From 18-22 May 2026, 14 police officers serving under the Gender and Children’s Desk in Mwanza completed a five-day specialist training on child sexual abuse interviewing and crime scene forensics, delivered through a partnership between Railway Children Africa (RCA) and the College of Policing, with the transportation of specialist forensic equipment made possible thanks to global aviation and logistics company, ProCharter.
Author: Lucy Carman | Date: 29th May 2026 | Mwanza, Tanzania
The programme aimed to further strengthen the skills and confidence of officers engaged in child protection work, supporting ongoing efforts to safeguard children and improve justice outcomes.
Coordinated by Railway Children Africa, the training focused on enhancing investigative and forensic capacity through a trauma‑informed approach, ensuring that children who have experienced abuse are supported sensitively while evidence is gathered effectively.
Over the course of the week, participants engaged in practical and interactive sessions covering:
The training also explored the psychological impact of abuse and toxic stress on children, equipping officers with a deeper understanding of how trauma can affect memory, communication and behaviour.
The programme was opened and officiated by Tanzania’s National Coordinator of the Police Gender and Children’s Desk, ACP Ms. Faidha Y. Suleiman, highlighting the strong leadership and commitment of the Tanzania Police Gender Desk to protect children and strengthen professional practice.
“This innovative training is an exciting step forward that builds on the already successful collaboration Railway Children Africa has developed with the Police Force in Mwanza over recent years. By strengthening skills in trauma‑informed interviewing and forensic practice, we hope the training will support greater awareness of the abuse children face and contribute positively to justice outcomes for survivors.”
Tanzania’s National Coordinator of the Gender and Child Protection Desk, ACP Ms. Faidha Y. Suleiman, said:
“I sincerely thank Railway Children for partnering with the College of Policing to organise this training.
“Your support reflects a clear recognition of the important role played by the police gender desk as a lead coordinator in matters of child protection and safety in Tanzania.
“The training is part of our ongoing efforts to strengthen the capacity of the Gender and Children’s Desk so that officers are better equipped to protect children and respond effectively to their needs.”
In addition, ACP Ms Faidha Y. Suleiman, emphasised the importance of remaining calm and continuously building knowledge during this training as a foundation for effective work and child safeguarding. She also underscored the need for cooperation and commitment in putting into practice what participants will learn during the training.
Detective Superintendent Phil Etheridge, Head of Investigative and Technical Skills at the College of Policing, said:
“It was a real privilege to be invited to work with Railway Children Africa, the Tanzanian Police and partner organisations, including local safeguarding and investigative authorities. During our five days in Mwanza, we delivered training to local first responders and investigators based on College of Policing guidance. This focused on identifying opportunities to gather forensic evidence and interview vulnerable victims using a trauma-informed approach.
“Although we police in different countries and communities, we were united by a shared dedication to public service. I was proud of the work we achieved together, equipping local police and partner organisations with the skills and knowledge needed to secure successful prosecutions for offences against some of the most vulnerable in society.”
“I have gained a better understanding of violence, how to interview children and survivors, how to build trust and friendship with survivors, and how to handle children who have experienced trauma.”
Another participating Police Officer said:
Railway Children Africa works closely with the Government of Tanzania, police, social welfare services and local communities to support children who are found lost, alone or at risk in bus terminals, including in Mwanza. Through early intervention, children can be reached quickly, supported into safety and protected from further harm.
This work is delivered through Social Welfare Service Child Support Desks at bus terminals, operated in collaboration with Social Welfare Officers and key stakeholders in the transport industry and local community. These safe spaces enable children travelling alone to access immediate protection and assistance.
From 18 – 22 May 2026, 14 police officers serving under the Gender and Children’s Desk in Mwanza successfully completed a five-day specialist training on child sexual abuse interviewing and crime scene forensics, delivered through a partnership between Railway Children Africa (RCA) and the College of Policing.
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