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Master of Science in Social Development Practice

Tanzania Field Work: 3-15 May 2010

Child Vulnerability in Arusha, Tanzania


Iain Wood, Rebecca Stanich, Nikolaos Papachristodoulou

The fieldtrip presented us with a unique opportunity to apply what we had learnt
during the Masterʼs course, as well as the chance to witness first-hand the effect
of international discourses and policy in a local development context. The focus of
the 2010 fieldtrip was child vulnerability in Arusha, Tanzania, where we spent two
weeks conducting research in the Kaloleni, Daraja Mbili and Sokon I wards.
Carrying out research of this kind enabled us to appreciate the depth and
complexity of peopleʼs lived experiences of poverty. For instance, we found that
children and guardiansʼ perceptions of poverty encompassed more than just a
lack of material resources, but also included feelings of insecurity in their
immediate surroundings and for the future.

During this time we collaborated with students at CDTI, the Arusha Community
Development Training Institute. These Tanzanian colleagues proved to be an
invaluable resource, aiding us not only with translation but also understanding the
cultural context better. We also worked closely with various other stakeholders,
including municipal officials, local NGOs and community members including
children. We found it remarkable how openly children spoke to us about the harsh
realities in which they lived, and how insightful they were regarding sources of
vulnerability that tended to be overlooked by other members of the community
and policy-makers.

In the months leading up to the fieldtrip, the course helped us to recognise the
importance of giving ʻvoiceʼ to the marginalised and excluded. However, the
fieldtrip brought home the challenges of achieving this in practice and enacting
transformative change.

The experience was a great way to develop our skills both personally and
professionally. It was both intellectually demanding and deeply gratifying, a
wonderful culmination to the yearʼs work.

Development Planning Unit


University College London
34 Tavistock Square
London
WC1H 9EZ
United Kingdom

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