ACT PARENTING

Safer families. Safer childhoods.

Violence, neglect, and family breakdown are among the leading causes of children migrating to the streets. Prevention starts at home. Railway Children Africa delivers the ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) Raising Safe Kids Programme to strengthen parenting skills and reduce the risk of family separation. 

Programme Overview

The ACT Raising Safe Kids Programme is a research-based curriculum developed by the American Psychological Association. It supports parents and caregivers of children aged 0 – 8 to create safer, more nurturing home environments. 

Since 2018, Railway Children Africa has implemented ACT Parenting as a preventative intervention. The programme supports: 

  • Families of reunified children 
  • Households identified as at risk of separation 
  • Communities in hotspot areas 

We work in partnership with Local Government Authorities (LGAs) and Social Welfare Officers to identify and support vulnerable families. 

Two individuals sitting on a wooden bench against a textured stone wall. Both individuals are facing the camera, with one wearing a patterned garment and the other wearing a red shirt with white shapes and holding fabric on their lap.

What the programme involves

ACT Parenting is delivered through structured group sessions co-facilitated with Local Government Authorities (LGAs). 

Parents learn to:

  1. Understand child development 
  2. Manage anger and reduce harsh discipline 
  3. Build positive communication and attachment 
  4. Prevent violence and abuse 
  5. Strengthen emotional regulation 
  6. Support healthy brain development in early childhood 

The group format creates peer support networks that continue beyond the sessions. 

We work closely with Social Welfare Officers to identify families at risk and co-deliver the programme. 

SINCE 2018...

0

parent graduates in Mwanza and Dar es Salaam

0

parenting groups established through the programme

0

groups expanded in high-risk communities

WHY IT MATTERS

Prevention is protection.

By equipping caregivers with practical skills, knowledge, and ongoing support, the ACT programme helps to:

reduce the risk of abuse and neglect

promote healthy and positive child development

prevent re-separation after family reintegration

strengthen long-term family resilience and stability

Case study: rebuilding trust at home

Asha* was reunited with her eight-year-old son after he spent days living around transport hubs in Dar es Salaam. The return home was tense, and conflict and mistrust resurfaced quickly. 

Through the ACT parenting programme, Asha learned non-violent discipline techniques and emotional regulation strategies. She began setting consistent boundaries without physical punishment and developed new communication skills. 

Within months, the programme teachers reported improved behaviour and attendance. 

Asha now co-facilitates community discussions on positive parenting, transforming her experience into support for others. 

*Name changed

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Railway Children Africa

We believe in a world where no child ever has to live on the streets.

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