Church Leader Visits Early Childhood Development and Health Initiative Projects in Tanzania

Elder Paul B. Pieper, General Authority Seventy and member of the Africa Central Area Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and his wife, Sister Lisa Pieper, visited Tanzania to observe humanitarian efforts supported by the Church in collaboration with UNICEF on August 24^th, 2025. Alongside Phillip Moatlhodi (Area Welfare and Self-Reliance Manager) and Denis Mukasa (Regional Humanitarian Manager) they engaged with UNICEF officials to assess initiatives aimed at strengthening early childhood education, maternal and newborn health, and immunization services. These efforts align with the Church’s mission to care for those in need and support sustainable development through education, health, and self-reliance.    

During the visit to Songwe Region, Elder and Sister Pieper were warmly welcomed by Dr. Frank George Haule Hawassi, Administrative Secretary of Songwe Province at the regional office. Speaking to government officials, community leaders, and representatives from UNICEF, Elder Pieper reflected on the source of the Church’s contributions to the region’s development efforts and emphasized the deeply personal and spiritual foundation of the Church’s humanitarian work.

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“We're here representing the Church, but really we’re bringing the love of millions of people because the donations that are made are made by millions of people who care about their neighbors,” Elder Pieper said. He added, “That’s the teaching Christ gave us – love your neighbor as yourself.”

In a heartfelt address to the visiting delegation, Dr. Hawassi expressed deep appreciation to UNICEF and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for their enduring partnership in uplifting the region’s education, health, and child protection systems. He emphasized the spiritual and social significance of the collaboration, quoting scripture and calling for continued unity in building a brighter future for Songwe.

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“On behalf of the government of Tanzania, Regional Commissioner Hon. Jabiri Omary Makame, and the people of Songwe Region, I extend heartfelt thanks to UNICEF and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, UNICEF’s largest partner,” Dr. Hawassi said. “Your contributions are unforgettable to God, to every child whose life you’ve touched, to our region, and to the nation. Let us continue to strengthen this partnership as we build a healthier, better educated, and more prosperous Songwe for today, for tomorrow, and for generations to come.”

Following the courtesy call, Elder and Sister Pieper visited the Isewe Satellite Centre. The center is one of 58 satellite centers serving 6,810 children in the Songwe Region, implementing integrated interventions for Early Childhood Education and Development (ECE/ECD). Without it, the children attending would have to travel about 6 kilometers to the nearest school. Elder and Sister Pieper observed classroom sessions, inspected a rehabilitated classroom, and met with satellite management committee members to discuss the implementation of integrated services, renovation progress, and the effectiveness of teacher mentorship programs. These efforts, supported by The Church, have contributed to increased enrollment and improved learning outcomes for children aged 3 to 8 years in the region.

Thereafter, Elder Pieper participated in a Village Health and Nutrition Day (VHND). This community-driven initiative showcased a holistic approach to early childhood development, integrating health, nutrition, education, and child protection services. Community Health Workers (CHWs) demonstrated how services such as growth monitoring, birth registration, and preventive health care are delivered to caregivers in the community. These integrated services, made possible through the Church’s support, are helping build a healthier and more resilient foundation for children in Songwe.

The following day, Phillip Moatlhodi and Denis Mukasa visited 2 facilities in Zanzibar: Mwera Health Center, a primary health care facility, and the Zanzibar Skill Lab at Lumumba Regional Hospital. They were accompanied by Laxmi Bhawani Majji (Chief, UNICEF Zanzibar Office), Wendy Erasmus (Chief of Health, UNICEF), and Maryam Hemed (Health Specialist, UNICEF). At Mwera Health Center, they observed a mentorship session led by trained mentors, demonstrating how frontline health workers are being supported to enhance clinical practices, leadership, and management within their facilities.

The Skill Lab at Lumumba Regional Hospital was established with support from The Church to provide a practical training space for health workers. Phillip and Denis observed how medical mannequins and other resources in the lab facilitate hands-on learning. The facility plays a central role in the rollout of Zanzibar’s new Continuing Professional Development (CPD) framework, which aims to institutionalize ongoing training for health professionals.

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They also paid a courtesy call to the Ministry of Health, where they met with the Minister of Health, The Hon. Nassor Ahmed Mazrui, and members of his ministry. Hon. Mazrui expressed deep appreciation for the Church’s collaborative approach in supporting UNICEF-led initiatives on the island.

“We are excited that you have come to work with us in areas where we have gaps. You have not come up with your own imagined problems, but you have come and seen. You have come and seen what the problem is, and your intervention is on the right track,” said the Minister.

The Ministry of Health of Zanzibar and UNICEF expressed gratitude for the Church’s support, which has enabled the training of educators and health workers, the renovation of learning spaces, and the delivery of life-saving health services, reaffirming the shared commitment to nurturing the potential of every child and building resilient communities.

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