Railway Children Africa (RCA) recently welcomed a delegation from the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) to Tanzania, offering an opportunity to see firsthand how children and vulnerable people are being protected at some of the country’s busiest transport hubs.
The delegation, which included the UK Deputy High Commissioner to Tanzania and the Development Director, visited Social Welfare Service Desks at Nyegezi Bus Terminal in Mwanza and Magufuli Bus Terminal in Dar es Salaam. The visits formed part of the FCDO-funded Corridor for Growth Programme, which supports RCA’s Safe Bus Terminal model.
At both locations, the delegation observed the Social Welfare Service Desks in operation and met with the Social Welfare Officers and committee members who play a vital role in delivering day-to-day safeguarding support. Their work includes identifying vulnerable children and adults, managing cases, raising awareness, coordinating referrals, and providing follow-up support.
The visits demonstrated how bringing safeguarding services directly into transport hubs is helping to identify risks earlier and respond more effectively. In these high-traffic public spaces, vulnerability can often go unnoticed—but through early identification and timely intervention, Social Welfare Service Desks are ensuring children and vulnerable individuals are seen, supported, and protected.
The Safe Bus Terminal model also highlights the importance of coordinated safeguarding responses. By working closely with local authorities and community stakeholders, RCA is helping to strengthen child protection systems at a local level, ensuring that those in need can access the right support at the right time.
A key theme emerging from the visit was the growing importance of multi-sectoral collaboration. Strong partnerships between government, community structures and organisations like Railway Children Africa are essential to building safer transport environments and improving long-term outcomes for vulnerable populations.
The visit reaffirmed the strength of RCA’s partnership with the UK Government and the continued commitment to protecting children where they are most at risk. By bringing services closer to the places where vulnerability is most visible—and often hidden in plain sight—RCA is helping create safer journeys and safer futures for children across Tanzania.