legal measures can be taken.
Presenting reproductive health issues, Doctor from LUTOGO Development Initiative Tanzania , Asterius Mganyizi told parents to discuss with their children about health issues so that they do not engage in risky behaviors.
Kibaha District Commission, Nickson John said that love, unity and solidarity foundation built by the great founding fathers of this nation have saved the country from tribal wars which is the biggest challenge in the world.
Coastal Region Vocational Education and Training Authority (VETA) Principle, Clara Kibodya, said that the college provides skills training to young people in facing the enemy of ignorance and fighting poverty, adding that people should register their children to the college so that they can use the resources available to liberate themselves economically.
The conference was organised by the Mwalimu Nyerere Memorial Institute, VETA, UTU Kwanza and LUTOGO Development Initiative Tanzania.
