Seba’s Journey Home

GCA Tanzania

January 2026

At just seven years old, Seba—a child living with cerebral palsy—became a victim of human trafficking for forced begging. Separated from his parents for two months, he was pushed through the streets of Dar es Salaam, his disability exploited as a tool to generate income for traffickers.

Seba’s story began in a rural region of central Tanzania, where his parents struggled to care for him due to limited resources and understanding of his condition. Desperate for help, they trusted a seemingly kind-hearted man who promised medical treatment for Seba in the city. But instead of receiving care, Seba was handed over to traffickers.

Once in Dar es Salaam, he was given a wheelchair—not for his mobility, but to be used as a prop for begging. The little boy who needed care and protection was reduced to a source of income for criminals.

Sadly, Seba’s case is not unique. A study by the National AIDS Control Program (NACP) estimates that eight out of every 1,000 Tanzanians are victims of human trafficking. Children—especially those with disabilities—are particularly vulnerable, often exploited for forced begging or labor in urban cities like Dar es Salaam.

The Intervention: GCA Works to Restore Families

Government rescue operations occasionally remove children from the streets, but many, like Seba, are then placed in orphanages, where family reunification can take years due to resource constraints.

GCA works to prevent unnecessary institutionalization, ensuring that children like Seba are reunited with their families as quickly as possible.

Seba’s Reunification

After his rescue, GCA’s team worked alongside Social Welfare Officers Fatuma and Songoro, conducting assessments to understand Seba’s needs and his family’s circumstances. The team:

~ Linked Seba to a district hospital for essential medical care

~ Worked with his parents to prepare them for his return

~ Organized a community awareness meeting on the dangers of trafficking and the importance of child protection

At last, Seba was reunited with his family, where he now receives the love, care, and support he needs.