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Improving Access of Service and Psychosocial Support to Most Vulnerable Children in Mkuranga

District, Tanzania

 

Flora Nyagawa1

1 University Research Co., LLC (URC) / USAID Applying Science to Strengthen and Improve Systems (ASSIST) Project-Tanzania

 

USAID Applying Science to Strengthen and Improve Systems

Background

In Tanzania, Most Vulnerable Children are faced with various challenges in accessing basic services such as health, education, food and nutrition, among others.

These challenges also affect children’s psychosocial wellbeing

There are weak community systems in care, support and protection of Most Vulnerable Children.

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USAID Applying Science to Strengthen and Improve Systems

Background

USAID ASSIST project, in collaboration with Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, worked with implementing partners and Mkuranga District Council to strengthen the capacity of the community child protection system to prevent and respond to child abuse, violence, neglect, and exploitation.

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USAID Applying Science to Strengthen and Improve Systems

Objectives

• To increase access to social services among Most Vulnerable Children and caregivers through application of quality improvement approaches.

• To build capacity of the Most Vulnerable Children Committee and local structures, in protecting and responding to abuse, violence, neglect, and exploitation.

USAID Applying Science to Strengthen and Improve Systems

Methods

•Conducted an orientation training for a multisectoral Child Protection (CP) team at district and village levels. Key topics of training:

– Issues related to child protection and quality service provision to Most Vulnerable Children.

– Improvement approaches, including identifying gaps, use of PDSA cycles, planning and implementation of key changes related to child protection and service provision to MVC.

•The CP team developed a realistic and do-able work plan.

•The district CP team members conducted a number of awareness-creation activities related to CP issues.

•District-level meetings were held to discuss planning and allocation of resources to support CP activities.

•Through a local partner, i.e. JIMUWACO, community members were oriented on formation and running of children clubs.

USAID Applying Science to Strengthen and Improve Systems

Methods …

• At the community level, awareness-raising activities were carried out in selected primary schools and villages. – Included topics on rights of children and the importance of

preventing and responding to abuse, violence, exploitation, and neglect.

• Ward and district team members conducted coaching and mentoring visits every two months for Most Vulnerable Children’s Committees (MVCC).

• Community QI teams conducted their own monthly meetings to assess progress and rate their performance using a set of indicators.

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USAID Applying Science to Strengthen and Improve Systems

Results.

• A total of 1686 pupils and 722 adults (teachers, ward, village and hamlet leaders) participated in community dialogue meetings on CP.

• SILCs formed by MVCC and MVC caregivers are setting aside special funds to support MVC and caregivers with basic needs when needed .“This month we gave a total of Tsh 50,000/= to support 5 MVC who were sick to go to hospital with their caregiver , am glad all children are doing well ….reported by Member of MVCC in July 2015.

USAID Applying Science to Strengthen and Improve Systems

Increase in the # of MVC with access to basic social services in 19 sites in Mkuranga,Tanzania June - November, 2014

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Percentage

USAID Applying Science to Strengthen and Improve Systems

Discussions

• MVCCs need to be strengthened to understand clearly their roles in supporting MVC and caregivers .

• Savings groups/SILC are key in resource mobilization to support MVC with basic needs, including psychosocial support.

• Community awareness creation on issues related to rights of children can support the identification of psychosocial problems for children and helps engage community to prevent, identify, and report cases of abuse, exploitation and neglect.

USAID Applying Science to Strengthen and Improve Systems

 Conclusion and Recommendation

• Working with community structures, e.g. Most Vulnerable Children Committees, school, and ward and village authorities is a promising way of improving protection services and psychosocial support to vulnerable children.

• Ongoing capacity building through coaching and mentoring is key to sustaining community teams in identifying and supporting children with different social service and psychosocial.

• Support to community teams and structures through coaching and mentoring can be a motivator and provide recognition which in turn improves team member performance.

USAID Applying Science to Strengthen and Improve Systems

Acknowledgements

• Ministry of Health and Social Welfare• Regional Health Management Team, Pwani region • Staff from Mkuranga district • Ward and Village leaders in Kimanzichana, Mkuranga, &

Kiparang’anda wards.

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