Shule Kwanza, Ajira Baadae

Back 2 School

Why children are sent to domestic work?

  • Survival strategy

  • Poverty

  • Large family

  • Hidden costs of schooling

  • Poor parental care

  • Early pregnancies/ marriage

The Challenge

Over 14% of domestic workers have no formal schooling, and limited access to quality education—especially in rural areas pushes children and adolescents into work. Starting work early prevents school attendance and increases vulnerability to exploitation and trafficking. Social norms and employer restrictions often block education and social interaction, further marginalizing child domestic workers.

Educational Programs

  • To promote education advocacy and awareness, WoteSawa has established 25 school clubs in Ngara and Kasulu districts. These clubs provide safe spaces for students to learn about child rights, the dangers of child labour and human  trafficking, and the importance of education. Led by peer educators and supported by trained teachers, these clubs have reached 1,303 students,  fostering leadership and raising awareness among young people.


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  • WoteSawa runs vocational training programs in each of its safehouse offices, targeting both rescued survivors and vulnerable youth in surrounding communities. The training equips participants with practical skills in areas such as tailoring, hand-crafts, and entrepreneurship, while also building self-confidence and independence, reducing the likelihood of re-exploitation.


  • Recognizing that poverty drives child labour and school dropout, WoteSawa provides livelihood support to parents and caregivers. Through agro-ecology and small-scale entrepreneurship projects, families gain sustainable income-generating skills, enabling them to meet household needs including school costs without relying on children’s earnings. This support strengthens parental commitment to education and helps break the intergenerational cycle of poverty and exploitation.


  • WoteSawa leads national and local advocacy initiatives  promoting children’s right to education. Its flagship campaign, “Shule Kwanza, Ajira Baadae” (School First, Work Later), encourages parents, employers, and communities to prioritize schooling over child labour. Through media, school visits, and community dialogues, the campaign challenges harmful social norms and encourages accountability in reporting cases of child exploitation.


  •  WoteSawa ensures that rescued and vulnerable children access education by covering school fees and providing essential learning materials, including uniforms, books, and stationery, removing financial barriers that might otherwise prevent school attendance.