Abstract:
The study investigated the effectiveness of Religious Institutions in Preventing Child
Abuse in Wanging’ombe District, Tanzania. The general objective was to assess the
role of religious institutions in preventing child abuse, focusing specifically on the
effectiveness of religious leaders, the extent of religious education programs, and the
level of engagement by these institutions. This research employed a mixed-methods
approach, involving surveys of 100 respondents including 20 key informants who
were religious leaders, community members, and stakeholders. The study adopted
Convergent parallel design, with purposeful selection of key informants. Descriptive
statistics summarized quantitative data, while thematic analysis was used for
qualitative insights. Findings reveal that religious institutions play a significant role
in preventing child abuse through spiritual guidance, community engagement, and
practical interventions. Religious leaders frequently address child abuse in sermons,
integrate protection topics into education programs, and engage in community
initiatives. Their accessibility and moral authority enhance their effectiveness in
shaping attitudes and offering support. However, challenges remain, including
inconsistencies in addressing cultural beliefs and the need for more comprehensive
educational approaches. The study recommended for strengthening of these leaders
role in preventing child abuse emphasizes increased resources, deeper engagement
with cultural issues, and enhanced program consistency.
