The Pamoja Children Project

This project addresses a deeply rooted and urgent challenge: the growing number of vulnerable and street-connected children in the Kilombero Valley. For years, factors such as poverty, limited access to education, social stigma, and the loss of parents due to HIV/AIDS have contributed to a cycle of neglect, marginalization, and vulnerability. Many children are left without guidance, protection, or opportunity—forced into street life or unsafe environments.

While government support exists, it is often overstretched and insufficient to meet the complex and evolving needs of these youth. Community safety nets remain fragile, and harmful stereotypes frequently silence the voices of children who are striving for a better future.

In this context, the Pamoja Children Project is not just timely—it is essential. Our intervention seeks to:

• Protect vulnerable children from exploitation, neglect, and abuse
• Prevent violations of child rights through advocacy and education
• Address the root causes of street-connected children, offering pathways to reintegration, care, and empowerment

By acting early and holistically, we aim to break the intergenerational cycle of poverty, restore dignity, and unlock the full potential of every child we serve.

Vision:

To become a leading supporter for the disadvantaged youths vocational training

Mission:

Enhancing youths’ independence through facilitation of training in vocational skills

The Pamoja Children Project is dedicated to supporting children who face significant barriers to well-being, education, and safety. The project will focus on the following vulnerable populations:

1. Orphaned and Vulnerable Children (Ages 0–18)

• Children who have lost one or both parents due to illness, conflict, or other circumstances.
• Those living without adequate adult care, protection, or emotional support.
• Includes children affected by HIV/AIDS, displacement, or abandonment.

2. Children from Impoverished or Unstable Households

• Children living in extreme poverty, lacking access to basic needs such as food, shelter, and education.
• Those exposed to domestic instability, neglect, or abuse.
• Includes children from single-parent families, child-headed households, or families affected by chronic illness or unemployment.

By focusing on these groups, the Pamoja Children Project aims to provide holistic care, educational support, and emotional healing—ensuring every child has the opportunity to grow in a safe, nurturing environment.

The Pamoja Children Project is committed to creating a safe, nurturing, and empowering environment for vulnerable and street-connected children. Our objectives are designed to deliver measurable impact through education, health, protection, and community engagement:

1. Provide Early Childhood Education
   Deliver quality early childhood education and development programs to 100+ children annually, laying a strong foundation for lifelong learning and resilience.
2. Reduce Child Rights Violations
   Work with local authorities and communities to decrease reported cases of child rights violations by at least 15% each year, through prevention, reporting mechanisms, and advocacy.
3. Monitor and Improve Child Health
   Conduct monthly health screenings and check-ups for approximately 100 children, ensuring timely intervention and promoting overall well-being.
4. Raise Community Awareness
   Organize regular community outreach and sensitization campaigns to promote understanding of children’s rights, protection laws, and the importance of inclusive care.

The Pamoja Children Project will create lasting change in the lives of vulnerable and street-connected children by:

• Expanding Access to Learning
  At least 120 vulnerable children annually will gain access to early childhood education and foundational learning, equipping them with the cognitive, emotional, and social skills needed to thrive in school and beyond.
• Strengthening Child Protection Systems
  Through community engagement and rights-based advocacy, the project will foster safer environments and reduce child rights violations—empowering children to grow free from abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
• Enhancing Child Health and Well-being
  Regular health check-ups will lead to early detection and treatment of common illnesses, improving overall child health outcomes and reducing absenteeism from learning activities.
• Mobilizing Community Support
  Increased awareness and involvement from parents, caregivers, and local leaders will build stronger community safety nets, promoting shared responsibility for child welfare and inclusion.

By addressing education, health, and protection in an integrated way, the project will break cycles of vulnerability and unlock the potential of children to become confident, capable, and contributing members of society.

The Pamoja Children Project is based in Mang’ula Ward, located within Kilombero District, Tanzania.

The specific site is:

• Situated on Mwaya Street, offering convenient access for local families and stakeholders.
• Nearby Mang’ula Railway Station, a key transportation hub that enhances regional connectivity.
• In close proximity to Mountain Peak Lodge, a recognizable landmark that supports visibility and accessibility for visitors and partners.

This location was strategically chosen for its centrality within the community, ease of access for children and caregivers, and potential for collaboration with local institutions. It provides an ideal setting for delivering child-focused services and fostering inclusive development.