About

United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) is seeking partners to strengthen evidence-based interventions to prevent and end violence against children in homes, schools, and communities across Zanzibar, with a focus on positive parenting, safe school environments, and the transformation of harmful social and gender norms.

The focus areas, objectives, priorities, and themes of this initiative include protection and child protection, with a strong emphasis on preventing violence against children in both home and school environments through parenting support, positive discipline, safe school initiatives, and the transformation of harmful social and gender norms.

The opportunity is issued by UNICEF and is implemented in the context of Zanzibar, a semi-autonomous region within the Tanzania, United Republic of, covering Unguja and Pemba islands, including the Zanzibar South region. The initiative responds to evidence showing that violence against children remains a serious concern, including physical, emotional, and sexual violence, alongside deeply rooted social norms that normalize harsh discipline and gender inequality.

The programme seeks to address violence occurring in homes, schools, and communities, where children are often harmed by known individuals such as parents, relatives, and teachers. It also responds to the continued acceptance of corporal punishment and the limited reporting of violence due to its perception as a private family matter.

One of the key components focuses on parenting and caregiver support to reduce violence at home. This includes improving the knowledge and skills of parents, caregivers, community leaders, and religious leaders to promote positive discipline and non-violent caregiving practices. It emphasizes strengthening parent-child communication and building healthier relationships within families.

The initiative also aims to support the rollout of an evidence-based parenting programme led by the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar, alongside complementary interventions such as radio messaging, parenting groups, and community dialogues. A more intensive programme using the Parenting for Lifelong Health toolkit is also part of the approach, including adaptations for adolescents, young parents, and delivery through digital platforms such as apps and WhatsApp groups.

The second major focus is on safe schools, where the programme will support the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training in Zanzibar in implementing school-based violence prevention initiatives. Schools are intended to become protective environments where children are safe from bullying, physical punishment, harassment, and sexual abuse, while also being equipped with skills to recognize and respond to violence.

Eligibility

The initiative will further engage youth-led organizations and community-based organizations to co-design and implement interventions that reduce violence, prevent bullying, and address peer violence both within schools and during travel to and from schools. These efforts aim to strengthen accountability mechanisms and build safer learning environments for children.

Overall, the call highlights the need for coordinated action involving families, schools, communities, and government institutions to prevent violence against children and promote safe, supportive environments for child development in Zanzibar.

The initiative includes an indicative funding allocation of 150,000.00000 (as stated in the call for proposals), which is intended to support the implementation of interventions aimed at ending violence against children in homes and schools in Zanzibar.

Post Date: April 14, 2026