About Us
HEKIMA
About HEKIMA
HEKIMA is a non-profit organization founded in 2014 and based in Kagera, Tanzania. We are dedicated to protecting child rights and empowering vulnerable children and youth. Our mission focuses on breaking the cycle of child exploitation by addressing issues such as child labor, street living, and trafficking. Through transformative opportunities and community-driven initiatives, we aim to build brighter futures and create lasting positive change for the next generation of children in Tanzania.
Why We Do What We Do
HEKIMA exists to end child exploitation and ensure that every child grows up in a safe, nurturing environment. We empower children to understand and advocate for their rights, connect them with essential services, and prioritize family-based care over institutionalization. By fostering mentorship, strengthening child protection systems, and advocating for policy reforms, we strive to create lasting change that benefits not only children but also their families and communities across Tanzania.
Areas of Focus
HEKIMA’s initiatives are designed to address key aspects of child and youth development, promoting empowerment, safety, and long-term well-being.
Child Protection and Participation
We advocate for child protection laws, provide legal aid, and offer safe spaces, counseling, and social programs that address poverty, education, and healthcare, helping children escape abuse, exploitation, and neglect.
Family Strengthening and Alternative Care
We empower communities to take collective responsibility for the safety and well-being of children, prioritizing family-based care over institutionalization. Our focus is on supporting vulnerable children within their communities and strengthening families to meet their needs, ensuring every child feels secure and valued at home.
Youth Partnership and Exchange
The program aims to empower young people by providing life skills, vocational training, and entrepreneurship opportunities. It fosters self-reliance, global awareness, and intercultural exchange, enabling youth to build independent and sustainable futures. Through strategic partnerships, the program connects participants with resources and opportunities for success both locally and globally.
Our Values:
1. Children's Rights
At HEKIMA, we prioritize safeguarding children's rights by providing safe spaces, access to legal services, and essential life skills that empower children to build a bright and independent future.
2. Belonging
We believe every child deserves to feel at home. We work tirelessly to reunite children with their families and offer loving foster care and support for those without family, ensuring they feel valued and connected.
3. Resilience
We value the strength and adaptability of children. We support their journey through change and growth, fostering resilience in both the children we serve and the team that supports them.
4. Partnership & Sustainable Change
We believe in the power of collaboration. By working with partners, we create lasting, positive change, building stronger communities and brighter futures for children and youth.
OUR VISION:
A Tanzanian, where children are free from exploitation.
OUR MISSION:
HEKIMA's mission is to break the cycle of exploitation in the lives of Tanzanian children through innovative advocacy, skill-building, and transformative support
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.