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Catholic Archbishop in Tanzania Raises Concern over Neglect of the Boy Child

Credit: Jugo Media Network
Nicholas Waigwa

By Nicholas Waigwa

Arusha, 09 January, 2026 / 4:59 pm (ACI Africa).

The Local Ordinary of the Catholic Archdiocese of Arusha has raised concern over what he describes as an “emerging trend” that is leaving the boy child increasingly marginalized.

Speaking at St. Therese of the Child Jesus Cathedral of his Metropolitan See where he presided over the Diaconate Ordination of 11 Deacons on Thursday, January 8, Archbishop Isaac Amani Massawe said, “It is now time to focus our thoughts on achieving a balance.”

“As parents, guardians, and as a society, we must recognize a certain emerging trend. Boys are often left to find their own way, as if they have no problems and need no guidance, support, or care,” Archbishop Amani said and added, “This is where we go wrong.”

While acknowledging that the girl child had “historically faced challenges,” the Tanzanian Catholic Church leader emphasized the need for striking a balance, saying, “We must not leave boys behind while giving girls all the priority.”

“We should not think that by favoring only one side, everything will be fair. If water is poured on one side, it will overflow and leave the other side dry,” he said and went on to highlight the importance of ensuring boys and girls are raised together so that each one recognizes their identity, talents, and unique roles.”

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Archbishop Amani observed that today there are growing trends of children being raised in fear and without confidence, with some also facing moral and behavioral challenges. 

He said, “We see trends where children grow up with fear, lacking confidence, and some face moral and behavioral challenges. Often, when you hear a child speak, they may say, ‘Mom sent me to school, Mom did this, Mom did that.’”

“The child forms the perception that only the mother is responsible. Even if the father contributes, he is often not recognized. It is extremely important to maintain balance in upbringing,” Archbishop Amani added, warning that “A boy who is not properly guided may grow up fearful or develop behavioral issues.

The 74-year-old Archbishop, who began his episcopal ministry in February 2008 in the Catholic Diocese of Moshi, invited the people of God under his pastoral care to unite in ensuring that the boy child is not left behind.

He said, “Why is it that nowadays, in society, we often hear phrases like, ‘Lift up the girl,’ ‘Help the girl,’ and ‘Empower the girl’?” That is good, but what about the boys? This is a responsibility for all of us. Let us work together so that many boys can have the opportunity for quality formation and learning.”

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“God created boys with a special purpose; they must be nurtured to become responsible, self-reliant individuals who can contribute to society and the nation,” Archbishop Amani stated. 

Nicholas Waigwa

Nicholas Waigwa is a Kenyan multimedia journalist and broadcast technician with a professional background in creating engaging news stories and broadcasting content across multiple media platforms. He is passionate about the media apostolate and Catholic Church communication.

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