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This study sought to investigate child care and protection within the family-preschool
partnership framework in Dodoma region, Tanzania. The study deployed multiple case
study design and followed qualitative research approach. The study was guided by
Bio-ecological theory, and it involved 40 respondents who were purposively selected.
Data were collected through semi structured interview, Focus Group Discussion
(FDG), and documentary review. Data collected were analyzed following Miles and
Huberman (1994) procedures for qualitative data analysis which involved data
reduction, data display and drawing conclusion and verification.
The study findings revealed that, child care and protection within the family-preschool
partnership framework in Dodoma region is still a big challenge that needs to be
addressed. Young children in the region were found to be victim of various types of
violence including physical, sexual and emotional violence in their homes, on their
way to and from school as well as in the schools. Such kinds of violence were done by
people close to children including their parents and teachers. However, lack of unity
and cooperation between families and preschools, poverty, harmful cultural and
traditional practices were observed to be factors behind the suffering of young children
in the region.
Based on these findings, it was concluded and recommended that, the government
should initiate and support public awareness and education campaigns to promote
positive, non-violent methods of child-rearing. Parents should be urged not continue to
follow norms and customs that are harmful to young children, Likewise, in schools,
teachers should receive some training on children’s rights and alternatives to corporal
punishment. At the same time parents-teachers association should be established and
made effective. |
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