CAMFED Tanzania Reminds Journalists of Their Role in Child Protection

 

 Group photo with Camfed's Executive Director Anna Sawaki.

By, John Kabambala-Partner of UN News.

There are times when training becomes not just a classroom session, but a mirror that allows a participant to see themselves anew. That is exactly how it was for journalists and information officers from various district councils in Morogoro, when they gathered for the journalism training organized by CAMFED Tanzania. What initially appeared as an ordinary workshop gradually transformed into a journey of thought, conscience, and professional responsibility. Each speaker added a piece of understanding that propelled participants from conventional knowledge to deep reflection on the impact of their pens on the lives of children and communities. This training was not merely about how to write news, but about how narratives can protect a child's dignity, mobilize communities, and even alter the trajectory of development. As time progressed, the hall ceased to be just a place of listening and became an arena for learning, reflecting, and changing, please come with me.

Latifa Sabuni: Laying the Foundation for Development Journalism

Latifa Sabuni, Manager of CAMFED Association (CAMA), officially opened our training session. From the outset, she placed us in the real context of the organization’s work, clearly explaining its achievements and strategic vision. Her primary objective was to deepen our understanding of the role of journalists in advancing girls’ education and shaping positive public discourse that drives social change. CAMFED (Campaign for Female Education) is an international organization dedicated to empowering girls and young women to access quality education and become leaders of change within their communities. The organization’s implementation model is built on three key pillars. The first pillar is CAMA, a strong alumnae network of young women who previously benefited from CAMFED’s support and who are now at the forefront of assisting other girls from disadvantaged backgrounds. The second pillar is CAMFED Champions, which consists of community leaders and stakeholders who collaborate to create a protective and supportive environment for vulnerable girls. The third pillar is CAMFED Operations, a team of professionals responsible for designing and implementing programs in close partnership with the government.

Together, these pillars form a comprehensive support system aimed at reaching the most vulnerable girls. This support includes the provision of school uniforms, menstrual hygiene products, learning materials, bicycles, food assistance, and transportation costs. In 2025 alone, 38,928 students received support, bringing the total number of beneficiaries to 183,629 since the program’s inception. Additionally, the organization has improved learning environments by constructing 66 toilet facilities across 33 districts and drilling 10 water wells in primary schools in Kilosa District, ensuring that girl’s study in safe, clean, and dignified conditions.

Key Achievements and Community Impact

Latifa Sabuni explained that the impact of CAMFED’s programs is evident across various social and academic sectors. In the area of life skills development, life skills facilitators have been trained in 35 districts, and 771 secondary schools are implementing structured life skills sessions aimed at building students’ confidence, decision-making abilities, and self-awareness. Recognizing the challenges students face during and after completing Form Four, young women mentors have received specialized training to guide graduates and support those who encounter barriers to continuing their education, at a higher level of civic and political participation, 283 young women took part in various roles during the general election. Ten CAMA members contested for councilor positions, and five were successfully elected. This serves as clear evidence that education and empowerment build the capacity for active participation in national decision-making processes. Furthermore, 141 young women trained in midwifery secured government employment in 2025, while others entered Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields, which were previously perceived as male-dominated professions.

Stories of Young Women’s Economic Empowerment in Agriculture

Among CAMFED’s notable achievements is the economic empowerment of young women through agribusiness. These women receive entrepreneurship training as well as start-up or expansion capital to establish and grow their enterprises. Rehema Edmund from Morogoro District Council has succeeded in agribusiness and become a role model in her community. Amina Nyamba from Kilolo District Council specializes in seed potato production, while Hatia Kimwala from Kilosa District Council has excelled in eggplant farming. These women are not only farmers but also community leaders who empower others through practical example in the areas where they live. This empowerment is strengthened by the peer support system within the CAMA network, which enables members to collaborate, share experiences, and motivate one another to achieve shared goals.

Achievements of the Young Women’s Network (CAMA)

“Young women who come from disadvantaged backgrounds become champions of change. CAMA members have supported 33 students at Dongoya Secondary School in Gairo by providing school uniforms, and 16 girls with disabilities in Mwanza have received exercise books. Through the CAMA central account, 380 secondary school students received financial support totaling TZS 38,000,000, and there are plans to support more than 800 additional students in the first quarter of 2026. Members have also contributed desks, cement, and other construction materials to improve school infrastructure. Life skills providers continue conducting home visits to follow up on students who have dropped out of school, encouraging them to return to their studies. More broadly, communities have been reached through radio programs broadcast on 11 stations, increasing awareness of the importance of girls’ education. Through collaboration with five government ministries, this model of success continues to be strengthened to reach even more girls nationwide. This is how young women supported by CAMFED rise from challenging beginnings to positions of leadership, working with dedication, excellence, and delivering visible results within their communities,” said Latifa Sabuni.

