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Child Protection and Youth Empowerment

Protecting children today, empowering leaders for tomorrow.

About the Program

Children have the right to grow up safe, healthy, and supported. At IDYDC, our Child Protection & Youth Empowerment program safeguards vulnerable children from abuse, neglect, and exploitation while providing them with opportunities to thrive. We focus on both the child and the environment that surrounds them families, communities, and institutions to ensure lasting protection and empowerment.

Our work includes:

Rescue and rehabilitation: Through the Upendo Rehabilitation Center, children living and working on the streets are rescued, rehabilitated, and provided with psychosocial support, education, and life skills.

Family and community strengthening: Families of vulnerable or reunified children are supported to create safe and nurturing home environments, reducing the risk of children returning to the streets.

Youth leadership and empowerment: Young people are trained as peer mentors, advocates, and leaders, giving them tools to participate actively in community development and child protection initiatives.

Capacity building for institutions: Teachers, community leaders, and local authorities receive training on child safeguarding, protection policies, and reporting mechanisms to create a protective network around children.

Advocacy and awareness: We engage communities in raising awareness about child rights, preventing abuse, and promoting inclusive participation of children and youth.

Through these interventions, IDYDC not only protects children but also equips them and their communities with the knowledge, skills, and structures needed for sustainable growth and empowerment.

Active Initiatives

Current and completed projects under this program.

Child Protection and Youth Empowerment Livelihoods and Economic Empowerment

Kizazi Kipya : New Generation

Kizazi Kipya (meaning New Generation) was a nationwide initiative aimed at improving the well-being of vulnerable children and young people in Tanzania, particularly those affected by HIV and AIDS. The project focused on strengthening families, improving access to essential health and social services, and ensuring that children and adolescents grow up in safe, supportive environments. From 2016 to 2021, IDYDC implemented Kizazi Kipya activities in Iringa Region in partnership with PACT, Railway Children Africa, and other national and international stakeholders. Project Goal To improve the health, protection, and socio-economic well-being of orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) and adolescents, particularly those affected by HIV, by strengthening families and linking children to essential services. Legacy and Learning The Kizazi Kipya project strengthened community systems for child protection and laid a foundation for integrated service delivery for vulnerable children in Iringa. Lessons learned from this project continue to inform IDYDC’s ongoing work in child protection, early childhood development, and youth empowerment.
2016 - 2021
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Child Protection and Youth Empowerment

Malezi Centre Project

The Malezi Centre Project is an early childhood development (ECD) initiative aimed at improving access to safe, inclusive, and community-driven daycare services for young children in Tanzania. The project focuses on supporting communities to establish and manage Community-Based Daycare Centres (CBDCs) that promote holistic growth, learning, and protection for children during their early years. IDYDC is implementing this project as part of a national effort coordinated by the Tanzania Early Childhood Development Network (TECDEN), with funding support from Echidna Giving. The project contributes directly to national priorities on Early Childhood Development and child well-being. Project Goal To improve access to quality, inclusive, and community-led early childhood care and development services for children aged 2–5 years, while empowering families and communities to support children’s holistic growth.
2025 - 2028
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