On April
22, 2014, in Moshi Municipality, Samir from Langoni Street was discovered with
his left leg tied by rope to a heavy metal object near a door.
By
Adonis Byemelwa
Shinyanga: In
today’s rapidly evolving society, traditional family structures have changed
dramatically. In my rural Kagera area, where I grew up, it was common for
extended family members to live together, sharing responsibilities and
childcare. This communal approach meant there was no need for housemaids, as
relatives would collectively handle household chores and child-rearing.
However,
the shift towards nuclear families, driven by individualism and economic
pressures, has led to significant changes. Many parents now face the challenge
of balancing work and childcare, leading to an increased demand for daycare
centers. These centers have become a crucial solution for many families,
particularly in urban areas, where traditional support systems have diminished.
The
early years of a child's life, from birth to age two, are critical for
emotional, linguistic, and social development. Ideally, this nurturing takes
place at home, with parents and caregivers closely involved in the child's
growth. Yet, the rise in child abuse—encompassing physical, emotional,
psychological, and sexual abuse—has heightened the need for safe, regulated
environments where children can be cared for properly.
Sexual
abuse, including rape, sodomy, exposure to pornography, and involvement in
sexual content production, represents a severe threat. These abuses inflict
deep psychological scars, manifesting as depression, anxiety, and long-term
stress. Physically, abused children may suffer from injuries and chronic
illnesses that hinder their growth and development, while their social
interactions may be adversely affected, leading to diminished self-esteem and
social withdrawal.
In
response to these dangers, many parents are turning to daycare centers as a
safer alternative. These facilities, increasingly prevalent in cities, offer a
controlled environment where children are supervised and protected. Regulation
4(1) of the 2012 Day Care Centers and Nursery Schools Regulations mandates that
only registered individuals can operate such centers. This regulation
underscores the importance of adhering to legal requirements to avoid penalties
and ensure children's safety.
The
process of registering a daycare center involves compliance with the Child Act
of 2009 and the 2012 regulations. The premises must be inspected and approved
by a local health officer to confirm their suitability for child care
(Regulation 4(3)). If the center operates in a leased property, the lease
agreement must be valid for at least three years (Regulation 4(4)).
Additionally, the center’s owner must
demonstrate financial stability and ensure the facility is equipped with
adequate play equipment. Applicants must be mentally sound and commit to not
transferring or selling the center’s certificate.
Despite
these regulations, some parents still face challenges finding safe and reliable
daycare services. In Shinyanga, a region grappling with limited resources and
varying standards, parents have shared their reasons for choosing daycare
centers. “I send my child to a daycare center because I can’t be sure of the
safety of housemaids,” said one anonymous parent. “With the increasing reports
of abuse, it feels like a safer option to have my child in a regulated
environment.”
Another parent, also wishing to remain anonymous, added, “The daycare center offers structured activities and social interaction that I can't provide at home. I work long hours, and I want to ensure my child is in a stimulating environment rather than just being left with a housemaid who might not engage with them properly.”
Government oversight is critical in maintaining standards for the daycare scene. Photo: Courtesy
In
urban areas, early morning drop-offs at daycare centers are common. Parents
often leave their young children at these facilities before daylight,
highlighting the critical role these centers play in their daily routines. The
shift from relying on extended family support to using professional childcare
services reflects broader societal changes and the need for structured
environments to ensure child safety and development.
For
parents who cannot afford daycare services, the alternative often involves
bringing their children to work. This scenario is particularly prevalent in
markets and other informal sectors, where parents carry their young ones while
they work. “I have no choice but to bring my child with me,” explained an
anonymous Shinyanga parent. “The cost of daycare is too high, and I can’t risk
leaving my child with someone I don’t trust.”
Jean
Piaget, the Swiss psychologist, highlighted the significance of the
sensorimotor stage (0-2 years), where children learn through sensory
experiences and physical interactions. Daycare centers provide a stimulating
environment that enhances cognitive development through touch, sight, and movement.
This level of interaction is often more structured than what might be available
in a home setting, where resources for such developmental activities might be
limited.
Erik
Erikson, the German-American psychoanalyst, emphasized that early childhood is
crucial for building trust. The first year of life requires consistent and
responsive care to develop a sense of security. Daycare centers can offer this
level of reliable care, fostering a sense of trust that is essential for later
stages of development.
Sigmund
Freud, the Austrian neurologist, described the oral stage of development in the
first two years of life, where children learn primarily through oral
exploration. Consistent, affectionate care during this period is crucial for
healthy development. Daycare centers can provide this nurturing environment,
fulfilling the needs Freud identified as fundamental for a child’s growth.
The
theories of Piaget, Erikson, and Freud collectively underscore the importance
of well-designed daycare environments. These centers offer enriching
experiences that support cognitive and emotional growth, often surpassing what
is available in-home settings, especially when compared to informal or less
regulated childcare options.
As
the demand for daycare services grows, so does the importance of ensuring that
these facilities adhere to high safety standards. Recent incidents, such as the
tragic death of a child in a daycare center in 2022, highlight the need for
rigorous and ongoing training for staff. “Training needs to be continuous,”
said a Shinyanga parent who wished to remain anonymous. “It’s crucial for
ensuring that staff are prepared to handle emergencies and provide high-quality
care.”
Government
oversight is critical in maintaining standards for daycare centers. Regular
inspections and strict enforcement of health and safety regulations are
essential to ensure that these centers provide a safe environment. Parents must
have accessible channels for reporting concerns, with assurances that their
complaints will be addressed promptly.
The
safety of daycare centers also affects parents' well-being. Knowing that their
children are in a secure environment contributes to their peace of mind and
overall quality of life. “I feel more at ease knowing my child is in a center with
proper safety measures,” noted another anonymous parent from Shinyanga. “It
helps me focus on my work without constant worry.”
Indeed,
the growing need for daycare services highlights the critical importance of
maintaining high standards of safety and quality. Parents must carefully choose
reputable centers that demonstrate a commitment to exceptional care and
security, ensuring their children are placed in environments that foster
healthy development and provide peace of mind.
Regulatory
bodies also play a vital role in enforcing stringent safety measures and
conducting regular inspections. By demanding excellence and accountability, we
can create secure environments that not only protect our children but also
uphold the trust parents place in these facilities. Ensuring rigorous standards
and vigilant oversight is essential for every child to thrive in a nurturing
and safe setting.
Dr.
Laura Jana, a leading US-based pediatrician and author renowned for her
expertise in early childhood development, asserts, "Quality early care and
education are vital for setting the groundwork for a child’s future success.
It's not merely about supervision; it's about
crafting an environment that fosters growth, ensures emotional security, and
encourages learning." Her perspective underlines the critical need for
rigorous standards and dedicated care in daycare centers, emphasizing the
significant role these settings play in shaping a child's overall development
and well-being.