In Tanzania, children with a disability are least likely to enter school, and the most likely to drop out. They are often abandoned, severely mistreated, or h...
So They Can
Disability Inclusion in Rural Tanzanian Schools
GOAL
$45,000
RAISED
$500
international
01/01/2024 > 31/12/2024
FIELD OF INTEREST
- International aid and development
- Education/training and employment
TARGET POPULATION
- People with a disability, illness or disease
- People experiencing socio-economic disadvantage or vulnerability
PROJECT SUMMARY
In Tanzania, children with a disability are least likely to enter school, and the most likely to drop out. They are often abandoned, severely mistreated, or hidden in homes due to stigma, lack of information and poverty.
So They Can works in 34 Government primary and secondary schools in rural Tanzania. Our partner school communities are severely under-resourced, with little to no resources to support the diverse needs of children with disabilities at school, or at home. You can view partner schools interactive map here: https://bit.ly/4a81vUm
To ensure that every child with a disability can access quality education, this project prioritises:
– Identification, treatment, and awareness of disability in school communities.
– Accessible school facilities, that promote an inclusive school environment, and meet the recommended standards set by the Government.
– Trained teachers equipped to practise disability inclusive teaching and learning, with accessible resources.
– Engagement of technical partners that specialise in disability, for assistive device and care.
All of our disability inclusive activities through this project are embedded in our Education Program, which directly benefits 21,700 primary and secondary children and 460 teachers across our partner schools network in 2024.
PROJECT OUTCOMES
Our 2024 impact:
- 7 wheelchairs; 2 standing frames tailor-made for children with physical disabilities by Kyaro Assistive Tech.
- 94 children (45% girls) screened by Kafika House for operative and rehabilitative care for surgically correctable disabilities.
- 29 children (50% girls) provided surgery and rehabilitative care at specialist provider, Kafika House.
- 26 classrooms constructed/renovated at 13 primary schools have safe, inclusive ramps and railings.
- 2 accessible student toilet constructed, and connected to plumbing, at 2 primary schools.
- 500 primary school children (50% girls); 4,000 community members (50% female) from 29 primary schools participate in mobile medical camp and access free disability screening services by trained healthcare professionals.
- 87 Champion Mothers and Fathers; 38 Village Leaders participate in 1-day training on the identification, assessment and treatment procedures of children with disabilities and their families. (Champion parents conduct monthly home and school visits in villages).
- Comprehensive evaluation by Patandi Special Education Teacher Training College for recommendations on inclusive practices in all partner schools
So They Can
So They Can was founded in 2009 on the vision to change the future of children and communities living in poverty through education. We provide quality education in East Africa through improved learning conditions, teacher training, child development, and women’s empowerment through inclusive partnerships with communities and governments. We Educate to Empower.
Our Education Program reaches 32,000 children and their families across 51 government primary and secondary schools in Kenya and Tanzania. We apply a gender-focus to reach vulnerable girls, and women, who face disproportionate barriers in our partner communities.
Our holistic approach improves access, quality and inclusion in education for all children in rural communities through: government partnerships; community and stakeholder engagement; school infrastructure and resource improvement; teacher training and professional development; student wellbeing (child rights and protection; school feeding programs, access to water, hygiene and sanitation), development of school boards and management and quality Early Childhood Development.
So They Can is a fully accredited NGO by the Australian Government's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. It is a recognition awarded to less than 1% of Australia's 60,000 NGOs, and acknowledges that we deliver effective, sustainable development outcomes.
BUDGET BREAKDOWN
TOTAL BUDGET: $72,000
FUNDING
| Funding source | Amount |
|---|---|
| Kafika House (confirmed) | $27,000 |
| Funding gap (unconfirmed) | $45,000 |
EXPENSES
| Expense item | Amount |
|---|---|
| 7 wheelchairs; 2 standing frames tailor-made for children with physical disabilities by Kyaro Assistive Tech | $2,540 |
| 94 children (45% girls) screened by Kafika House for operative and rehabilitative care for surgically correctable disabilities. | $1,905 |
| 29 children (50% girls) provided surgery and rehabilitative care at specialist provider, Kafika House. | $27,000 |
| 26 classrooms constructed/renovated at 13 primary schools have safe, inclusive ramps and railings. | $6,345 |
| 2 accessible student toilet constructed, and connected to plumbing, at 2 primary schools | $12,690 |
| 500 primary school children (50% girls); 4,000 community members (50% female) from 29 primary schools participate in mobile medical camp and access free disability screening services by trained healthcare professionals. | $3,965 |
| 87 Champion Mothers and Fathers; 38 Village Leaders participate in 1-day training on the identification, assessment and treatment procedures of children with disabilities and their families. | $4,450 |
| Comprehensive evaluation by Patandi Special Education Teacher Training College for recommendations on inclusive practices in all partner schools | $1,815 |
| Indirect costs inclusive of contribution towards staff salaries, office costs and MEL | $11,290 |
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