THE government wants primary schools all over the country to establish child protection committees to combat gender-based violence and erosion of moral values among pupils.

Dr Dorothy Gwajima, the Community Development, Gender, Women and Special Groups minister, issued this appeal over the weekend when speaking to residents of Ulyankulu in Kaliua District, Tabora Region, explaining it as part of the government’s broader strategy to create a safer and more conducive learning environment for children.

The lack of such committees in schools has contributed extensive breakdown of morals among the learners, leading to instances of violence and preventing them from assured pursuit of their future aspirations, she stated.

The government has provided guidelines for setting up such committees, stressing that this initiative be carried out as schools reopen, so that children can learn in environments that foster good morals and values, the minister noted.

“The committees will help protect children from abuse and keep them away from harmful practices such as same sex enticements, child abuse and other forms of exploitation,” she affirmed.

She also underscored the importance of community involvement in this initiative, urging that parents, guardians and residents of specific areas take an active role in the scheme, involving guiding and mentoring children.

 “It is essential for parents and guardians to sit down with their children, teach pupils good morals, and help them understand how to avoid falling prey to gender-based violence and other forms of exploitation,” she emphasised.

The impact of government efforts to improve educational infrastructure and create better learning environments for pupils will be compromised unless robust child protection measures are put in place, the minister asserted.

Improvements being made to school facilities will have no lasting value if the children are not protected and empowered to reach their full potential, she said, stressing that a safe learning environment is key to unlocking their future success.

Pointing at the growing concern on moral decay among the youth, she said that schools should pursue learning while instilling values that “help shape well-rounded individuals who can contribute positively to society.”

“We must focus on the holistic development of our children, ensuring they grow up in environments that promote integrity, respect and responsibility,” she said.

Rehema Migira, the Ulyankulu MP, reported that the constituency had received 361m/- to build a new primary school at Langoni, to ease overcrowding at the Ibambo mother school.

The school has been struggling with high numbers of pupils, while the new school is expected to provide a more conducive learning environment.

The constituency had similarly been allocated 136m/- to build a girls’ dormitory at Mkindo Secondary School, to address the challenges faced by female students making unsafe commuting trips to school and back, she added.