In the pursuit of a just and equitable society, a critical question looms over us: are we doing justice to all our children, ensuring a fair future for every person? As we assess the current trajectory of our nation’s development, it becomes apparent that the fruits of progress may remain elusive for our generation. 

Yet, in the spirit of foresight encapsulated by the popular saying, “blessed is the one who plants trees under whose shade he will never sit,” we must consider the long-term well-being of our society.

As Tanzania is currently embarking on developing its 25 year national development plan known as Tanzania Vision 2050, we should remind ourselves that nations with genuine aspirations for sustained development invest in their children, laying the groundwork for a fair future. This necessitates the establishment of a level playing field, where every child has equal access to opportunities and resources.

READ MORE: Committee for Drafting Tanzania Vision 2050 Revealed

An African proverb aptly asserts, “The child who is not embraced by the village will burn it down to feel its warmth.” This proverb underscores the significance of communal and national support for children. Depriving a child of the love and care they require may lead to destructive or rebellious behavior on a broader societal scale. 

Investing in an equitable future

In the process of building the future of Tanzania, we should focus on building its people, a society where each member feels they have received adequate support from the community and state to support their aspirations, ignoring the background from which they come from.

Cultivating a strong sense of community, wherein every child experiences a genuine sense of value and support, stands as a cornerstone in constructing a future marked by fairness and prosperity. Examining the exemplary practices of Nordic and Scandinavian countries provides an illuminating illustration of the deliberate measures taken to bridge the socio-economic divide. 

READ MORE: Amplifying Youth Ingenuity in Shaping Tanzania’s 2050 Development Vision

In these progressive nations, conscientious efforts have been undertaken to guarantee that a child’s growth and development are not stunted by the circumstances of their background.

The Nordic and Scandinavian countries serve as beacons of success in mitigating social inequality, emphasizing the idea that a fair and prosperous future is contingent upon an inclusive and supportive community ethos. These nations have strategically addressed the disparities between the affluent and the underprivileged, implementing measures designed to create a level playing field for all children, regardless of their socio-economic origins.

In these regions, proactive initiatives have been employed to dismantle barriers that could impede a child’s potential. Policies have been crafted to ensure that access to quality education, healthcare, and essential resources is uniform across different socio-economic strata. By doing so, these countries have manifested a commitment to nurturing an environment where every child can thrive and contribute meaningfully to society, irrespective of their background.

READ MORE: Children’s Rights Most Violated in Tanzania, New Report by LHRC Finds

This intentional approach recognizes that the collective well-being and success of a nation are inherently tied to the equitable development of its youngest members. By prioritizing the needs of children, irrespective of their socio-economic standing, Nordic and Scandinavian countries have set a precedent for fostering a society where the potential of each child is acknowledged and maximized.

In essence, their commitment to narrowing the gap between the rich and the poor is not just a policy directive; it is a reflection of a societal philosophy that places paramount importance on ensuring that every child is afforded the opportunity to realize their potential. 

READ MORE: If Development Is Truly About People, Then They Must Care And Fight for It

In doing so, these nations exemplify the transformative power of a community that values and supports each child, laying the foundation for a future marked by fairness, prosperity, and shared success.

Dimensions of Poverty in our structures

In countries like Tanzania, proactive initiatives employed to dismantle barriers that could impede a child’s potential are important because of the hurdles created by the dimensions of poverty and existing inequality structures.

Even in wealth creation, it is an arduous journey for those from humble backgrounds. To understand why, it is important to examine various dimensions of poverty in which access to fundamental resources such as clean quality education, clean water, healthcare, energy, and land ownership plays a pivotal role. 

These factors, when inadequately addressed, contribute to a cycle of poverty that persists across generations. Therefore, fair and inclusive prosperity in the future will depend on how Tanzania Vision 2050 addresses these factors.

Quality education

Education serves as the great equalizer, offering a pathway out of poverty. Disparities in the quality of education in Tanzania perpetuate social inequalities. The future of a child from an affluent family in Tanzania is almost secured through access to quality education, a privilege that is almost a distant dream for those coming from humble backgrounds. 

READ MORE: Pitting Public Schools Against Private Ones Doesn’t Improve Our Education System 

Ensuring equal access to quality education for every child, regardless of socio-economic background, is important for Tanzania’s Vision 2050. This involves addressing issues such as teacher training, educational infrastructure, and curriculum development that ensures all children can grow up to become educated and productive citizens.

