Tanzania: Zanzibar, Unesco Launch Parent-Child Health Toolkit

Zanzibar has launched a specialized parent-child communication toolkit in partnership with UNESCO to help families discuss reproductive health using age-appropriate language. Deputy Minister Ms Zawadi Amour Nassor emphasized that open dialogue tackles misinformation, builds trust, and strengthens child protection across the islands.

Parents and guardians in Zanzibar face a new resource designed to bridge the generational gap on sensitive health topics. The government, working alongside the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), rolled out a comprehensive guide aimed at fostering open conversations within families.

Launching the Parent-Child Communication Toolkit in Zanzibar

The newly unveiled Parent-Child Communication Toolkit on Reproductive Health Rights (PCC Toolkit) arrived following an official launch event held yesterday in Zanzibar. Government officials and international representatives gathered to introduce the framework, which seeks to reinforce parenting skills, enhance child protection, and elevate the overall wellbeing of young people.

Deputy Minister for Social Development, Elderly, Gender and Children Ms Zawadi Amour Nassor led the launch. She stressed that adults must move past their hesitation and speak with children using respectful, accurate terminology tailored to their developmental stages. She noted that children and adolescents require reliable information suited to their age to help them understand physical and social changes, recognise risks, protect themselves from abuse, and make informed decisions.

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“When we talk about reproductive health, we are not talking only about biological issues, but also parenting, values, respectful relationships, child safety and the ability to say ‘no’ when necessary,”

Ms Zawadi Amour Nassor, Deputy Minister for Social Development, Elderly, Gender and Children

Combating Misinformation Through Honest Dialogue

According to the ministry, many parents were uncomfortable initiating such conversations, while some children avoided asking questions for fear of embarrassment. This dynamic leaves young people vulnerable to misinformation from friends or social media.

“Silence does not eliminate challenges; instead, it creates room for misinformation,”

Ms Zawadi Amour Nassor, Deputy Minister for Social Development, Elderly, Gender and Children

When young people cannot turn to their families, the new toolkit aims to correct this vulnerability by helping parents communicate openly, listen without judgement, and build relationships based on trust. Ms Zawadi added that the initiative’s overall success would depend on cooperation among the government, UNESCO, civil society organisations, teachers, religious leaders, parents, and young people.

Partnerships and Community Outreach Across Unguja

The initiative relies on broad institutional cooperation. Speaking on behalf of the United Nations in Zanzibar, Deputy Secretary and Coordinator Ms Dorothy Usiri stated that the toolkit had been developed with consideration for social and cultural values and would strengthen parenting skills while helping children understand the changes they experience.

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Representing the UNESCO Resident Representative, Matias Luhanya confirmed that the organisation would continue working with the Zanzibar Government to strengthen education and support initiatives that promote positive social change.

Bahati Issa, a parent from Kikungwi, Unguja, who attended the launch, welcomed the initiative and urged the ministry to expand awareness campaigns to all shehias so more families across Zanzibar could benefit from the guidance provided by the toolkit.