A REPORT OF THE STAKEHOLDERS CONSULTATIVE MEETING TO DISCUSS THE MODALITIES OF OPERATIONALIZING THE TANZANIA CHILD HELPLINE HELD IN KIBAHA

FROM 2ND 3RD OF APRIL, 2013 1.0 Introduction: The Government of the United Republic of Tanzania has been taking efforts in implementing various international conventions related to the rights and welfare of the child. The government recognizes that, child protection is a multi-sectoral and it needs a multi-stakeholder partnership model by involving various stakeholders in preparation and implementation of different strategies aimed at protecting children from abuse and violence. The Law of the Child Act 2009 was enacted to domesticate international conventions and is a landmark piece of national legislation aimed at protecting children from violence, abuse and exploitation. Significantly, for the first time in domestic legislation, the law provides a framework for a child protection system- a multisector response to violence and abuse of children by all actors; social welfare, community development, health, education, the police, the justice system, civil society, etc In view of this the Government through the Ministry of community Development, Gender and Children together with child developments stakeholders has established a child helpline which aim at protecting children from all kind of violences against them.

2.0

Objective of the meeting To identify roles and responsibilities of key stakeholders during the operationalization of the helpline. To share experience on the establishment of the national child protection system. To share experience from telecommunication companies and their contribution on operationalizing the helpline.

The meeting had the following objectives;

3.0

Participants

Participants for the meeting came from both the Government Non Government Institutions as follows: Ministry of Community Development, Gender and Children Ministry of Education and Vocational Training Ministry of Health and Social Welfare Ministry of Legal and Constitutional Affairs Ministry of Science and Technology Ministry of Home Affairs Tanzania Communication Regulatory Authority UNICEF Office C-Sema Plan Tanzania PACT Tanzania Save the Children Tanzania Tanzania Youth Allience (TAYOA) Tanzania Child Rights Forum

4.0

Presentation of the VAC survey results and the Law of the Child Act No.21/2009

This presentation highlighted the following issue: The extent of violence against children in Tanzania The Law of the Child Act No21/2009 with respect to alleviating violence of children in Tanzania Key agencies under the law Child Protection Regulation to the LCA (See Annex No. 1) 5.0 Presentation on the signed Agreement between MCDGC and CSema The presentation on Agreement between the MCDGC and CSema was made from both two parties (i.e MCDGC and C-Sema). The MoU articulates the obligations of MCDGC and C-Sema on the operationalization of the Tanzania Child Helpline (See Annex No. 2). 6.0 Video presentation of a functioning helpline A brief presentation of what does a child helpline all about. For this presentation a child helpline refers to a phone and outreach service aimed at protecting children. Phone calls from children are received in a contact center (s) where the helpline staff (councellor) attends to the calls in shifts. Different types of calls require different responses by a child helpline. This presentation was then followed by videos presentations on functioning helpline. 7.0 Presentation on Child Helpline Call Center This presentation was made by a representative from C-Sema. In his presentation, he outlined specific logistics, supplies, resources (both

financial and human) which are necessary for operationalization of CHL call center. He further explained that the initial call center has already been established in DSM (Upanga area) but it is not yet functional. According to his presentation the call center is expected to start operation at the end of April, 2013. The first phase of operation will involve six districts with child protection systems namely Temeke, Kasulu, Hai, Bukoba Rural, Musoma Urban and Magu. 8.0 Experience from TAYOA Their helpline is operating only for 12 hours. They do not have a well defined referral system as they normally concentrated on providing accurate information on health and also providing counseling to their clients. At the moment they have a new project concerning with promoting the elimination of gender based violence. 9.0 Discussion During the discussion based on the above presentations the following key issues were presented It was noted out that the role of Community Development Officers is not clearly articulated in the established child protection system. It was suggested that there is a need of articulate their role. There is great need of making sure that there is need of creating awareness to the community on the areas where the helpline will be operating (Pilot areas). In this case Community Development Officers are to play a key role on

awareness creation to the community as it is one of their duties. 10.0 Presentation on how the child protection system functions in Tanzania This presentation was done by a representative from the

Department of Social Welfare under the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare. In her presentation, she outlined the commitment of the Department in fostering the wellbeing of children in Tanzania. Furthermore, she outlined the commitment of the Department in addressing the issue of violence against children in Tanzania. In her presentation, the presenter explained in detailed what the child protection means, and what does it entails (legal and policy framework, regulation and oversight with guideline, prevention and response service etc) See Annex No. 3 11.0 Roles, responsibilities and key actions among stakeholders The roles and responsibilities of the stakeholders were identified based on coordination, referral and awareness. 11.1 Coordination role (Leading Organisation: MCDGC) of National Child Helpline Implementing Identification of key stakeholders Establishment Partners (NCHIP) - Preparation of TORs Reporting to MSTF, IPG and CRC/ACRWC Identification of pilot areas for CHL Identification of call center Rolling out of CHL

 Monitoring and Evaluation

11.2

Operationalization and Referral (Leading Organisations: CSema, MCDGC and DSW)

Setting up of call center Recruitment of staff and volunteers Capacity building/development Establishing referral contacts/networks Data collection analysis and reporting Quality assurance Case management 11.3 Awareness and advocacy (MDAs, CSO and children) Target group Children/family Law enforcers District Child Protection Teams Council management Team

Awareness and advocacy will be raised through; Using the existing helpline Media Workshop Cultural media Children CDOs 12.0 A Way forward C-Sema to test the call center (By 13th April, 2013)

 TCRA to hold a meeting with mobile phone operators to briefly inform commitment Officiate/launching the CHL in 6 out of 10 piloted areas (end of April, 2013). Develop awareness raising guide line on CHL. Establishment of NCHIP. MCDGC 13.0 Closing The meeting was officially closed by a representative from MCDGC (on behalf of Acting Director for Children Development). to organize a feedback meeting on CHL implementation. them about CHL so as to have their