Police and TechForward Tanzania Partner to Strengthen Child Online Safety

On March 24, 2025, TechForward Tanzania reached a vital milestone in its efforts to create safer digital spaces for children and communities by holding a strategic meeting in Dodoma with the Commissioner of Community Policing, CP Faustine Shilogile, and his team at the Community Policing Commission. The session was led by our Executive Director, Elias Patrick, and centered on strengthening collaboration between law enforcement and civil society to combat the growing risks children face in the digital world.

At the heart of the conversation was The Digital Disconnect Initiative, a groundbreaking project spearheaded by TechForward Tanzania in collaboration with Save the Children Tanzania and C-Sema. The initiative addresses the often-overlooked dangers that children and young people encounter online—from cyberbullying and exposure to harmful content, to online exploitation and misinformation. As digital platforms increasingly shape how Tanzanian youth interact with the world, the need for stronger protection frameworks has become urgent and unavoidable.

The meeting was both timely and productive, shedding light on how community policing strategies can be integrated with digital safety efforts to reach children and families across different regions. TechForward and the Commission discussed the importance of equipping police officers and community leaders with the right tools, knowledge, and training to identify online threats and respond effectively. They also explored opportunities for public engagement, particularly through school and community outreach programs aimed at raising awareness of online risks and educating parents, guardians, and children on safe digital practices.

A key theme throughout the meeting was the need for cross-sectoral collaboration. By combining the reach and authority of the police force with the grassroots expertise of organizations like TechForward and its partners, the initiative can scale its impact and foster a stronger, more resilient network of child protection advocates. Both parties agreed that promoting online safety should not be limited to policy discussions—it must be an active, inclusive, and ongoing effort across all levels of society.

This partnership signals a shared commitment to building a digital environment where every child feels secure, supported, and informed. It also highlights the pivotal role of law enforcement agencies in preventing digital harm and promoting safer internet use through community-centered approaches.

We are deeply grateful to Commissioner Faustine Shilogile and the entire Community Policing team for their openness, vision, and commitment to child protection. Their support reinforces our belief that real, sustainable change happens when institutions work hand in hand for the greater good.

As we move forward with the Digital Disconnect Initiative, we look forward to developing impactful collaborations and practical interventions that will empower children to safely navigate the digital world. With the strength of our partnerships and a shared purpose, we believe that a safer digital Tanzania is not just possible—it is within reach.