This morning, we were honoured to welcome a grant's team from BRAC International, represented by Ms. Kalunde Simba, Grants Manager - Tanzania, and Ms. Scovia Bacia, Grants Manager for Africa. Our Chief Executive, the Impact Assessment Analyst, and the Assistant Call Center Manager hosted this important meeting.
Mr. Kiiya JKC-Sema's Chief Executive (first right), followed by Ms. Kalunde Simba, BRAC Int. Tanzania Grants Manager (second right), Ms. Asnat Green, C-Sema's Impact Analyst (third right), Ms. Scovia Bacia BRAC Int. Africa Grants Lead (second left) and Ms. Digna Mdesa, C-Sema's Assistant Call Centre Manager (first left) posing for a photo at the helpline's lobby earlier today.
C-Sema’s relationship with BRAC International began in 2020, when we first partnered to enhance the National Child Helpline, especially in response to the increased demand for remote services during the COVID-19 pandemic. As in-person services became limited due to restrictions, this collaboration allowed us to ensure parents and caregivers could still access vital support over the phone. This partnership is part of a larger initiative aimed at improving early childhood development, mental health and psychosocial support, maternal and child nutrition, and overall child welfare across Tanzania.
Through our joint efforts, we’ve made significant progress in expanding the Helpline’s capacity to meet the diverse needs of children and their families. By incorporating community-based solutions and building local capacity, we’ve strengthened our ability to address critical issues like child protection, development, and well-being. Our collective efforts has seen us move from 3,500 calls per day back in 2021 to the current 10,000 calls per day!
During the meeting, we had productive discussions about various BRAC International -funded projects, including the 116 National Child Helpline service, which allows the community to contact the helpline, free of cost. Ms. Bacia raised a key question about the Helpline’s relationship with media outlets, to which our Chief Executive responded by highlighting our close collaboration with national media houses. Together, we have raised awareness through radio talk shows and public service announcements encouraging people to report abuse or seek advice. We also explored additional avenues for raising awareness, such as utilizing BRAC International school clubs and BRAC International programmes to promote the Helpline’s services.
Another key area of discussion was capacity strengthening. The BRAC International team informed us of opportunities for capacity building and programmatic development under BRAC International's partnership framework, which we are excited to explore. This support will enhance our team’s skills and improve the quality of services we offer to children and families across Tanzania.
The visit concluded with a tour of the call center, where the BRAC International team witnessed firsthand how the National Child Helpline operates, giving them insight into our processes and the important work we do.
The visit from BRAC International highlights the importance of strong partnerships in driving impactful change. As we continue to collaborate, the potential for expanding our services and improving child welfare in Tanzania grows. We look forward to the future opportunities this partnership will bring, particularly in enhancing our capacity to provide life-changing support to children and families in need.
Prepared by C-Sema's Communications Team.