Wellbeing Framework

HOLISTIC FRAMEWORK FOR CHILD AND YOUTH WELLBEING

The SAFARI Wellbeing Framework is the foundational vision for Vijana Kesho’s work. Developed from extensive consultations with children, youth, caregivers, and experts in Tanzania, this evidence-based model is the compass guiding our mission “from vulnerability to possibility”.

SAFARI establishes six pivotal, interconnected dimensions that every child and young person needs to thrive, ensuring our approach is holistic, context-specific, and measurable.

The Six Pillars of Wellbeing

The framework is built on six Swahili pillars, each representing a core dimension of a child’s successful journey:

PILLAR 1

SALAMA: Thamani, Upendo na Usalama (Valued, Loved & Safe)

Every child deserves a healthy start, in a nurturing home where this is no violence or abuse. Sadly, we are far from that today. Violence against children is a problem that is pervasive in Tanzania: sexual violence affects 28% of girls, 13% of boys; physical abuse 73% of girls, 72% of boys often by relatives. Feeling valued, loved, and safe is fundamental for healthy development. In Tanzania, this pillar focuses on the security and nurturing every child need, while confronting the harsh realities of violence, abuse, and neglect that too many children experience.

Safe, Nurturing Families & Positive Parenting (Malezi Salama na Chanya)

Domestic & Family Violence, Harmful Practices & Exploitation; Prevention & Response (Ukatili wa Kifamilia na Mila Kandamizi)

Child Protection Systems, Justice & Crisis/Climate Protection (Mfumo wa Ulinzi wa Mtoto, Haki na Ulinzi Wakati wa Majanga/Tabianchi)

Safe Schools & Prosocial Environments (Shule Salama na Mazingira Rafiki ya Kijamii)

Safe Shelter, Healthy Home & Basic Security (Makazi Salama, Afya ya Nyumbani na Usalama wa Msingi)

PILLAR 2

HEALTH/AFYA: – Afya Njema na Akili Tulivu (Healthy Minds and Bodies)

Good health is the foundation of wellbeing, and in Tanzania ensuring children and youth are healthy means tackling persistent health challenges and emerging risks. Adolescents and youth are half the population, yet mental health needs are high and poorly understood with over 1 in 5 youths experiencing common mental health challenges. This and other health related challenges necessitates urgent action.

Access to health services Children, youth and families can reach and use quality services when and where they need them including Sexual Reproductive Health, without stigma and discrimination.

Healthy lifestyle (prevention first) Protective behaviours (nutrition, activity, hygiene, safer sex, road safety, substance-use avoidance) and health-supportive settings (WASH, clean cooking, climate-safe schools/clinics).

Mental health (“peace”) Peace of mind, positive relationships, and timely support for distress, with safe schools (no corporal punishment), SEL, and accessible counselling/GBV response.

Lives in a safe, healthy environment Households have safe water and improved sanitation; clean cooking reduces indoor smoke; neighbourhoods manage waste and drainage; and health/education facilities are climate-ready.

PILLAR 3

FURSA ZA MSINGI: Makazi, Lishe, WASH, Ulinzi wa Jamii (Material Basics)

Access to basic material needs such as food, shelter, clothing, and economic security is the third pillar on Material Basics. In Tanzania, poverty remains a massive barrier to wellbeing: approximately 60% of the children are living in multidimensional poverty, whether by income or by lacking essential services.

Safe Housing, WASH & Clean Energy (Makazi Salama, Maji Safi/Usafi wa Mazingira na Nishati Safi)

Food & Nutrition Security (Usalama wa Chakula na Lishe)

Access to Essential Services & Financial Protection (Huduma Msingi na Kinga ya Gharama)

Economic Security, Social Protection & Shock Resilience (Ustawi wa Kiuchumi wa Kaya, Ulinzi wa Jamii na Ustahimilivu).

PILLAR 4

AKILI AND ELIMU: Kujifunza na Kuendelea (Learning)

Learning in Tanzania spans from early childhood to young adulthood, yet major gaps persist. Over 3.2 million children aged 7–17 are out of school. Secondary school enrolment remains below 35%, with rural girls most affected. According to the 2024 TDHS, 20% and 21.8% of girls have never been to school. Ensuring every child learns and reaches their full potential is both a fundamental right and a vital investment in wellbeing and future of Tanzanians.

Early Childhood Care (Malezi ya Awali)

Access, Retention & On-Time Progression (Upatikanaji, Kudumu Shuleni na Kusonga kwa Wakati)

Learning Quality and Inclusion (Ubora wa Kujifunza, Ujumuishi na Uhusika wa Maarifa)

Safe, Climate-Ready Learning Environments (Mazingira Salama na Tayari kwa Tabianchi)

Out-of-School Learning Pathways (Elimu Nje ya Shule na Fursa Mbadala).

PILLAR 5

RAIA & USHIRIKI: Sauti, Uongozi, Hatua za Kiraia/Tabianchi (Participating)

Participating means being actively engaged in community, society, and decision-making by having a voice and a sense of belonging in civic life. For children and youth in Tanzania, participation is a pillar that fosters confidence, responsibility, and social connectedness.

Voice, Agency and Decision Making (Familia-Shule-Jamii-Halmashauri) (Sauti, Uwezo wa Maamuzi na Ushirika wa Vijana)

Inclusive Participation and Safe Spaces (Ujumuishwaji na Maeneo Salama ya Kushiriki)

Civic & Climate Action, Volunteering and Service (Uraia na Hatua za Tabianchi Kujitolea na Huduma kwa Jamii)

Digital Participation, Information Access and Online Safety (Ushiriki wa Kidijitali, Upatikanaji wa Taarifa na Usalama Mtandaoni)

Representation, Leadership Pathways and Accountability (Uwakilishi, Uongozi na Uwajibikaji)

PILLAR 6

UTAMBULISHO: UTAMADUNI, HADHI NA KUUNGANA (Positive Sense of Identity & Culture

The final pillar recognizes that having a positive sense of identity and belonging to a cultural community is protective and enriching for children and youth. Tanzania is a nation of diverse ethnic groups, languages, and religions, yet it has a strong national identity forged since independence by emphasizing unity in diversity with Kiswahili as a unifying language.

Cultural Roots, Religion, Language and Heritage Transmission (Mizizi ya Utamaduni, Dini, Lugha na Urithi)

Personal Identity, Expression & Dignity (Utambulisho Binafsi, Ujielezeaji na Heshima)

Belonging, Social Cohesion and Peacebuilding (Kuhisiwa Kuwa Sehemu ya Jamii, Mshikamano na Ujenzi wa Amani)

Role Models, Mentorship and Leadership Pathways (Wanamfano, Ulezi wa Kijamii na Njia za Uongozi)

Legal Identity, Rights and Safe Cultural Environments (Utambulisho wa Kisheria, Haki na Mazingira Salama ya Utamaduni)

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