Compassion International (Tanzania), an international NGO working in Tanzania visited the Diocese of Tarime on 25 August 2011 to conduct a seminar on child ministry. "The country director, Mr Joseph Mayala led the seminar for clergy and over 120 members of parish councils (vestry) in the whole diocese. Senior diocesan leaders also attended the seminar.
Mr Mayala underscored the place of the child in the family, in the church, as well as in the community. He used both the Bible and the social context to emphasize the need for churches to initiate strong ministries that focus on the child in the family and in the church. He said it was not enough to teach children Bible lessons on Sunday, but that such teaching needed to be rooted in the daily family life, school life, and life of the community as a whole.
"Without a child who knows Christ today, and without giving priority to the needs of that child, we may not have a strong church and nation tomorrow" said Mr Mayala. He added, "the commitment to child ministry is not an option. So churches should be able to set apart a portion of funds in their annual budget for the development of the child spiritually, mentally, socially and economically".
The Diocesan Bishop, Dr Mwita Akiri gave the keynote address.