frameworks. These include long term strategies articulated in the Vision 2025 for the
mainland and Vision 2020 for Zanzibar.
The Child Development Policy of 1996 has been revised and is awaiting the approval of
Cabinet. The new policy intends to address emerging issues such as child protection,
child participation and the increasing number of vulnerable children (including orphaned
and vulnerable children and those involved in exploitative and hazardous labour).
Children provided inputs to the revised text through a meeting of the Junior Council in
2004. In Zanzibar, Child Survival, Development and Protection Policy has been revised
for dissemination to many stakeholders from national downwards to district levels.
Dissemination of the policy has also been done to children through their clubs and
councils. The policy is in both Kiswahili and English versions.
Having recognized the plight of the Most Vulnerable Children (MVCs) the Government
has taken several measures including policy making, regulations and guidelines that care
for, support and protect MVCs in the Mainland. The Ministry of Education and
Vocational Training financially supports MVC in secondary education, while the
Ministry of Health and Social Welfare facilitates free health care and services for
children under 5 years as well as cost exemption for the poor. The Ministry for Labour,
Employment and Youth Development provides guidelines for the care, support and
protection of MVCs. In Zanzibar programme for MVCs has been established under the
Ministry of Regional Administration and Department of Social Welfare in collaboration
with UNICEF whereby 3422 MVCs have been identified and registered across 10
districts of Zanzibar and they are provided with services.
Further details of the relevant policies and strategies taken to realize the rights and
welfare of the child are to be found in annex 4. Details of the progress in strengthening
the legislative framework are to be found throughout this report.
Coordinating child policies and monitoring the implementation of the ACRWC Children’s issues are coordinated and implemented between several ministries through
consultations. These are the MLYWCD in Zanzibar, the MCDGC, the Department of
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