SEGA Staff Highlight: Suzan, SEGA's Child Protection Officer

Meet Suzan, SEGA’s Dedicated Child Protection Officer

Suzan brings a wealth of experience and passion to her role as SEGA's Child Protection Officer. With over four years working in child welfare, Suzan has a background at SOS Children’s Village and Plan International Tanzania, where she developed a commitment to ensuring safe environments for children. Her dedication to child protection brought her to SEGA in August 2023, where she now works to safeguard the well-being of SEGA students.

Every day, Suzan ensures that staff and students follow SEGA’s child protection policies. From training sessions to handling reports of concerns, she is deeply involved in maintaining a safe and supportive school environment. “I work closely with students, listening to their needs and guiding them on how to protect themselves,” she shares. Her role also involves collaborating with other staff to create a nurturing space where students can thrive emotionally and academically.

SEGA students often come from challenging backgrounds, facing poverty or neglect. Suzan emphasizes how critical child protection is to their education and personal growth. “We aim to empower them by ensuring they feel safe and supported so they can focus on their education,” she says. SEGA’s approach includes clear protection policies, regular training, and open communication, giving students the confidence to reach out if they need help.

For Suzan, the most rewarding moments come when her work directly impacts a student’s life. She recalls a student who struggled with home issues that affected her school performance. After building trust, Suzan and the SEGA team provided the necessary support, helping the student regain confidence and excel. “Seeing her turn things around was incredibly rewarding and reinforced how important a strong protection system is,” Suzan reflects.

Trust is at the heart of Suzan’s work. She creates a safe, non-judgmental space where students feel comfortable sharing their concerns. “I remind students that confidentiality is respected, and they can always come to me,” she says. Collaboration is another key aspect—Suzan works closely with teachers, counselors, and the local Social Welfare Department to ensure SEGA’s child protection practices align with national standards.

Looking Ahead

Suzan’s vision for SEGA’s child protection system is to see it grow, incorporating more preventive measures and stronger community involvement. “I hope to take on more of a leadership role in expanding our initiatives and empowering students to advocate for their protection,” she says. Suzan’s commitment to child welfare shines through in her work, helping SEGA students feel safe, supported, and ready to succeed.