Quality health services

A healthy population is inherently a productive one. Therefore, in envisioning Tanzania Vision 2050, strategic investments in accessible and high-quality healthcare would represent a forward-looking commitment to the well-being of future generations. 

This encompasses not only the provision of treatment but also a proactive focus on preventive measures and health education. By adopting a holistic approach, we empower children to grow with the physical and mental resilience necessary to make meaningful contributions to society.

As previously highlighted in the context of Nordic countries, the crux of their success lies in the establishment of universal access to top-tier healthcare services for all, with a particular emphasis on the well-being of children. This comprehensive approach yields a trifecta of economic, health, and social benefits for the entire populace. Beyond the immediate advantages of improved health outcomes, such a system serves as a cornerstone for the long-term prosperity of a nation.

READ MORE: People Driving In V8s Have No Authority Advising Tanzanians on Balanced Diets

Ensuring universal access to quality healthcare not only safeguards the health of children but also addresses the broader socioeconomic disparities in healthcare access for their personal development and national at large.

Access to clean water

Clean water is a fundamental human right and a cornerstone of health and well-being. Lack of access to clean water not only jeopardizes the health of children but also impedes their educational and economic opportunities. Investing in water infrastructure in marginalized communities is a direct investment in the future workforce and leaders of the nation.

Energy Access

In Tanzania, like any other country, energy is a pivotal catalyst for development, playing a transformative role in various facets of societal progress. The ramifications of inadequate access to energy are far-reaching, hindering advancements in education, healthcare, and economic activities. Recognizing this, strategic investments in accessible energy sources stand as a linchpin for unlocking the nation’s full potential.

The current trends of insufficient access to energy in Tanzania and many other African countries presents a formidable barrier to national progress for not just our children, but even amongst ourselves. Many students find themselves unable to study after sunset due to the lack of reliable power sources, for example. 

By investing in reliable energy sources, we not only illuminate the pathways of learning but also empower Tanzanian children to pursue their educational aspirations regardless of the time of day. This approach not only enhances academic outcomes but also nurtures a generation with the knowledge and skills needed to contribute meaningfully to the country’s development.

Moreover, healthcare services are profoundly impacted by energy accessibility. In Tanzania’s remote and rural areas, clinics often grapple with erratic power supply, compromising the effectiveness of medical treatments and diagnostics. 

READ MORE: Tanzania Can’t Afford Continued Use of Dirty Energy. Here’s Why

Investing in reliable energy ensures that healthcare facilities can function optimally, with consistent power supporting critical medical equipment and allowing for the provision of quality healthcare services. This not only improves health outcomes but also contributes to the overall well-being of communities.

Another takeaway is that economic activities, the lifeblood of any thriving society, are significantly hampered by energy deficiencies. From small-scale enterprises to larger industries, businesses struggle to operate efficiently without a stable power supply.

By taking matters seriously and investing in reliable, and potentially sustainable energy provisions, Tanzania can create an environment where economic activities can flourish unimpeded. This, in turn, breaks the chains of poverty by fostering job creation, entrepreneurship, and economic empowerment at various levels of society.

Land Ownership

In Tanzania, land ownership forms the bedrock of economic stability. Many children from modest backgrounds encounter hurdles in obtaining land rights, constraining their capacity to establish a secure livelihood. 

In a country where over 60% of the population are engaged in agriculture and its value chain, access to land and usage rights is of utmost importance. Resolving land tenure issues and advocating for fair land distribution not only empowers families but also lays the groundwork for sustained prosperity in the nation for decades to come. 

READ MORE: Smallholders In Mbarali Protest Govt Plans To Evict Them From Their Land

Prosperity and stability of our nation tomorrow

As we are currently working on our Vision 2050, we should really think of how this factor can impede implementation of other plans. Creating a fair future for every child requires a conscious and deliberate effort to establish a level playing field for all. 

By addressing the multifaceted dimensions of poverty and embracing a holistic approach to development, Tanzania can unlock the full potential of their youth. As we navigate the complexities of progress, let us remember that investing in children today is an investment in the prosperity and stability of our nation tomorrow. 

It is through this commitment to equality and justice that we pave the way for a future where every child can thrive, regardless of their background or circumstances.

Kennedy Mmari is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Serengeti Bytes, a Dar es Salaam-based communications, public relations and digital media agency. He’s available at kennedy@serengetibytes.com and on X as @KennedyMmari. The opinions expressed here are the writer’s own and do not necessarily reflect those of The Chanzo. If you are interested in publishing in this space, please contact our editors at editor@thechanzo.com.