Resolve differences before divorce, Katambi urges parents

TANZANIA: DEPUTY Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office (Labour, Youth, Employment, and Persons with Disability), Mr Patrobas Katambi, has urged parents to resolve their differences before deciding to sign divorce papers for the interests of their children.

Mr Katambi informed the august House on Thursday that marital conflicts have been affecting children, especially their academic performance.

He made the call when responding to questions asked by Special Seats MP, Tauhida Nyimbo (CCM) who wanted to know the government’s plan in handling marital conflicts cases.

He asked the government to careful handle the cases to prevent parents from abandoning children. Mr Katambi told the Parliament that the ministry has prepared a national guideline for running, managing and coordination of mediation councils for marital disputes.

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Initially, mediation services for marital conflicts were provided without guidelines, leading to the provision of such services without following laws, regulations and rules. The formed guideline therefore is meant to address this challenge by providing guidance and increase understanding to the mediation councils.

“We expect the mediation to start offering services in line with laws and regulations,” he noted.

The guideline has highlighted interventions for building capacity among members of these mediation councils with a view to avoid effects on children including gender violence.

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He said the marital conflicts are also handled by religious institutions that are legally registered as well as by social welfare officers who are available in all district and municipal councils countrywide.

On the other hand, the deputy minister said the government has also introduced a campaign dubbed ‘Wazazi Wangu, Kesho Yangu’ (My parents, My Tomorrow) which intends to emphasize the roles of parents in shaping the good future for their children.