A TOTAL of 169 cases of child abuse were reported through the National Child Helpline coordinated by C-Sema between January and February 2025.

The helpline is a free, 24/7 service available across all networks in Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar, accessible through the number 116 and provides a safe space for children to seek help and voice concerns.

Of the cases, 52 involved physical abuse such as beating, biting, burning, and severe corporal punishment. Out of the number, 21 cases involved girls and 31 of boys.

Martha Makala, National Coordinator of Tanzania Education Network (TEN/MET) unveiled this in Dar es Salaam yesterday at a press conference, highlighting the severity of the situation. She stated that the National Child Helpline receives over 10,000 calls daily reporting incidents of child abuse, gender-based violence, and excessive corporal punishment in schools and communities.

Makala stressed that the African Court on Human and People’s Rights had already ruled in 2024 against corporal punishment within justice systems, declaring it degrading and a violation of human dignity. The ruling emphasised that corporal punishment causes severe physical and emotional pain, which can result in long-term damage or even death.

She noted that the persistence of the cases reflects weaknesses in the enforcement of child protection laws and guidelines within the education system, pointing out that some parents are reluctant to report abuse to authorities, preferring to settle cases informally through financial compensation, which undermines efforts to eliminate such practices.

“It is concerning that some parents choose to settle abuse cases privately by accepting compensation for medical expenses or damages. This undermines the fight against child abuse,” she said.

Fulgence Massawe, Acting Executive Director of Legal and Human Rights Centre (LHRC), condemned the physical abuse, injuries, and even deaths resulting from excessive corporal punishment in schools. He called on the government to take strict action against offenders.

On February 26, 2025, a tragic case was reported of Mhoja Maduhu, a Form Two pupil at Mwasamba Secondary School in Busega District, Simiyu Region, who reportedly died after being punished for failing to complete a group assignment.

Similarly, on March 4, 2025, Khudhaifa Hamisi, a second-grade pupil at Msufini Primary School in Chamazi, Temeke District, broke his arm after being severely beaten by a teacher.

In response to these incidents, TEN/MET and LHRC called for amendments to the 1978 Education Act to explicitly ban corporal punishment in schools. They also called on the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology to issue a formal directive prohibiting corporal punishment and promoting alternative disciplinary methods that uphold children’s dignity and rights.