Twentieth International Conference on Environmental, Cultural, Economic & Social Sustainability

Abstract

Mama Mkubwa Model (MMM) is an indigenous model practiced in Tanzania from pre-colonial era focuses to address the needs of orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) guided by African Ubuntu values at community level. According to MMM all community members and social institutions are responsible for child protection and development under the guidance of African Ubuntu values including compassion, care, and inclusion etc. The model is holistic and collective in nature and functions across various ecological frameworks in the society. The review used desk research method guided by Ubuntu theory. Results have shown that the model represents other African Ubuntu models on development with capacity to work with formal systems. MMM focuses on ecological strengths to address the community problems, shortage of child care work force and HIV/AIDS pandemic increased affected the effectiveness of formal system to address child needs through informal alternative within the community a trusted elder woman from the extended family, under the supervision of whole community. MMM worked well to improve the welfare and mental health of OVC and their families, and capacitate children affected by HIV and AIDS through voluntary home visit, alternative care and community counseling. MMM worked well to empower communities with skills to collectively identify and timely address problems faced by children and their families through pooling collective resources for addressing identified problems. Conclusion MMM is a vital ecological framework for child development as it is voluntary and community-owned in nature which guarantees sustainable and timely accessible service to children.