About Us
HEKIMA
HEKIMA is a non-profit, non-governmental, and voluntary organization committed to protecting child rights. Established in 2014 under the NGO Act No. 24/2002, HEKIMA is based in Kagera, Tanzania. The organization works tirelessly to support children on the move, focusing on ending child labor, street living, and child trafficking. By offering transformative opportunities, HEKIMA empowers vulnerable children and youth to change their lives for the better
Why we do What we do
HEKIMA's work transcends typical business activities, incorporating mentorship programs aimed at helping individuals transition from vulnerable situations and develop their potential skills, fostering self-acceptance and life changes. The organization has implemented strategies to enhance child protection systems, making them more responsive to children's needs. By working directly with communities, HEKIMA empowers children to understand and advocate for their rights. The organization also focuses on connecting children with essential service providers, ensuring they have access to their rights, including child and police gender desks, legal services, and other vital resources.
Furthermore, HEKIMA is dedicated to locating and reuniting children with their biological or alternative families. Institutional care is not a priority, as HEKIMA believes that children thrive best within their communities. The organization leading the child care reform agenda in Tanzania, in collaboration with other stakeholders, aims to promote and protect children's rights, ensuring that reforms in child care are effectively implemented and sustained.
Areas of Focus:
The focused areas address critical aspects of child and youth development through various support mechanisms and initiatives.
1. Child Protection and Participation:
Enforce and advocate for laws that protect children from abuse, exploitation, and neglect, while providing legal aid to children and families. Develop social programs addressing poverty, education, and healthcare, and implement safe spaces, and counseling services.
2. Community-Based Care:
Mobilizes local communities to actively participate in ensuring the well-being, safety, and security of children. It emphasizes collective responsibility and community engagement in addressing the needs of children, particularly those who are vulnerable or at risk. .
3. The Youth Livelihood, Partnership, and Exchange
This program focuses on providing training in life skills, vocational skills, and entrepreneurship through workshops, apprenticeships, and mentorship programs. It collaborates with local and international organizations, businesses, and educational institutions to create opportunities and share resources for youth employment and education. Additionally, it promotes intercultural understanding and global awareness through travel, virtual exchanges, and collaborative projects.
Our Values:
Children's Rights:
At HEKIMA, we value to safeguarding children's rights by providing a safe space where they can access legal services, acquire essential life skills, and prepare for a bright, empowered future.
Belonging:
We value every child deserves to feel at home. We work tirelessly to reunite children with their families, and for those without family, we provide loving foster care and support.
Resilience:
We value the strength and adaptability of children. We support their journey through change and growth, fostering resilience both in the children we serve and the team that supports them.
Partnership & Sustainable Change:
We value the power of collaboration. Through partnerships, we create lasting, positive impact, building stronger communities and brighter futures for all.
OUR VISION:
A Tanzania, where children are free from exploitation.
OUR MISSION:
HEKIMA's mission is to reduce the exploitation, abuse, and marginalization of street children, fight child labor, and prevent child trafficking through dedicated action and advocacy.
Children indeed should be growing up in families where they are protected, nurtured, and provided with the care and support they need. A strong family foundation greatly contributes to their overall well-being and future success.