The government has directed regional and local government authorities to align their plans, budgets and development priorities with the actual needs of children, particularly in early childhood care and development.
Minister for Community Development, Gender, Women and Special Groups, Dr Dorothy Gwajima, said investment in early childhood development should be prioritised across regions, districts and councils.
Dr Gwajima made the remarks on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, when opening a three-day mid-year review meeting of the National Integrated Programme for Early Childhood Care, Growth and Development (PJT-MMMAM), being held in Dodoma. She directed authorities to make children’s issues a permanent agenda item in regional, district and council meetings and ensure services are delivered through an integrated approach.
She also called for greater attention to children with disabilities and those living in vulnerable circumstances.
‘Early childhood care, growth and development must be reflected in plans and budgets based on the actual needs of children in respective areas,’ said Dr Gwajima.
She urged councils to strengthen supervision of daycare centres to ensure they meet required standards, while improving training for parents, caregivers and service providers.
The minister also called for better nutrition services and monitoring of children’s growth, as well as stronger links between child protection systems to improve the early identification of risks, referrals and follow-up of children and their families.
Dr Gwajima said the National Development Vision 2050, particularly its second pillar on improving people’s lives and wellbeing, places an obligation on the country to invest in human development from the earliest stages of life.
She said the focus should be on ensuring children follow an appropriate development path by the age of five, arguing that early investment would have long-term benefits for families and society.
‘If we raise children well today, we strengthen their families. If we strengthen our families, we build a society with values and solidarity. That is how we will build a strong nation capable of achieving Development Vision 2050,’ she said.
The Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mr Eliakimu Maswi, said the meeting had brought together more than 340 participants from regions, sectoral ministries, institutions and organisations.
He said the meeting was intended to assess implementation of the programme and share experiences to improve its delivery as the country works towards the objectives of Vision 2050.
‘Early childhood care, growth and development is a fundamental part of building people. Our major task is to ask whether the systems we are currently running enable a child to reach their full potential by 2050,’ said Mr Maswi.
‘When we want to build a strong child, we must lay strong foundations,’ he added.