When Special Needs just are not special enough...
“No Amount of Beating Will Help a Child with Learning Difficulties”.
Powerful words from an outstanding Tanzanian teacher who walked away from his teaching position in a desperately poor Government Secondary School because the local education system wouldn’t allow him to help students who were struggling in the classroom
Sadly, many students who fail to meet academic expectations in Tanzanian Government Schools are still subjected to corporal punishment, by caning, with little or no consideration as to the underlying reason they are failing to achieve.
With no accountability at all, teachers regularly dismiss a child’s classroom failure as stemming from such cultural factors as:
Unsettled or unstable home environment
Intergenerational poverty
Poor nutrition
Inappropriate family circumstances
Limited family support
Long and Arduous school commutes
Lack of understanding of the role of education.
In this education environment, it is widely reported that on average only 33% of all children who commence primary school, reach Advanced Secondary Levels, years 11 and 12
*Unesco Institute for Capacity Building In Africa.
Worse still, it is reported, only 7% of girls complete Secondary School and advance to Tertiary studies
*Unesco Institute for Capacity Building In Africa.
Despite these statistics, there is absolutely no process in place to identify children with intellectual disabilities, as well as appropriately trained teachers to support them.
Children with Disabilities in Tanzania: The Challenges Families Face
Traditionally, in Tanzania’s culture, where contraception and family planning have been discouraged and polygamy is still a way of life for many, the birth of a child has long been welcomed as a “Gift from God”.
But sadly, not every child is welcomed with the same opportunities or acceptance.
Children born with albinism have historically faced discrimination, hidden away and ostracized from society. Even the victims of serious threats to their safety.
Only in more recent years, have albino children and adults been increasingly visible and participating independently in all aspects of society, safely and confidently.
In fact, in the growing, high powered local fashion industry, Albino models are now enjoying greater recognition and opportunities. Babies born with physical disabilities or developmental differences continue however, to face enormous challenges in Tanzania.
With little or no government support available, these children are often born into families already struggling with poverty through lack of employment. Families which have neither the knowledge, nor the resources to provide the care and support their child needs.
Those children too often, experience neglect or even, abandonment.
Many never have the opportunity to attend school, grow up with confidence or independence and remain destined for a tragic, undignified life of begging on the streets.
For children born with cerebral palsy or spina bifida, life holds even less hope.
A destiny determined so early in life, by circumstances completely beyond their control.
Learning Difficulties and Inclusive Education in Tanzanian Schools
Against this cultural and economic background, it is not surprising that learning difficulties are rarely recognized or adequately addressed within a rigid and uncompromising education system.
Where classroom teaching practices and results rely heavily on students copying prescribed information from a blackboard, memorizing it and reproducing it verbatim at exam times, children who learn differently, face enormous barriers.
Conditions such as autism, dyslexia, dyscalculia and auditory processing disorder, ADHD, can affect how a child understands, processes and retains information, and yet they are conditions rarely considered in family or education circles.
In fact, when a young primary school student displaying behaviors consistent with autism was brought to the attention of the classroom teacher by a visitor to the school, the teacher simply smiled and commented that the child was “kichaa”, a local word meaning crazy, often used to describe anyone doing things differently, unusual, or outside the accepted cultural norms.
There was little understanding of what autism might mean, or how to help that child.
That same child, subsequently, was denied the opportunity to attend a privately owned Primary School offering an increased level of classroom care, despite the availability of financial sponsorship, because his attendance there would have required the family to relocate.
Sadly, a huge challenge for the family, but also a reflection on the lack of family commitment to their children’s futures.
Today, having settled into a Government Primary School, local to home, we are reassured to report, he is doing well.
Through one-on-one classroom volunteer tuition, the inclusion of creative learning materials, and the simple act of a teacher demonstrating, to the child, he is important, we are seeing real improvements.
Improving Education Outcomes Through Individual Student Support
We are buoyed also to see marked improvements at our partner Secondary School in Kaloleni, Moshi, Boma Mbuzi. Individual classroom volunteer tuition, has opened new doors of understanding for students unable to grasp basic mathematics and science concepts, previously beyond their reach.
We eagerly await the results of recently conducted Government National Exams vindicating our work at Boma Mbuzi.
Our creative learning, personal care workshops and volunteer classroom tuition, coupled with our financial support for the 6-month boarding study program leading up to the examinations, have the potential to bring results not only elevating the academic status of Boma Mbuzi in its inspectorate of 19 schools, but, more importantly, results which demonstrate the value of impactful initiatives for these students.
Academic Results are Only PART of the Story.
Local teachers are watching. They are taking notice and seeing first-hand the difference well delivered information can make to education outcomes, but most importantly, they are beginning to recognize that not every child learns in the same way.