 Judith Kasera, Legal Expert and Child Protection Advocate    

Child Protection is Everyone's Responsibility

As the training progressed, anticipation steadily grew for another key presentation scheduled for that day, journalism practices focused on child protection and safety. Unlike other sessions, this topic required more than theoretical knowledge. It demanded legal expertise, courtroom experience, and a comprehensive understanding of children’s rights within the legal framework from the facilitator. The room fell silent as the session facilitator was introduced Judith Kasera, a lawyer and Legal Advisor from CAMFED. She stood calmly and began speaking in a clear and structured manner. She carefully outlined the legal and ethical responsibilities of journalists when reporting on issues involving children, emphasizing the seriousness and sensitivity of the subject. Rather than relying solely on theory, she provided practical examples drawn from legal contexts, illustrating the consequences of careless reporting, breaches of confidentiality, and the failure to uphold the best interests of the child.

What made her session truly distinctive was her ability to transform the participants’ perspectives. She moved them beyond conventional thinking about child protection and safety and helped them build a new foundation grounded in dignity, informed consent, protection from psychological harm, and professional accountability. By the end of the session, it was evident that participants were not the same as when they had entered. They left with a broader understanding and a firm commitment to practice ethical, professional journalism that safeguards children’s rights in their daily work.

The hall fell completely silent. As I looked at their faces, they showed signs of remorse and regret for something previously unknown after learning the truth about child protection and safety. Everyone was contemplating the gravity of her words. She explained that child protection is not just a policy term, but a responsibility for every person involved in a child's life, including journalists. Through her explanations, the meaning was clear: child protection involves preventing violence, exploitation, neglect, and any environment that could put a child at risk. She reminded us that a carelessly written story can harm a child more than the incident itself. It was evident from that moment that the training was no longer just about journalism, but about the commitment to protect children's lives through our profession.

After her powerful introduction, Judith focused directly on the concept of "safety." She explained that child protection is not an emergency response to be addressed after harm occurs, but rather a system of precautions embedded in every step of our work. As a journalist sitting there, I realized that many of us thought protection was solely the responsibility of institutions. But she showed us that even the questions we ask can protect or harm a child, because safety encompasses policies, behaviors, decisions, and even the language we use when reporting. Participants were encouraged to think before recording audio, before taking pictures, and even before publishing news. She stated clearly that information can be a source of change, but it can also be a source of danger if not properly vetted. I saw some participants taking notes more diligently, including the Information Officer from Chalinze district council, Mr. Khalid Hood, recognizing that reporting on children requires more care than we had imagined.

At another point, Judith emphasized the organization's firm stance of zero tolerance for violence against children. She explained that the "zero tolerance" policy is not just in brochures, but guides the daily decisions of project implementation and its communication. As a journalist, I understood the weight of this statement when she clarified that even a small act of neglecting a child's safety can destroy their life in the long term. Participants learned about various types of violence, from physical to emotional, including sexual exploitation and neglect in care. She warned us that some violence is not visible to the eye, but lives in the child's soul for many years. Here I saw many participants reflecting deeply, and many admitted that while gathering information, they often do not realize the weight of the questions they ask children.

Practical Guidelines for Ethical Journalism

One of the most compelling parts was when Judith presented practical guidelines on what a journalist should do when dealing with a child or a story involving a child. She emphasized that consent is not just a formal procedure, but a fundamental right of the subject. She told us that before an interview, a journalist must ensure the child is safe, understands the purpose of the interview, and is not under any pressure. She also stressed the importance of following laws, policies, and child protection guidelines. As a journalist, I realized that these small steps can prevent significant harm. Participants discussed real-life examples of incidents where publishing photos or names of children without consent caused greater harm than the news itself. I saw clearly that this training was gradually changing the participants' mindset. Everyone recognized that journalism requires discipline, patience, and ethical decisions every time we approach a story involving a child.

The next section highlighted what not to do, and this is where the hall became even more attentive. Judith explained that some journalist errors stem from good intentions but can have negative consequences. She said that a journalist should never meet a child alone, give them money or gifts, or persuade them to tell a story just to get interesting information. She added that using photos without consent or disclosing information that could identify a child is an ethical violation with potential legal repercussions. As a journalist sitting there, I saw many participants exchanging glances, as if remembering past incidents. This training clearly demonstrated that journalism focusing on child safety is not optional but a duty. We were reminded that good news is not that which breaks ethical boundaries, but that which preserves the dignity of the subject while delivering a message of development to the community.

As the training continued, it became increasingly clear that the journalist's role in child protection is not peripheral but fundamental. Judith's presentation showed that a journalist can help identify risks early, mobilize communities, and even influence policy change. As I listened, I reflected on how one story can change community attitudes about girls' education. The message to participants was that responsible journalism means more than just writing what happened, it means understanding the impact of what is written. "We learned that narratives that protect the subject build community trust in the media." It was also emphasized that a journalist can be a bridge between families, schools, and development institutions by disseminating accurate information. In the ensuing discussions, some participants admitted they had never considered their work as part of the child protection system.

