Rukwa’s Urgent Response: Echoes of the First Years
In Tanzania’s Rukwa region, only 16% of children under five are developmentally on track. The rest risk being left behind - before they’ve even begun. This flagship program (2026–2031) addresses one of Tanzania’s most pressing child development crises:
The Challenge
16%
- Only 16% of children under five in Rukwa are developmentally on track (vs. 47% national).
- High rates of stunting, poverty, and limited Community ECD services.
TECEC is ready to respond. Drawing on the success of our model in the Mwanza and Mara region, we are now prioritizing the integration of the TECEC ECD model to Rukwa.
Our Five Year Goal
Over the five years, we aim to reach 11,000 children aged 0-5 and 5,500 families, establish 30 community-based ECD centers and early stimulation corners in the public/community health centers.
Our 5-Year Target in Rukwa
40%
- Reduce the proportion of children developmentally off-track from 84% to below 40% in Rukwa targeted communities.
- We will achieve this by focusing where children spend their earliest years, families, health centers, and community spaces
We are seeking to fully fund the Rukwa project (ECHOES OF THE FIRST YEARS) over the next five years. We would warmly welcome any level of support that you are able to offer toward the urgent need in Rukwa.
