Training to build capacity of paralegals

DODOMA: A TOTAL of 300 paralegals will undergo training on existing laws, regulations, guidelines and policies to provide free legal education and assistance to citizens.

The training, conducted in four phases, began with the first batch of 42 participants and will last for 15 days.

Participants come from Arusha, Dodoma, Singida, Manyara and Tanga regions.

Officiating the training in Dodoma yesterday on behalf of the Permanent Secretary, Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Constitution and Legal Affairs, Dr Franklin Rwezimul, said the initiative aligns with the government’s efforts to enhance sustainable legal aid services by establishing Legal Aid Desks in all local government councils.

He emphasised the government’s commitment to training legal aid stakeholders and implementing the Mama Samia Legal Aid Campaign.

“Despite these efforts, the number of paralegals remains insufficient compared to the size of our country. The government’s goal is to have at least one paralegal per ward and various initiatives are being undertaken to achieve this target,” Dr Rwezimul said.

He urged participants to use the training to serve communities, particularly marginalised groups and those unable to afford legal services. “This training is a legal requirement for anyone wishing to work as a paralegal.

During the practical training, you must demonstrate proficiency in applying what you have learned.

We will assess you before awarding participation certificates and registering you as certified paralegals,” he added. He also called on newly trained paralegals to act as ambassadors, collaborating with local leaders to provide effective legal assistance.

Furthermore, he encouraged institutions to support paralegals by enhancing their legal knowledge and organising an annual forum for them to discuss opportunities and challenges in the sector.

“This forum should include paralegals registered under the Legal Aid Act No 1 of 2017 and its 2018 regulations,” he said.

Dr Rwezimul highlighted that the Ministry will continue addressing emerging challenges, including the issue of office space for paralegals.

Some have already been provided office space in government buildings at regional and district levels to help them carry out their duties effectively.

The Legal Services Facility (LSF), active for over 12 years, has been supporting legal aid services and currently works with over 3,000 paralegals from 184 organisations.

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Speaking on behalf of the LSF Executive Director, Amani Manyelezi reaffirmed the fund’s commitment to gender equality and addressing gender-based violence, particularly against women and children.

He noted that the organisation has played a key role in creating an enabling environment for legal aid by working closely with the Ministry of Constitution and Legal Affairs to develop policies and publications that facilitate legal aid services in communities.

“When we started, the project covered only five regions, but now we operate in 30. Gender-based violence, especially against women, remains prevalent and our goal is to ensure communities are legally aware and have access to justice,” he said.

Tanzania’s paralegals have the capacity to reach six million people annually in underserved rural areas, he added.

“Legal aid is often provided in rural areas, including during social events such as weddings and funerals, where paralegals educate communities on marital rights, inheritance laws and other fundamental legal issues,” he explained.

“Currently, 59 per cent of legal aid cases come from women, while 41 per cent are from men, with most cases related to marriage and property division,” he added.

Representing the Registrar of Legal Aid Providers, Mr Laurent BuriloMwakilfehi said many regions still face a shortage of legal aid service providers.

“Legal aid services are offered free of charge, so paralegals must work with dedication and commitment,” he said.

“This profession is akin to pastoral work you serve the community and your reward comes later,” he added.

Mr Mwakilfehi noted that while 2,205 registered paralegals exist, many drop out after training, stressing the importance of retaining and registering them in the legal aid system.