Fourteen police officers from the Tanzania Police Force Gender and Children’s Desk in Mwanza have completed a five-day specialist training programme on child sexual abuse investigations, forensic evidence gathering and child-centred interviewing.
Delivered from 18–22 May 2026 through a partnership between Railway Children Africa and the College of Policing, the training aimed to strengthen the capacity of officers responsible for protecting children and responding to cases of abuse and exploitation. Transportation of specialist forensic equipment was supported by global aviation and logistics company ProCharter.
The training brought together experienced policing professionals from Tanzania and the United Kingdom to share knowledge, practical skills and international best practice in child protection investigations. Through a trauma-informed approach, participants developed skills to help ensure children who have experienced abuse are supported sensitively while evidence is gathered effectively.
Throughout the week, officers took part in practical and interactive sessions covering:
- Roles and responsibilities in child protection investigations
- Investigation models and the importance of the “Golden Hour”
- Crime scene management and forensic opportunities
- Decision-making and evidence gathering
- Investigative interviewing using the PEACE model
- Working effectively with partner agencies
- Understanding trauma and its impact on children
The training was officially opened by Tanzania’s National Coordinator of the Police Gender and Children’s Desk, ACP Faidha Y. Suleiman, demonstrating the continued commitment of the Tanzania Police Force to strengthening child protection and safeguarding practice.
Strengthening Responses for Children
Mary Mushi, Safeguarding and Technical Lead at Railway Children Africa, said:
“This training builds on the strong partnership Railway Children Africa has developed with the Police Force in Mwanza over recent years. By strengthening skills in trauma-informed interviewing and forensic practice, we hope to improve how children who have experienced abuse are supported and contribute to stronger justice outcomes for survivors.”
ACP Faidha Y. Suleiman thanked Railway Children Africa and the College of Policing for supporting the initiative and highlighted the important role of the Gender and Children’s Desk in coordinating child protection efforts across Tanzania.
She encouraged participants to continue building their knowledge and skills throughout the training and to apply their learning in their daily work to better safeguard children.
Detective Superintendent Phil Etheridge, Head of Investigative and Technical Skills at the College of Policing, said:
“Although we work in different countries and communities, we share a commitment to protecting children and supporting vulnerable people. We were proud to work alongside Tanzanian police officers and partner organisations to strengthen skills in forensic evidence gathering and trauma-informed interviewing.”
Learning That Will Make a Difference
Reflecting on the training, one participating officer said:
“I have gained a better understanding of violence, how to interview children and survivors, how to build trust, and how to support children who have experienced trauma.”
Another participant added:
“I will improve my approach to interviewing survivors of violence and strengthen the preservation of evidence by working closely with health professionals and the Gender and Children’s Desk.”
Working Together to Keep Children Safe
Railway Children Africa works alongside the Government of Tanzania, the Tanzania Police Force, social welfare services and local communities to protect children who are found alone, lost or at risk in and around transport hubs.
Through Child Support Desks located at bus terminals, children travelling alone can access immediate protection, support and assistance. These safe spaces are operated in partnership with Social Welfare Officers and other key stakeholders within the transport sector and local communities.
By working together with government agencies, police, transport workers and local communities, Railway Children Africa helps create safer environments for children, prevents exploitation and abuse, and ensures vulnerable children can access the support they need to stay safe and thrive.