Call for EOIs: Ending Violence Against Children in Zanzibar (Tanzania)

Deadline: 27-Apr-2026

The UNICEF is inviting partners to implement evidence-based interventions to prevent and end violence against children in Zanzibar. The programme focuses on positive parenting, safe schools, and transforming harmful social and gender norms. With an indicative funding of 150,000, the initiative aims to create safer environments across homes, schools, and communities.

The UNICEF Zanzibar Child Protection Initiative 2026 aims to reduce and prevent violence against children through integrated, community-driven, and evidence-based approaches.

Core Objective

To protect children from physical, emotional, and sexual violence by strengthening parenting practices, school safety, and social norms.

Geographic Scope

The programme is implemented in:

• Unguja
• Pemba Island
• Zanzibar South region

Zanzibar is part of Tanzania and operates as a semi-autonomous region.

Problem Statement

Violence against children in Zanzibar remains widespread due to:

• Acceptance of corporal punishment
• Harmful social and gender norms
• Violence by known individuals (parents, relatives, teachers)
• Low reporting due to cultural perceptions of violence as a “private matter”

Types of Violence Addressed

• Physical abuse
• Emotional abuse
• Sexual violence
• Bullying and peer violence

Key Focus Areas

1. Positive Parenting & Caregiver Support

• Promote non-violent discipline methods
• Strengthen parent-child communication
• Train:
  • Parents and caregivers
  • Community and religious leaders

2. Safe Schools Initiative

• Create violence-free learning environments
• Prevent:
  • Bullying
  • Corporal punishment
  • Sexual harassment
• Strengthen school response systems

3. Social Norms Transformation

• Address harmful beliefs around:
  • Discipline
  • Gender inequality
• Promote community dialogue and awareness

4. Youth & Community Engagement

• Involve:
  • Youth-led organizations
  • Community-based organizations
• Co-design solutions to reduce violence

Key Concept: Evidence-Based Child Protection

What Does It Mean?

Using proven strategies and data-driven interventions to reduce violence and improve child safety.

Example Tools Used

• Parenting for Lifelong Health (PLH) toolkit
• Community dialogue platforms
• Digital delivery (apps, WhatsApp groups)
• Radio-based awareness campaigns

Why It Matters

• Ensures measurable impact
• Promotes scalable solutions
• Builds long-term behavioral change

Programme Components

Parenting Programme (Government-Led)

• Implemented by the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar
• Includes:
  • Parenting groups
  • Media campaigns
  • Community engagement

Intensive Parenting Interventions

• Adapted for:
  • Adolescents
  • Young parents
• Delivered via:
  • Digital platforms
  • Community sessions

School-Based Interventions

• Led by the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training (Zanzibar)
• Focus on:
  • Child safety systems
  • Violence prevention education

Who is Eligible?

Eligible Applicants

• Civil society organizations (CSOs)
• NGOs and community-based organizations
• Youth-led organizations

Required Experience

• Child protection programmes
• Community engagement
• Gender equality and social norms change

Funding Information

• Indicative Budget: 150,000
• Supports:
  • Programme implementation
  • Training and capacity building
  • Community outreach activities

Why This Programme Matters

Protects Children’s Rights

• Ensures safe environments for growth and development

Breaks Cycles of Violence

• Promotes positive discipline and behavior change

Strengthens Systems

• Builds capacity in families, schools, and institutions

Drives Long-Term Impact

• Changes harmful norms at community level

How the Programme Works

Step 1: Partner Selection

• UNICEF selects qualified organizations

Step 2: Programme Design

• Co-create interventions with stakeholders

Step 3: Implementation

• Deliver parenting, school, and community interventions

Step 4: Community Engagement

• Conduct awareness campaigns and dialogues

Step 5: Monitoring & Evaluation

• Measure impact and outcomes

How to Apply

Step-by-Step Process

1. Review Call for Proposals
   • Understand priorities and requirements
2. Develop Proposal
   Include:
   • Intervention strategy
   • Target groups
   • Implementation plan
   • Budget
3. Align with UNICEF Priorities
   • Focus on:
     • Evidence-based approaches
     • Child protection outcomes
4. Submit Application
   • Follow UNICEF submission guidelines
5. Prepare for Implementation
   • Ensure operational readiness

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Ignoring cultural and social context
• Weak evidence base in interventions
• Limited community involvement
• Lack of gender-sensitive approaches
• Poor monitoring and evaluation plans

Pro Tips for Success

• Use proven tools like PLH
• Engage local leaders early
• Prioritize behavior change strategies
• Build strong partnerships with schools

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the goal of this UNICEF programme?

To prevent and end violence against children in homes, schools, and communities.

2. Where is the programme implemented?

In Zanzibar, including Unguja and Pemba islands.

3. Who can apply?

CSOs, NGOs, and youth-led organizations with relevant experience.

4. What types of interventions are supported?

Parenting programmes, safe schools, and social norms change initiatives.

5. What is the funding amount?

Approximately 150,000 is available.

6. What is the Parenting for Lifelong Health toolkit?

An evidence-based parenting programme promoting non-violent discipline.

7. Why focus on social norms?

Because harmful norms often sustain and justify violence.

Conclusion

The UNICEF initiative in Zanzibar represents a comprehensive and evidence-driven approach to ending violence against children.

For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.