The Journalist as a First Responder

This section focused on the importance of reporting suspicions or signs of violence early. Judith taught us that if a journalist sees any signs of danger to a child, their duty is not to wait until the story is ready for publication, but to report to the relevant authorities immediately. I saw this as a new lesson for many of us, as we often think first about the news, not the safety of the subject. The training clearly showed that a small step of reporting can prevent major harm. Participants were given examples of situations where early reporting saved a child from more dangerous environments. Here, every participant showed a new sense of responsibility, as if everyone realized that our profession can save lives. It was emphasized that an ethical journalist does not see news merely as a product, but as a tool for protecting the community. "This lesson taught us that community journalism is powerful when it places human dignity before the allure of the headline." Her session ended as if it were just beginning.

Anna Sawaki, Executive Director - CAMFED Tanzania

Speaking about Priorities and Plans for the year 2026, in a special interview conducted within the conference hall, the Executive Director of CAMFED Tanzania, Anna Sawaki, explained that their target is to reach and assist 29,091 girls living in difficult circumstances. This includes the collaborative implementation of the Life Skills Program in 41 new districts within regions where CAMFED projects are active, reaching 886 new schools, University Scholarships for 1,966 beneficiaries, Strengthening the mobilization of child protection and safety in schools and communities; Economic empowerment for 9,027 young women, Advancing participation in the drafting, review, and implementation of policies, plans, and guidelines; and Securing public and private sector partnerships to support students and young people.

However, Miss. Anna "Noted that, to ensure the organization supports Tanzania's Development Vision 2050, along with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal4 which addresses Quality Education for all, CAMFED Tanzania, in collaboration with the Government, has launched a book titled "My Better World" to continue helping students acquire life skills. This book is a solution in building a strong nation, especially at this time when many children are facing numerous life challenges, as Life Skills education has many benefits for students, including self-awareness and making sound decisions without pressure from anyone." Anna said.

Edina Salila: Writing that Demonstrates Capability, not Pity

When the Head of the Communications Department for CAMFED Tanzania stood up, many did not know what she was going to present. Calmness and silence prevailed for a moment. With her humor and smile, she skillfully captivated the participants, drawing them away from the thoughts of the special interview that had just taken place in the conference hall with the organization's director Anna Sawaki. Then a greeting was heard after being responded to. "She began by saying development communication does not only aim to narrate the suffering of communities, but to show people's capacity to transform their lives. " That is Edina Salila I am referring to here. She showed us a table that clearly outlined words to avoid and the reasons. For example, she explained that the word "disabled" diminishes a person's dignity and defines them by their challenge rather than their humanity. She stressed that instead we should say "persons living with disabilities." She also advised us to avoid the word "beneficiaries" as it makes people appear merely as recipients. Instead, she suggested we use words like "student" or "client" because everyone has the right to education, and it shouldn't make them feel indebted to the organization. I saw how she changed our perspective on the power of language in shaping development narratives.

Edina explained that the language we use can build or destroy a person's dignity. She reminded us to avoid using acronyms such as MBW, PSG, and LG in our communications, as those outside CAMFED will not understand their meaning. Instead, she advised us to use full terms like "Life Skills Sessions," "Parent Support Groups," and "Peer Mentors." She showed how our communications should respect government partners by avoiding phrases like "assisting the government," as the government holds the mandate. Instead, she suggested we say "collaborating with the government" or "co-creating solutions with government partners." I saw how she opened our eyes to the truth that development communication requires linguistic precision and respect for all stakeholders. Her advice was clear the words we choose can either strengthen or weaken the partnerships we have with various stakeholders.

THE WRITER'S PERSPECTIVE ON THE PURPOSE OF THE TRAINING AND ITS OVERALL SIGNIFICANCE.

This training, which brought together Information Officers and journalists from various district councils, had goals far beyond the ordinary. The main objective was to prepare journalists to become ambassadors of child protection through their pens, to make them part of the change chain rather than just observers. By providing them with a deep understanding of concepts related to child protection, safety, and dignity-focused journalism, CAMFED Tanzania has laid a solid foundation for changing how news about children is written and reported in the country.

The significance of this training extends far beyond the workshop itself. It has positioned journalists in a unique role as guardians of children's rights, ensuring that the stories they write do not cause harm but rather build a community that protects and respects children. By equipping them with legal tools, ethical guidelines, and a deep understanding of the impact of their words, this training has empowered journalists to be at the forefront of the fight against abuse and violence towards children.

Above all, this training has brought a new awareness to journalists regarding their role in bringing about social change. They are no longer just there to report events; they have become active partners in ensuring that every child, especially girls, receives their right to quality education and a safe life. This is CAMFED Tanzania's mission, and by involving journalists in this mission, the organization has opened a new door of collaboration that will significantly contribute to transforming the lives of children and communities at large. This training has clearly demonstrated that journalists are not just writers; they are guardians of rights, ambassadors of change, and essential partners in ensuring every child lives their life in safety and with dignity. And this is the only way to break the cycle of poverty and build a society of equity and sustainable development for future generations.