This brief summarises the findings of a study that examined whether children’s councils promote children’s participation in local governance in Tanzania. The research found that the councils (supported by Save the Children) are genuinely child-led organisations that have contributed to improving local service delivery to children. However, councils are operational in a limited number of districts, and, where councils are in place, local authorities are yet to consistently involve them in decision-making processes.
In 2002, the Junior Council of the United Republic of Tanzania was created at the national level and the government committed to extend the Council throughout the country. Responding to slow implementation by the government, Save the Children created child-led organisations (children’s councils) in several districts. A qualitative study analysed the operations of the councils in Temeke, Lindi and Mjini Magharibi to assess whether these bodies had facilitated child participation in local government processes.
Focus groups were conducted with members of the children’s councils. In addition, semi-structured interviews were held with: children who were not members of the councils, Save the Children officers, local government officials, and representatives of the Ministry for Community Development, Gender and Children. Key documents were also gathered on the formation and operation of the children’s councils. The study’s key findings were that:
- Children’s councils have made children’s problems more visible in their local areas. As a consequence, local governments have been made more aware of the challenges faced by children and their responsibility for improving child-related services.
- In terms of engagement with local authorities, the councils tend to be largely engaged for special events, e.g., the Day of the African Child, thus stalling further participation.
- Factors inhibiting the effective involvement of councils in local government include the lack of accountability mechanisms and guidance on the functions of guardians, limited funds and limited political will.
The brief recommends extending the councils throughout the country and providing clear guidance on the roles of the councils, the involvement of adults, and the responsibility of the government and civil society in supporting councils.
