About WWF
The Wapo Wapi Foundation (WWF) is a non-governmental organization founded in 2023, with registration number 00NGO/R2/4311, registered under the Non-Governmental Organizations Act of the United Republic of Tanzania of 2002. Its purpose is to address the issue of missing children in Tanzania.
The foundation takes its name from the Swahili phrase ‘Wapo wapi,’ which translates to ‘Where are they?’ in English. This name reflects the heart-wrenching question often asked by parents and families of missing children in Tanzania.
- We make a difference
We serve as a beacon of hope for children and their families by providing essential assistance and support. With a diverse range of services, the foundation works tirelessly to reduce the number of missing children, increase the chances of locating them, and safely reunite them with their families.
Through our unwavering dedication and commitment to this noble cause, WWF is positively impacting countless lives, bringing hope for a brighter future to children and their families.
We believe that no family should have to face the trauma of a disappearance alone.
Slogan
"Every Child Counts" prioritizes children's well-being, safety, and rights.
Mission
To reduce missing cases and improve the chances of recovering a missing child.
Maono
We believe that no family should have to face the trauma of a disappearance alone.
Our Programmes
Our Approach: Prevention, Education, and Recovery
Addressing the issue of missing children requires a multifaceted and comprehensive approach that includes not only locating the missing child but also providing critical support and resources to their families and the surrounding community.
That’s why our programs focus on prevention, education, and recovery efforts.
Awareness Campaign
The primary goal of the awareness campaign is to reduce the number of missing children by educating the public about the associated risks and preventive measures. The campaign aims to instill a sense of responsibility among parents, caregivers, law enforcement agencies, and the general public to take action in preventing child disappearances and aiding in their recovery.
Additionally, the campaign provides practical tips, resources, and support to empower individuals and communities to implement preventive measures and respond effectively in the event of a missing child.
Emergency Response
The emergency response program for missing children prioritizes swift reporting and alert systems, clear communication protocols, and collaborative search efforts involving trained volunteers, law enforcement, and stakeholders.
Additionally, the program offers mental health support and resources for families of missing children to enhance search efforts and increase the chances of locating the child while providing essential support.
Ongoing Support
The impact of a missing child is significant, not only on the child but also on their family. The absence of a child can cause overwhelming emotions, disrupt family structure and functioning, and lead to physical symptoms such as insomnia and increased stress levels. Even after a missing child is reunited with their family, emotional challenges may persist. The trauma experienced by the child and the emotional aftermath can be difficult to navigate, making ongoing support crucial for healing and rebuilding.
If the child is not found, providing validation, professional support, and healthy coping strategies can help the family move forward with patience, compassion, and self-care. Ongoing support from counseling and other services is essential for helping families cope with the emotional and physical impacts of a missing child.
Researches and Reports
We continually analyze existing mechanisms, such as laws, policies, and strategies regarding missing children both in Tanzania and globally. We believe that by studying and understanding the underlying factors contributing to cases of missing children, we can develop effective strategies and policies to address this issue and better protect children in Tanzania.
The Road To Wapo Wapi Foundation
My name is Hassan Mohamed Toziri, and I was born in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Driven by a passion for creating a more just and equitable world, I have dedicated much of my life to social causes and community development initiatives.
In 2012, I participated in the International Youth Ambassador Program. Later, in 2016/2017, I was selected as a Champion for Change under UN Women’s Empower Women Programme, where I was subsequently appointed as a UN Women Ambassador, becoming one of five representatives from Tanzania. I also served as a Peace Ambassador with the International Peace Youth Group (IPYG) for more than four years, promoting peace-building initiatives and youth engagement.
My commitment to youth empowerment extended to serving as an On-Campus Mentor for the Hult Prize in East Africa in 2018. Prior to that, I spent three years working with the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) on refugee and youth programs across East Africa, first as a Project Coordinator and later as a Project Manager.
A defining moment in my journey came when I saw a poster of a missing child in Magomeni, near my residence in Dar es Salaam. Moved by the situation, I joined the search efforts and soon discovered that many children go missing in Tanzania each year, with numerous cases remaining unreported, overlooked, or forgotten.
This experience inspired me to establish the Wapo Wapi Foundation (WWF) in 2023. The foundation is dedicated to strengthening efforts to address child disappearances by providing support and resources to affected families while advocating for a safer environment for children across Tanzania. Through this work, I aim to raise awareness, mobilize communities, and inspire others to join the mission of protecting children and reuniting missing children with their families.
Today, I remain committed to driving positive social change and empowering communities through leadership, advocacy, and innovation.