Tambua Utu Foundation

Tambua Utu Foundation

Is a registered non-governmental organization advocating for the rights, dignity, and socio-economic inclusion of people with disabilities (PWDs) in Tanzania. The Foundation works to ensure that persons with disabilities enjoy equal rights and access to education, health services, livelihood opportunities, and social protection, enabling them to live and flourish without discrimination. The name Tambua Utu, meaning “Recognize Dignity” in Swahili, was inspired by lived experiences and direct observations of persistent stigma, neglect, and inhumane treatment of persons with disabilities within many communities. These realities motivated the establishment of the organization to contribute to inclusive communities where PWDs are respected, protected, and supported to reach their full potential, while negative perceptions toward disability are addressed through sustained community sensitization.

The origin of Tambua Utu Foundation is closely linked to the widespread violence against persons with albinism in Tanzania, driven by harmful traditional beliefs that their body parts could bring wealth. Between 2006 and 2014, 659 cases of violence against persons with albinism were reported, including 76 killings, attempted murders, mutilations, abductions, and sexual assaults. It was observed that attacks increased during general election periods, with at least 55 reported cases and 11 killings in 2015 alone, while many incidents remained undocumented. Although Tanzania recorded its first conviction for the killing of a person with albinism in September 2016 at the High Court in Kahama, violence continued. In January 2020, another election year, two cases were reported in Tanga Region, including the killing of a girl with albinism and the disappearance of another who has never been found. In response, Helen who is the founder of Tambua Utu Foundation initiated community education campaigns through local radio to raise awareness on albinism, disability, and human dignity. These campaigns gained wide reach across the Kilimanjaro Region, and following the 2020 general election, no further killings were reported in the region. Building on this impact, Tambua Utu Foundation was formally registered in November 2020 to institutionalize and expand this mission nationwide.

Vision Statement

A Tanzanian society whereby the rights of people with disabilities are safeguarded and they enjoy recognition, participation, dignity and excel to their full potential. The organization envisions long-term inclusive direction and goal that guide women, men, girls, youth and children with disabilities on daily operations.

Mission Statement

Advocating for the reform of discriminatory frameworks, negative socio-economic practices towards people with disabilities and enforcement of inclusive-sensitive approaches benefiting women, men, youth, girls and children with disabilities. In area of promoting access to formal education, linkages to the rehabilitation and medical care/institutions while supporting accessibility to assistive devices/aid. Capacity building on inclusive climate action and green economy, empowerment on vocational, financial literacy, sexual reproductive health and rights for women and girls in collaboration with relevant stakeholders.

Organization Goal:

To evolve strategies and schemes to mainstream and promote disability inclusion and to empower people with disabilities through mass media campaigns, community awareness programs, integrated education initiatives, and by facilitating linkages and supporting access to assistive devices, rehabilitation, and medical care. While working to assist persons with disabilities in bringing their hidden potential to the surface by facilitating rehabilitation through vocational skills development, the organization also works toward addressing their adjustment challenges within families, marital relationships, and the surrounding community at large. Moreover, the organization extends support to improve the quality of life of people with disabilities by addressing their mental health needs through structured psychosocial support.

Organizational Achievements

1) 300 children with disabilities enrolled in primary education at inclusive schools and disability centers after receiving sponsorship, school supplies, food support, and tuition assistance. Beneficiary institutions included Njoro Primary School (20), Ormelili Primary School, Uru Mwasi Primary School (20), Shirimatunda Primary School (50), St. Francis Primary School (120), Mailisita Primary School (49), Tumaini Centre (11), and Moshi Technical School (30).

2) 275 children with physical disabilities received new wheelchairs (one per child), which enabled them to attend school, play with peers, and participate in community and school activities. The wheelchairs improved mobility, reduced disability-related complications, enhanced self-esteem and confidence, and enabled parents and caregivers to engage in income-generating activities.

3) 200 secondary school students with hearing impairments were supported with educational materials, including exercise books, pens, uniforms, and food, at Moshi Technical Secondary School.

4) Out of the 300 children who started primary school, 120 were linked to CCBRT (Comprehensive Community Based Rehabilitation in Tanzania) to attend rehabilitation clinics for a period of three years. In addition, 75 children who received wheelchairs were granted CCBRT membership to access rehabilitation services and wheelchair maintenance as needed.

5) Formation of three mother-to-mother peer support groups (Siha, Hai and Moshi Rural Districts) composed of caregivers of children with disabilities, established to provide psychosocial support, share lived experiences, strengthen coping mechanisms, and promote collective problem-solving. These groups have enhanced emotional well-being, improved caregiving practices, reduced social isolation, and fostered mutual support and advocacy among mothers within their communities.

6) Initiation of economic empowerment activities through beekeeping and tailoring within the three mother-to-mother peer support groups. This initiative provides members with practical skills, income-generating opportunities, and financial independence, while fostering group cohesion, sustainable livelihoods, and the capacity to reinvest in the care and education of their children with disabilities.

7) Tambua Utu Foundation introduced its mission to provide rehabilitation services through the organization by acquiring essential equipment, including standers, positioning seats, walkers, beds, and mattresses. The Foundation plans to complete the acquisition of required tools to provide physiotherapy care for children with cerebral palsy in the surrounding communities.

2026 Program Development (Activities)

1. Mother-to-Mother Peer Support and Livelihood Groups

We currently support three peer groups, each consisting of 20 women caregivers of children with disabilities. Recognizing the lifelong nature of caregiving and its financial demands, the Foundation is strengthening income-generating activities including beekeeping, tree nurseries, vegetable gardening, and financial literacy training. These efforts improve income stability while building peer solidarity and long-term resilience.

2. Therapeutic Care Services Expansion

Beginning in March, the Foundation will launch in-house physiotherapy services. Essential equipment has been secured, and free physiotherapy sessions for children with cerebral palsy will be offered twice weekly by a part-time physiotherapist. Resource mobilization is ongoing to support a future full-time position.

3. Green Economy and Inclusive Climate Action

Our livelihood initiatives align with environmentally sustainable practices. Vegetable gardens improve household nutrition, while beekeeping and tree nurseries support biodiversity, reforestation, and climate resilience. Persons with disabilities and caregivers are positioned as active contributors to climate solutions, strengthening inclusive climate leadership.

4. Education Support Expansion

In 2026, the Foundation will sponsor 50 new students with disabilities. While these students attend government-funded schools where tuition is covered, our support addresses remaining barriers such as uniforms, learning materials, and nutrition. Beneficiaries include children with autism, Down syndrome, developmental and physical disabilities, albinism, low vision, and blindness.

5. Mobility Support Initiative

This year we aim to provide 60 wheelchairs to children and individuals with mobility impairments, improving independence, school attendance, and full participation in daily life. (The number may adjust depending on mid-year fundraising.)

Tambua Utu Foundation Strategic priorities:

Tambua Utu Foundation’s future activities will be derived from the following interconnected focus areas:

1) Accessibility: Expanding inclusive education support, rehabilitation services, assistive devices, and disability-focused medical care.

2) Social Justice and Inclusion: Advocacy, prevention of discrimination and gender-based violence, and strengthening participation of marginalized groups in social and economic systems.

3) Climate Action and Sustainable Livelihoods: Green economy-based income generation, equitable access to resources, and resilience-centered livelihood models for disabled women, girls, youth, and caregivers.

4) Organizational Development: Strengthening governance, operational systems, and institutional capacity to sustain long-term impact.