Maisha Outreach Therapy Organization (MOTO)

MOTO was founded in November 2016 by a small group of compassionate friends who shared a deep desire to create real and lasting change. The journey began when Judy Freeman, Founder and Director of MOTO, attended a lecture during her Occupational Therapy MSc studies at the University of Cumbria, which explored issues of inequality, occupational deprivation, and social justice. Together with Johnson Dickson, Co-founder and Country Director, and Laura Boothby, Co-founder and Advisor, the team reflected on the challenges they had witnessed in communities across Tanzania and Malawi. They were especially moved by the lack of access to rehabilitation services for children and adults with disabilities gap that often traps families in cycles of poverty, exclusion, and hardship. Motivated by empathy and hope, they came together to form MOTO, and in 2021, the organization was officially registered in Tanzania, strengthening its foundation and commitment to sustainable impact.

MOTO’s vision is to ensure that every child and person with a disability has access to high quality therapy, social support, and the opportunity to live a full and meaningful life. Our mission is to provide accessible and sustainable rehabilitation services, including physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy, while empowering families, communities, and healthcare professionals through training, education, and mentorship. At the heart of our work is a belief in the power of inclusion, compassion, and collaboration. Through advocacy, awareness-raising, skills sharing, and community outreach, we strive to break down stigma, build local capacity, and create pathways toward independence, confidence, and hope.

Through our community based outreach programs, direct therapy services, caregiver training, and provision of assistive devices, MOTO has now reached and supported more than 300 children and their families in remote and underserved areas of Tanzania. Each child represents a story of resilience, courage, and possibility. By working closely with families, schools, health facilities, and community leaders, we help children gain mobility, communication skills, independence, and a renewed sense of belonging. Looking ahead, MOTO is committed to expanding our reach, establishing a rehabilitation and training center, strengthening inclusive education, increasing access to assistive devices, and launching economic empowerment initiatives for caregivers, especially mothers. With the partnership of our donors and supporters, we are building a future where every child and person with a disability is valued, included, and empowered to reach their full potential.