Advocacy and systems strenghtening

Changing systems to protect children

Protecting children requires more than individual support — it requires strong, effective systems.

Railway Children Africa works with government, transport stakeholders and civil society to strengthen child protection systems in Tanzania, helping prevent children from ending up on the streets and ensuring they can grow up safely in families.

Our approach to child protection advocacy

We focus on building sustainable, government-led systems that protect children early and reduce risk. Our work includes:

  • Strengthening child protection at transport hubs
  • Supporting Social Welfare Officers and safeguarding structures
  • Promoting family-based care over institutionalisation
  • Expanding parenting and prevention programmes
  • Improving early identification and referral systems
  • Mapping service gaps for street-connected children

Through coordinated systems and partnerships, we help prevent exploitation and ensure children receive the support they need.

Advocacy for children without parental care

Children do not end up on the streets by chance. Poverty, family breakdown and weak protection systems increase their risk.

For over 15 years, Railway Children Africa has worked with government and partners to strengthen Tanzania’s child protection system — so every child can grow up in a safe, nurturing family.

Our advocacy is evidence-led, collaborative and centred on family-based care.

Railway Children Africa staff and partners in a meeting, seated around a table in an office and discussing casework or child protection support.

what we do

Influencing policy and national systems

We work with government and national bodies to:

  • Strengthen child protection laws and safeguarding standards
  • Advocate for national strategies for street-connected children
  • Promote family-based care and effective gatekeeping

Using evidence to drive change

We produce research and insights, including:

  • Policy briefs and position papers
  • Research on reintegration and care leavers

This evidence informs national planning, funding and reform.

Amplifying lived experience

Children and young people shape our advocacy. We support them to:

  • Contribute to national dialogue
  • Co-create campaigns
  • Influence decision-makers and global movements

Shifting public attitudes

We challenge stigma and harmful narratives through:

  • Public campaigns and media engagement
  • Community dialogue
  • Positive storytelling about street-connected children
 

Building partnerships

We work with national and global networks to strengthen collective action, including:

  • Familia Kwa Watoto Wote Alliance (Secretariat)
  • Tanzania Child Rights Forum (TCRF)
  • Tanzania Network Against Human Trafficking (TANAHUT)
  • Transform Alliance Africa (TAA)
  • Families and Futures Coalition Africa (FAFICA)
  • Consortium for Street Children (CSC)
  • Child Rights Connect (CRC)
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