Fitting in
On streets and at transport hubs across Mwanza, Tanzania, at least 2,000 children struggle to survive each day amid poverty, abuse and violence*. We always aim to reunite children with their families, but returning home isn’t always an option. That’s why our partnership with Fit Persons is so important.
The Fit Person programme is a government initiative that provides temporary alternative family-based care for the country’s most vulnerable children – especially those who have been living and working on the street.
Adults who apply to be Fit Persons go through extensive social screening and training in vital skills around child protection, trauma-informed care and parental approaches. Unlike the UK’s foster care system, Fit Persons are not paid, which is why the support that Railway Children provides is so important.
Thanks to you, we support many Fit Persons – including grandmothers Catherine and Rose in Mwanza.
Meet our Fit Persons
Catherine
Catherine has welcomed 15 children into her home during her time as a Fit Person, alongside her own grandchildren.
“Before I became a Fit Person, I already provided care for vulnerable children in my local community, as well as looking after my grandchildren, and was often consulted by the community leader if a parent needed help with their child,” explains Catherine. “So, when Railway Children asked whether I would become a Fit Person, I was happy to say yes.
“All 15 children I have looked after have been very different. Some are talkative, some are quiet; some are angry, and some have challenging behaviour.
“We always try to overcome these challenges together and I treat these children as if they are my own.”
Rose
Rose, who lives on the same street as Catherine, also has experience of looking after children who have been separated from their parents.
“My daughter left her two-year-old child with me when she went to work away,” says Rose. “Later, she came back to visit with a friend who also left her very young baby with me. The Social Welfare Officer granted me permission to look after the child and, from that experience, I was put forward to become a Fit Person.
“That was four years ago and, since then, I have looked after another 21 children.”
Safara's story
““The team are good at following up and checking in on us. If we have challenges, we can always speak to someone from Railway Children, and they will support us. For example, project workers will often get us more bedsheets and mattresses for the children.
"RCA also provides us with a care package when a child is placed with us, which includes things like flour for making ugali, cooking oil, soap and clothes.””
Rose & Catherine
All part of the job
Both Rose and Catherine agree that Railway Children is a great organisation to work with.
They also both agree on the hardest part of their job. “It’s always the letting go,” they say. “Although many of the children stay in touch,” adds Catherine, “it’s good to hear they are doing well.”
£21 could pay for someone like Catherine or Rose to train as a Fit Person for a day, so more children have a stable, loving home to be part of.
*Names have been changed and models used to protect identities.
Your money will be used wherever the need is greatest to support children across India, Tanzania and the UK.