Mwanza, Tanzania | 5 September 2026

Hundreds of participants came together in Mwanza for the Mtoto Ni Malezi Fun Run, a community-driven event aimed at raising awareness on the importance of positive parenting, child protection, nurturing care, and Early Childhood Development (ECD).

Organized as part of the broader Mtoto Ni Malezi campaign, the Fun Run brought together government leaders, development partners, civil society organizations, faith leaders, parents, caregivers, young people, and children in a powerful show of solidarity and commitment to improving the lives of children across Tanzania.

The event transformed key messages from the stakeholder dialogue into community action, reinforcing the understanding that every child deserves a safe, nurturing, and supportive environment in which to grow, learn, and thrive.

Taking the Message Beyond the Dialogue Room

While the Stakeholders Dialogue focused on discussions and commitments, the Fun Run provided an opportunity to engage the wider community and promote public awareness on the critical role families and communities play in children’s development.

Participants carried a common message:

Every child deserves nurturing care, protection, responsive parenting, and opportunities to reach their full potential from the earliest years of life.

The event highlighted the importance of collective responsibility in ensuring children are protected, supported, and given the best possible start in life.

A United Call for Stronger Families

The Fun Run brought together a diverse group of stakeholders committed to strengthening families and promoting children’s well-being, including representatives from government institutions, civil society organizations, development partners, faith-based organizations, and community groups.

Among the participating organizations were TECDEN, Compassion International Tanzania, ICS, SOS Children’s Villages Tanzania, Beyond Inclusion, TECEC, Uzao Wetu, AMAN Girls Organization, Save the Children, World Vision Tanzania, Plan International Tanzania, Girls Talk Organization, NIMR, PMO-RALG, and the Ministry of Community Development, Gender, Women and Special Groups (MOCDGWSG).

The strong turnout demonstrated growing recognition that investing in children is a shared responsibility that requires action from families, communities, institutions, and policymakers alike.

Voices from the Fun Run

Speaking during the event, participants emphasized the importance of strengthening families as the foundation for children’s development.

“Every child is a gift and a responsibility entrusted to us all. When families, communities, and faith institutions work together to nurture and protect children, we build a stronger and more compassionate society for future generations.”

Faith leaders also called for greater community involvement in supporting parents and caregivers.

“Strong families provide the foundation on which children learn, grow, and flourish. By supporting parents and caregivers, we invest not only in children but in the future of our communities and our nation.”

Parents and caregivers attending the event echoed the importance of positive parenting and community support in raising happy, healthy, and resilient children.

Key Messages Promoted During the Fun Run
1. Positive Parenting Matters

Children thrive when caregivers provide responsive care, guidance, and emotional support.

2. Every Child Deserves Protection

Communities have a shared responsibility to prevent violence, neglect, abuse, and exploitation.

3. Early Childhood Development is a Smart Investment

Investing in children’s early years contributes to healthier families, stronger communities, and sustainable development.

4. Families Need Support

Strengthening family and community support systems helps create environments where children can reach their full potential.

5. Communities Must Act Together

Meaningful change happens when families, leaders, institutions, and communities work collectively to support children.

Investing in Tanzania’s Future

For TECDEN and its partners, the Fun Run reinforced a simple but powerful message:

“Investing in early childhood is investing in Tanzania’s human capital, families, and future.”

The enthusiasm, participation, and collective spirit demonstrated throughout the event reflected a growing movement dedicated to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to survive, thrive, learn, and succeed.

Looking Ahead

The Mtoto Ni Malezi Fun Run concluded with a renewed call for action to strengthen parenting, support families, protect children, and invest in quality Early Childhood Development services.

As Tanzania continues to advance efforts to improve child well-being, events such as the Fun Run serve as important reminders that lasting change begins within families and communities.

Together, we can create a future where every child is nurtured, protected, and empowered to achieve their full potential.

Mtoto Ni Malezi. Every Child. Every Family. Every Community.