Urgent appeal to support Child Mothers in Tanzania

FORWARD's project with child mothers and child brides in Tanzania has been selected by The Big Give Christmas Challenge 2012, which is an annual funding event where online pledges of a minimum of £100 will be matched. All pledges need to be made by 14th October 2012 to be matched by The Big Give Christmas Challenge. Help us to provide a brighter future for these young girls and pledge now.

Background to the project in Tanzania

Child marriage and teenage pregnancy is a major problem in Tanzania. More than 38 % of girls are married before 18 years because it is legal to marry at 14yrs in Tanzania. Girls face many risks to their health and well-being by being married at such a young age. Pregnant girls are more likely to experience complication in childbirth which can lead to obstetric fistula and increased rates of infant and maternal deaths.

Many married girls drop out of school or are forced to leave and fail to acquire basic education skills. They are less likely to have access to information on child development and parenting skills. Many experience domestic violence due to their young age. With limited access to education, livelihood options, and early and multiple pregnancies, the majority of these girls face a life of increased poverty and ill-health.

FORWARD is working with Children's Dignity Forum (CDF), a Tanzanian local organisation to support child mothers. Our project will enable child mothers to increase their skills and knowledge of their rights and provide livelihood options. The project will help the girls set up networks, leadership and business skills training and will provide child mothers the opportunity to return to education.

Please donate to the Child Mothers Project in Tanzania, see here for details The Big Give.

For further information contact FORWARD on: 020 8960 4000 or email: forward@forwarduk.org.uk

The Saturdays’ visit to our project in Tanzania

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