DEPUTY Prime Minister and Minister for Energy, Dr Doto Biteko has presented a certificate of appreciation to the Union of Tanzania Press Clubs (UTPC) in recognition of its exceptional role in advancing early childhood development (ECD) across the country.

The award was conferred during   Tanzania Malezi summit 2025, held in Mwanza from May 24–25 to mark the International Day of Families. 

The summit brought together key stakeholders under the theme of promoting parenting and nurturing care as central pillars for national development.

UTPC, Tanzania’s largest grassroots media network, was recognised for its impactful collaboration with Children in Crossfire (CiC) and the Tanzania Early Childhood Development Network (TECDEN) in championing the National Multisectoral Early Childhood Development Programme (NM-ECDP). 

Through strategic media campaigns and compelling storytelling, UTPC has transformed ECD 

Dr Biteko praised the dedication of ECD stakeholders in promoting parenting as a shared responsibility. He conveyed commendations from President Samia Suluhu Hassan and Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa, underscoring the government’s strong backing for ECD initiatives.

“The Vice President is deeply encouraged by the collaborative energy shaping our national parenting agenda,” Dr Biteko said, adding that the highest levels of government are committed to ensuring every child in Tanzania is given a solid foundation for life.

UTPC executive director Kenneth Simbaya emphasised the power of media to transform society, citing the union’s flagship ‘Mtoto Kwanza’ project as a key driver of change.

“Through ‘Mtoto Kwanza’, we’ve trained and empowered journalists to advocate for nurturing care, parenting, and early learning—not just report on it,” Simbaya said. “When the media leads, communities listen. When families thrive, the nation prospers.”

During phase I of the project (Oct 2021–Sept 2024), UTPC-affiliated journalists produced 1,798 ECD-focused stories across various media platforms. Among them were 33 compelling success stories that triggered local accountability and tangible improvements in child development services.

In phase II, 57 live radio programmes have already aired between March and May 2025, reinforcing the national parenting campaign “Familia Bora, Taifa Imara.” The NM-ECDP, launched by Minister for Community Development, Dr Dorothy Gwajima, promotes integrated services that ensure no child is left behind. With 53 percent of Tanzanian children still developmentally off-track, according to the 2022 Demographic and Health Survey, UTPC’s work is seen as vital in closing the gap.

“By mobilising journalism, we’re informing and transforming communities—ensuring every child gets the right start in life,” said Simbaya.