53 kilometers from Mara town, lies Tarime District, an area known for its natural beauty, but also for the significant challenges faced by women and girls. In this district, female genital mutilation (FGM) and child marriage continue to shatter the dreams and lives of many children. However, amidst this darkness, a beacon of hope shines: Pastor Moses Mbaga of the EAGT church in Dinadi ward, Tarime.
Pastor Moses is not just a spiritual leader, but a voice for change. He has dedicated much of his time to educating the community about God’s creation and His purpose for humanity, explaining in detail how human life was intended to be one of dignity, equality, and compassion, before harmful traditions corrupted that state.
For Pastor Moses, spiritual education is closely linked to social education. He painfully explains that poverty is a major driver of child marriage, where parents turn their daughters into “economic assets” by marrying them off at a young age. “Society is very cruel,” he says sadly, “FGM and child marriage are still problems that harm our children.”
Pastor Moses has had the opportunity to participate in various CDF seminars and workshops and receive in-depth education on the harms of FGM and child marriage. “Before CDF, there were many things I did not understand,” he admits. Through this education, he has been able to meet with government leaders and engage them in this social struggle.
In his initiatives, Pastor Moses has established peer groups in the community, reaching over 680 young people, and teaching them about human values, the rights of the girl child, and the beauty of a life free from violence. He has used the church, community meetings, and even door-to-door visits to ensure his message reaches every corner.
“If it weren’t for Pastor Moses, my life would have been completely ruined; I probably wouldn’t have even gone to school,” says Nyasatu from Tarime.
In Pastor Moses’s point of view, his efforts were not in vain. “I am happy that many families have now begun to abandon the harmful tradition of FGM and child marriage.” Traditional leaders who used to perform FGM have now fled, while others have come forward to be taught and educated about the dangers of these practices.
Pastor Moses calls on the community and the government to join forces. He insists that laws must uphold the rights of girls and that education must be provided tirelessly.
