THE Vice-President Dr Philip Mpango has asked parents to make close follow-up on academic performance of their children in schools and address their challenges.
Dr Mpango made the call on Monday when he represented President Samia Suluhu Hassan at the opening of the 13th Conference of the African Girl Guide Association held at the Julius Nyerere International Conference Centre in Dar es Salaam.
He said such associations in different countries should cooperate with their governments and parents to avoid immoral behaviours and help girls use the knowledge, skills and talents they have for the development of the continent.
“Immoral behaviour has a negative impact on African countries and hinders efforts of eliminating poverty,” said the Vice-President.
Moreover, the VP congratulated the Girl Guides associations in Africa for continuing to defend the rights of girls and women, building their self-confidence and preparing leaders with good morals, who contribute to the continent’s development.
“Society should support the good work done by the girl guides associations to raise children in good morals, discipline and God-fearing,” said Dr Mpango.
He added that the government recognises the importance of good education and the well-being of girls and women in general, and continues to implement the policy of free education from primary to advanced level as well as providing equal opportunities for all.
He further added that Tanzania continues to increase investment in education programmes for girls as well as imparting them with vocational training, so as to empower them economically, including ensuring that they are engaged in leadership posts and decision-making levels.
On the other hand, the Vice-President urged religious and traditional leaders to cooperate with the government in bringing up children morally to avoid evil acts in the society.
For her part, the Minister for Community Development, Gender, Women and Special groups, Dr Dorothy Gwajima highlighted efforts by the ministry in managing and coordinating the implementation of the strategic programme for the childcare and initial development of the child.
Dr Gwajima said the programme aims to develop the child in all important areas such as good health, good nutrition, early learning as well as the protection and safety of the child.
Dr Gwajima added that in collaboration with other stakeholders, the ministry has already implemented the national agenda of investing in health and development for young people aged 10-18 years.
“The youth programme aims to reduce HIV infection, eradicate childhood pregnancies, eliminate violence and strengthen life skills,” added Dr Gwajima.
Earlier, Commissioner of the Tanzania Girl Guides Association, Ms Mary Richard, said the association empowers girls and young women in Tanzania to be resourceful, self-reliant and responsible citizens.
She said that the association runs various activities to provide environmental care education, good nutrition education, education to avoid abuse of alcohol as well as running campaigns for girls to pursue science professions and oppose child marriage and pregnancy.
The Girl Guides Association meeting in Africa is a constitutional meeting that takes place every three years. The meeting is being held in Tanzania from August 22 to 26, 2022, bringing together members of Girl Guide association from 33 countries on the African continent, with the theme- “let’s grow together” (Tustawi Pamoja).
