"Let's acknowledge and respect children's' rights" - Tanzania footballer

MWANZA, Tanzania

Footballers in modern times are global or regional icons. They have immense fame and influence due to their popularity. Some football players go forth and use their financial strength to give back to the community and fans in the form of charity work.

Some players come from humble and poor backgrounds and help their local communities, while many others regularly contribute to organizations that work for social welfare. 

That is exactly what Tanzania's Under 23 national team captain, Israel Patrick Mwenda (21) is doing in Mwanza region, Tanzania.

The tender aged rising star lead the Tanzania team to clinch the CECAFA U-23 Challenge cup in Ethiopia recently after defeating Burundi in penalty shootouts in the final.

In his three days’ leave, the Kinondoni Municipal Council and Tanzania senior national team right back player, decided to visit and support charity work at Foundation Karibu Tanzania where he donated T-shirts, rice, soaps, cooking oil and soft drinks.

The non-governmental organization aims to eradicate Child Domestic Violence and advocate for children’s rights in Tanzania, is a home for child domestic violence victims.

The institution provides housing, rehabilitation and nutritious food as center to improving the overall health of the children.

“These children are victims of domestic violence; I have come here to support them and show the community that we need to have a free world where children’s fundamental rights are acknowledged and respected.” He said.

He said despite Tanzania's efforts to end child violence, awareness on the prevention and strategies are generally inadequate.  “It is a pity that these youngsters can no longer play freely in the community with their friends because they were abused by the same people who were supposed to give them security.”

“I am neither rich nor a super star, but I have that strong desire to give to the side-lined persons and I do the same every year.” Mwenda concluded.

Violence against children has revealed a profound impact on core aspects of emotional, behavioral, and physical health as well as social development throughout life and mostly in education settings where child skills are developed.

Nearly 3 in 10 girls and approximately 1 in 7 boys in Tanzania have experienced violence prior to the age of 18 in school settings.

Common abuses that are frequently reported are related to physical violence including corporal punishment and sexual violence to children living in rural areas. - Africa