The Babawatoto Centre for children and youth was established in 2006 in Makurumla, a densely populated suburb of Dar es Salaam city. The founder is Mr. Mgunga Mwa Mnyenyelwa, a renowned theatre practitioner who was also founder of the well-known theatre organization Parapanda Theatre. Babawatoto Centre aims to empower young people and marginalised communities to overcome challenges of gender bias, poverty, crime and disease. Babawatoto envisions a society with children and youth free from any form of abuse in Tanzania.
Babawatoto is an innovative organization using mostly participatory approaches including the performing arts and acrobatics. More than 80 kids involved in acrobatics, trapeze arts, juggling and samba reggae percussion have enhanced their capacities at Babawatoto.
Babawatoto uses acrobatics as a tool to raise community awareness about street children. Street theatre performances attract children to Babawatoto Centre instead of playing around dumpsites. Their show is a unique form of entertainment that entertains people of all ages and backgrounds.