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‘Stop abandoning mothers who give birth to children with disabilities’

Minister for Community Development, Gender, Women and Special Groups, Dr Dorothy Gwajima

DAR ES SALAAM: THE Minister for Community Development, Gender, Women and Special Groups, Dr Dorothy Gwajima, has urged men to stop abandoning mothers who have given birth to children with physical and mental challenges, emphasising that having a child is a blessing.

Dr Gwajima made the call on Tuesday while having lunch with children with special needs at the Human Dreams Children’s Village in Temeke, Dar es Salaam.

“A large number of children in these centres are the result of men abandoning mothers who have given birth to children with disabilities,” Dr Gwajima said.

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She added: “Instead of abandoning the children, I ask you to visit our social welfare offices where you can receive advice on how to take care of your children.”

“If you abandon a child and you are still alive, the Child Act, 2009 (Act No. 21 of 2009) revised in 2019 will be applied,” she asserted.

Regarding the event, which was coordinated by the Foundation for Ambassadors Gender Development Initiatives (FAGDI), Dr Gwajima stated that the event was part of the government’s efforts to encourage the private sector to provide social services, especially to those with special needs.

The Human Dreams Children’s Village is one of 342 shelters (homes) with over 12,000 children.

“These figures highlight the importance of recognising the contribution of the private sector in delivering services to children in need,” she further noted.

Earlier, when giving a report about the centre, Ms Niloce Mtawa, the Founder of the Human Dreams Children’s Village, stated that the centre currently houses 33 orphans and provides day care rehabilitation services to 15 children.

“Every week, we receive visits from single mothers with children with disabilities. These mothers are unable to work as they have no one to care for their children during the day.

“In this centre, we offer special education, therapy, and medical support to children with disabilities from morning to afternoon. The children benefit from our services free of charge, and the mothers can improve their financial situation by being able to earn a livelihood,” she emphasised.

She further stated that the centre currently employs 50 workers, including caregivers, social workers, therapists and special education teachers.

Mr Simon Mwapagata, the Director of the Foundation for Ambassadors Gender Development Initiatives (FAGDI) and the Anti-Violence Ambassador, highlighted the importance of stakeholders in Gender-Based Violence (GBV) coming together and joining forces to eliminate violence in society.