Research/academic paper

Influencing Policy for Children in Tanzania : Lessons From Education, Legislation and Social Protection

“The central concern of this paper is to identify the best systems and mechanisms to enable support for children, especially the most vulnerable children, given limited resources and capacity constraints. While the issues remain complex, an examination of the three different studies indicate a core common lesson: initiatives that resonate with and respond to broad public concern are more likely to gain traction, exercise accountability and be sustainable. In contrast, efforts that are technically and externally driven, and over emphasise the provision of funds, are unlikely to be effective because they may miss the political drivers of change in the country. This lesson is particularly relevant for international actors, for it suggests the need for a nuanced engagement with social, political and cultural forces that shape priorities, implementation and accountability that lie at the heart of effective support for children.”