Assisting Children with Special Needs and Disabilities

The special needs project in Tanzania is a great way for compassionate, caring individuals to support disabled children across the country. Volunteers are expected to assist professionals in the centers or work first-hand with kids who have learning and physical disabilities, deaf or mute, Down syndrome, autism, and cerebral palsy. This program welcomes everyone, particularly individuals with medical or professional backgrounds in special needs care. Tanzania has long been faced with challenges such as the lack of trained staff, a negative cultural perception toward disabilities, and the lack of relevant information and training for various special needs cases. The project involves caring for children and catering to their needs and wants in accordance with their disabilities, playing with and caring for them, assisting professionals and staff based on their action plans, cooking, and cleaning. Participation in any of these activities depends on how comfortable you are with tending to the task provided. If you feel uncomfortable with a task, it is okay to be substituted by a staff member. Volunteers are asked to give a direct contribution of $100 to the center.