- Tells parents to be guided by wisdom
- Stop using leadership positions to humiliate others
PRESIDENT Samia Suluhu Hassan on Sunday challenged parents to take up their responsibility of good parenting and stand for the welfare of their children to minimise or eliminate immoral practices in the society.
Addressing a gathering at the Muslim Women Forum marked to celebrate the New Year on Islamic calendar, the Head of State emphasised that having good citizens and honest leaders begins by responsible parenting at home.
She also emphasised on collective child nurturing and good neighbourhood, while also encouraging everyone especially parents and guardians to be more vigilant to ensure their children are safe from abuse, violence and related crimes.
She said if children are given time to exercise their freedom of education, they will be good leaders of tomorrow. President Samia also discouraged the tendency of bad-mouthing (backbiting) and use of foul language especially before the children, because they copy what they see and hear.
“Let us ensure that our children do not copy our bad behaviours such as backbiting. We need to make sure that our children grow up to be responsible citizens, capable of honestly holding different positions,” President Samia said.
Dr Samia, who is also a Hajat, said it is a fact that the country was currently facing moral decay leading to gender-based violence (GBV), abuse of power and poor management.
“This is why as a leader, sometimes you are forced to make reshuffle of leaders, and in some instances such changes do no augur well with those who are dropped.
“Give us a break! We make changes and take appropriate action after noticing incompetence, theft or corrupt practices. I urge you to show tolerance when we make changes,” Dr Samia said.
“Some people when in position of power vaunt a lot and use discriminatory language. Worse enough, others provide poor services to the people. We need to deal with this problem because I believe it is a habit that is developed from childhood,” she said.
President Samia said since building a good citizen starts at family level then society should join hands in promoting good parenting, while also urging parents to mind the language they use in nurturing their children.
Dr Samia said she is committed to serve Tanzanians to her best, calling for continued support. She also reminded Tanzanians to maintain and promote peace.
However, she warned that if peace and stability vanishes, the country cannot move forwards and investors will not be attracted to come and invest their capitals.
“Just recently, I heard the Tanzania Investment Centre (TIC) Executive Director saying that the number of investors applying to come to Tanzania tripled in May and June, because ours is a peaceful country,” she said.
Dr Samia commended Zanzibar President Hussein Mwinyi decision to promote the Islamic New Year to be a holiday and allowing forums to discuss the contribution of women and Muslim community in the social and economic development.
The Islamic New Year 1445 falls on next Wednesday or Thursday depending on the sighting of the moon at its crescent.
President Samia also said that she was pleased to hear about educative topics presented at the forum including: Importance of Celebrating Islamic New Year (by Sheikh Othman Maalim); and Contribution of Women Companions of Prophet Muhammad-Muslims Leader, Peace Be Upon Him, to Economy (by Ukhty Saada Salum).
Other topics was How GBV Undermine Economy Growth (Sheikh Izudyn Alwy from Kenya); and Challenges Facing Women in Economy (by Ukhty Fatma Mdid from Dar es Salaam).
She urged organisers to make the forums rotate in different regions of Tanzania, so that more women and men can learn from the facilitators’ presentations.
Dr Samia challenged women to find out why they remain behind in development, by using Strength, Weakness, Opportunity, Threat (SWOT) analysis to guide them to identify their problems and share with the government in strategic planning and decision-making.
The Zanzibar Minister of State- President’s Office (Constitution, Legal Affairs, Public Service, and Good Governance) Mr Haroun Ali Suleiman and Isles Mufti Office Executive Secretary Sheikh Khalid Mfaume hailed President Samia for showing commitment in leadership to continue strengthening Union.
Speaking on behalf of the other sponsors of the Islamic New Year festival, Dr Muhsin Mohamed, Managing Director of PBZ and the CRDB’s officer Ms Lila Hashim Kassim said their banks have been progressing well as they promised to continue sponsoring the activities.
