February 4, 2016
The United Nations recommends that all countries institute a Universal Children’s Day, to observe the general well-being of all children throughout the world. The UN adopted The Convention on the Rights of the Child, which outlines basic children’s rights including the rights to life, health (mental and physical), and education. TFFT strives to uphold the UN’s mission to promote a positive global living environment for children through dialogue and action.
Universal Children’s Day was a special day for The Foundation For Tomorrow, as this was when we presented the Most Outstanding Children Center Awards for 2015. In September 2015, we invited candidates in the Arusha Region to apply for the award and received applications from three districts. TFFT partnered with Social Welfare in all seven districts of the Arusha region. We had the opportunity to visit high score children centers in the districts (pictured below).
Representative of Arusha Regional Commission and guest of honor, Mrs. Blandina Nkini, addressed the people. She commended TFFT for recognizing the importance of children center awards and encouraged center owners to provide the best possible care for the children, as this will help shape a more stable and successful future for Tanzania. She was also very happy to see that TFFT is doing the work the government should do to make sure centers are providing better care for children.
A total of twelve children homes applied for the award, from the Karatu, Monduli, and Meru Districts. All applicants received a framed certificate, and the two regional winners were from Monduli and Karatu.
In the Monduli District, we visited Majengo Children’s Home, a unique, community owned center. Rift Valley Children’s Fund was the regional winner in Karatu. They work closely with local areas and support many projects within the community.
Our winner for MOCA 2015 is Small Steps For Compassion, a home in the Meru District. This home exhibits more sustainable practices and works on projects to strengthen independence by providing care for children in the center with less donor support.
The representative of Arusha Regional Commission and coordinator of the overall process also said, “children homes should find time to visit each other so that they learn where they need to improve for better care of the children in the homes.”
The award is presented annually by TFFT in collaboration with the Tanzanian Government. The Ministry of Health and Community Development under District Social Welfare will be working together to recognize and award the most outstanding children center in order to encourage the centers to provide best possible care to the children in their homes. As an incentive, TFFT tries to publicize the presentation of awards.