They are discovering the satisfaction of seeing a previously struggling child make progress, and the joy of putting a smile on a child’s face.
This is how change begins.
Not necessarily through major reforms or expensive programs, but through people who care enough to do something differently.
How Volunteers Can Support Special Needs Education in Tanzania
Volunteer Opportunities in Tanzania: Help Children Build a Better Future
I have no desire to challenge Tanzanian authorities on their education practices.
There is, thankfully, growing political and community awareness of the importance to do better for special needs children. Albeit slowly.
I do however, intend to continue my quest to put children’s needs first in Tanzania.
To continue to find ways to give children the best possible chance of a worthwhile, independent life, where they can shape their own future.
I Invite Your Help.
Specialist skills are always welcomed but not essential.
A caring heart, the genuine passion to help children live their best possible lives and a commitment to making a difference, can change a child’s life forever.
How Volunteers Can Make a Difference
Volunteering comes with many rewards; here is what we can offer you in return.
Experience.
A meaningful variety of rewarding volunteer experiences
Introductions to schools, Not for Gain organizations, and care facilities where you will be welcomed by our trusted and proven in country partners
Volunteer opportunities delivering Tanzanian cultural awareness and life experiences
Opportunities to work in communities alongside local teachers and a strong team of English speaking co-workers
Materials for practical, creative learning workshops and fun learning activities.
Friendships, new associations and connections you’ll treasure for life
Lasting memories of an adventure which will change your life forever!
Accommodation.
Safe, homestay accommodation at discounted Volunteer rates at our own home-based air bnb in Moshi. Located in a quiet, established residential area handy to town amenities with breakfast included in the tariff.
Home based living with western bathroom facilities, kitchen access and plenty of inside and garden shared living spaces.
Reliable transport with our own Homestay car and experienced driver. Airport pick up and drop off at volunteer rates.
Experienced English speaking staff, ready to assist with tour, dining and recreational advice.
Tour guide, day trip and safari recommendations.
We Would Invite You To Bring
Your Smile and your Laughter to share
Your Open Mind and Heart
Your Genuine Passion to help others
Your Music and Song books
Your Games and Sporting Skills
Your Computer Support Skills
Your Purpose and Encouragement
Your Belief the World CAN be a Better Place
Your Compassion and Adventure.
and, most importantly your acceptance for the things you cannot understand or cannot change.
We would love you on our team
No Child Asks to Be Born.
Places of Interest.
Upendo Rehabilitation Centre Learn More>>
Pavit Foundation Learn More >>
Usa River Rehabilitation and Training Centre Learn More >>
llboru School for Children with Special Needs – Arusha Learn More >>
Msandaka School for the Deaf – Moshi Learn More >>
Read REAL Stories
Upendo’s Story.
This little angel was born with spina bifida and abandoned by her father after the apparent death of her mother.
Surgery performed during infancy left her paralysed from the waist down, leaving her incontinent of both urine and faeces.
Left in the care of her grandmother, Upendo spent many years unable to leave the house once her grandmother grew too weak to carry her.
When volunteer Christine met Upendo in a remote farming village, Upendo’s tiny, malnourished body bore scars and blemishes from pressure sores and injuries sustained over her infant years attacked by farmyard animals she could neither defend herself from nor escape from.
Eventually a wheelchair was acquired for Upendo bringing with it a new independence and mobility……Upendo was eventually relocated to a foster home during her teen years, but was never able to enjoy an independent life, nor her right to education.
Harmadi’s Journey
Born with cerebral palsy and living in the rubbish dump of Keloleni, Moshi, Harmadi was taken in to the care of Australian Based NGO, Team Vista at around age 5.
Assisted with mobility, accommodation and education, Harmadi’s sharp brain, and bright personality brought positive rewards to his otherwise challenging life.
Despite the many barriers his health imposed academically, with the support of Team Vista, Harmadi was able to complete college with useful computer skills and today operates his own small gas bottle outlet and Mpesa agency in Kaleloni.
Living with his grandmother, Harmadi, enjoys the independence of his own room with toilet installed by Team Vista, but is unable to feed or dress himself.
Declining strength and reduced mobility are bringing new barriers to Harmadi’s quality oflife, but the fight will continue for this remarkable young man.
His life motto, “Never Give Up!”
Razak and G G
Inseparable, these two tiny brothers smile together through every day. Razak committed to caring for G G, his delightful autistic brother, sadly non verbal and despite any academic potential he may have, no school within his area will enroll him. There simply is no availability of staff trained to help him in Government Schools.
Special Needs Education in Tanzania - Your Support is Paramount!
Why not put a smile on a child’s face in Tanzania?
Why not positively impact children’s lives?
Why not volunteer…….why not change your life forever?
Let us help you be that change cheriesmirl@bigpond.com
Cherie Smirl
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