Keep A Child Safe From Traffickers

Project Overview

The Keep A Child Safe From Traffickers project aims to combat child trafficking in Tanzania by addressing one of its root causes  poverty. According to the United States Department of State (USDOS, 2015), Tanzania remains both a source and destination for human trafficking. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) further notes that 97% of trafficking cases in Tanzania are internal, with young children being the primary victims. They are often trafficked for domestic work, mining, and sexual exploitation, particularly in urban areas such as Dodoma and Dar es Salaam.

Recognizing that financial vulnerability plays a major role in pushing parents to release their children to traffickers, Direct Relief Tanzania (DRT) has focused on empowering families economically. Through this initiative, DRT is providing training and start-up support to families, enabling them to engage in income-generating activities that ensure long-term stability and protection for their children.

Progress and Achievements

Over the past three months, DRT has made significant strides toward achieving its mission. During this reporting period, four selected parents from the Dodoma Region successfully completed comprehensive training in poultry farming. This training covered key aspects such as poultry management, vaccination, feeding practices, and small business management.

Following the training, these parents received start-up kits that included poultry chicks, feed, and basic materials for building chicken shelters. Within a short time, all four parents have established functional poultry enterprises in their respective communities. Early results are promising  the parents have begun generating income through the sale of eggs and chickens, enabling them to better support their families.

Most importantly, these families have become models of change in their communities. They are now more financially resilient and less vulnerable to the deceptive promises made by child traffickers. Poverty, which was previously used as a justification for sending children away in search of better opportunities, is gradually losing its grip.

The ripple effect of this success is beginning to show. Neighbors and community members are expressing interest in the program, and local leaders are recognizing the value of economic empowerment in preventing child trafficking. DRT continues to monitor and support the trained parents to ensure their poultry projects remain sustainable and scalable.

Challenges

Despite the achievements, the need remains immense. The number of families living in extreme poverty far exceeds the current reach of the project. Many parents are still susceptible to trafficking networks due to limited economic opportunities. Additionally, the high cost of training materials and poultry supplies poses a challenge to expanding the project’s coverage to more beneficiaries.

Appeal to Donors

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our supporters for their continued generosity. Your contributions have already changed the lives of four families  keeping their children safe and giving them hope for a brighter future. However, many more families remain at risk. Without your engagement, countless children could fall into the hands of traffickers.

We therefore appeal for your continued support and donations to help us reach more vulnerable families. Together, we can Keep A Child Safe From Traffickers  one empowered parent at a time.