Child Protection

Imagine being away from home for 12 hours every day, not out of choice but driven by the necessity to provide for your family. Such is the life of Mohamed Makeme, a father of eleven, whose primary source of income is fishing. The sea, once a close companion for daily sustenance, has now become a vast expanse that separates him from his family, all due to the changing climate.

Meet Maryum, a 14-year-old student from Mtemani Primary School in Zanzibar whose dreams of becoming a science teacher were almost shattered by a natural occurrence – menstruation. For Maryum, school days during her period were filled with discomfort, anxiety, and the fear of embarrassment. She would often miss classes, opting for the solace of home where she could relax, wash, and manage her menstruation more comfortably.

Elizabeth (not her real name) a resident of one of the villages in Kibondo District in Kigoma Region was only 14 years when she was raped several times by her uncle who threatened to kill her if she revealed her ordeal. However, she still decided to get help but due to the long distance to the counselling service unit, the police station and the health centre, Elizabeth only received first aid a day later - and was told there was no evidence of rape! 

Save the Children Reactive statement on Zanzibar’s government announcement for girls’ school re-entry after giving birth