Maisha Outreach Therapy Organization (MOTO)
MOTO is dedicated to providing rehabilitation and therapeutic services to children and people with disabilities.
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.
Fundraisers
Official fundraiser
Support wheelchairs to 20 children with disabilities.
Support 20 children in rural Moshi, Kilimanjaro, Tanzania, to access life changing wheelchairs. For many children living with disabilities in remote communities of Tanzania, something as simple as moving from one place to another can be a daily challenge. Without an appropriate wheelchair, many children spend most of their time inside their homes, are carried by family members, or miss opportunities to attend school, play with friends and participate in community activities. Limited access to rehabilitation services and assistive devices remains a major challenge for children with disabilities, especially for families living far from health and rehabilitation centres. At Maisha Outreach Therapy Organization (MOTO) , we believe that every child deserves the opportunity to move freely, participate fully and live with dignity. Through the Moving Forward Project , we are working to support 20 children with disabilities in rural Kilimanjaro communities by providing them with appropriate wheelchairs and the rehabilitation support needed to use them effectively. Our goal is not only to provide a wheelchair but to help each child gain greater independence, confidence and inclusion in their everyday life. Why a Wheelchair can change a child’s life A wheelchair is more than just a piece of equipment. For a child with a physical disability, it can mean the ability to go to school, join family activities, play with other children and explore their environment with greater independence. Many families in remote areas face financial and geographical barriers that prevent them from accessing suitable mobility devices. Some children use inappropriate equipment, while others remain without any mobility support at all. Over time, this can affect their physical development, education opportunities, social participation and overall wellbeing. The Moving Forward Project responds to this challenge by bringing support closer to children and families who need it most. How We Support Each Child MOTO follows a child-centred rehabilitation approach to ensure that every wheelchair provided meets the individual needs of the child. The project includes: 1. Identifying children in need
Working with families, community health workers and local partners, we identify children who experience significant mobility challenges and have limited access to assistive devices. 2. Professional assessment
Our rehabilitation team assesses each child’s physical abilities, posture, mobility needs, home environment and daily activities to determine the most appropriate wheelchair. 3. Providing suitable wheelchairs
Each child receives a wheelchair selected according to their specific needs rather than a one size fits all approach. This helps improve safety, comfort and independence. 4. Training parents and caregivers
Families receive practical training on wheelchair use, safe transfers, positioning, maintenance and how to support their child’s participation at home and in the community. 5. Followup and continued support
After receiving the wheelchair, children and families receive followup support to ensure the equipment remains suitable and continues improving their daily lives. Our Campaign Goal This campaign aims to support 20 children with disabilities living in remote communities of Kilimanjaro. The cost to support one child is USD 350 , which covers: Child assessment and rehabilitation consultation Appropriate wheelchair support Fitting and adjustment Caregiver training Followup visits and monitoring Total fundraising target: USD 7,000 Your support can give a child the chance to move forward! Any contribution that will make a total of USD 350 can help one child access a wheelchair and the support needed to use it safely and confidently . Together, we can help children who have been limited by mobility barriers to participate in school, connect with their communities and experience greater independence. For a child who has spent years being carried or unable to move freely, a wheelchair is not just a device, it is a pathway to opportunity, dignity and hope. Join us in helping 20 children with disabilities move forward.
- Raised
- $50
- Goal
- $7,000
1 supporter
DonateDonors
Friends of Afrisos LLC To the fundraiser: Support wheelchairs to 20 children with disabilities.