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A happy and independent life for children with disabilities in Tanzania

What is Sibusiso?

A fair chance for every child, regardless of their disability.

Sibusiso is a specialized rehabilitation center in Arusha, Tanzania. Since 2000, we have been offering accessible, tailor-made programs for children and young adults with intellectual and physical disabilities, such as cerebral palsy, autism, Down syndrome, or microcephaly.

Our approach is integral: we work with the child, the parents, and the community. We offer therapy, education, social skills training, and guidance towards independence. Through our programs, we literally and figuratively set children in motion – and provide their families with hope and support.

Why Sibusiso?

Stronger together: breaking taboos in Tanzania

In Tanzania, children with intellectual and physical disabilities, and their families, are often excluded. Due to deeply rooted taboos, they are sometimes seen as a punishment from God and kept hidden within their communities. There is hardly any government support, and many parents are unfortunately often left to cope alone.

Sibusiso believes that every child matters. Every child deserves love, care, development, and the chance for a dignified life. Even – or especially – when they have a disability. By guiding children and young adults with disabilities, supporting their families, and raising awareness in the community, we collectively break the taboo and build a society where all children participate.

The programs

A holistic approach for hope and independence

The programs have a holistic approach. This means we work with the child, the parents, and the community. We offer therapy, social skills training, and guidance towards independence. Through our programs, we literally and figuratively set children in motion – and provide their families with hope and support.

Child comes to the center once a month. Tailored therapy: physiotherapy, nutrition. Personal plan. Then continue at home via outreach.
Four weeks full of development. Young children learn to eat, move and communicate. Mothers learn too. This is followed by home guidance via outreach.
Children and young adults with disabilities learn practical, social, and academic skills within 6 months for an independent future.
The Outreach Team provides home therapy, advice, assistive devices, and breaks down taboos, ensuring children with disabilities receive more opportunities and acceptance.
In the center, carpenters and physiotherapists custom-make assistive devices such as wheelchairs and chairs, improving children’s therapy and mobility.
Sibusiso shares knowledge through theme days, sports, play and celebrations. Families, care providers and governments learn and celebrate together with the children.
Sibusiso shares 25 years of knowledge through a new knowledge center with training and education to increase understanding and acceptance of children with disabilities.

News

A lot happens at Sibusiso. Successes are gladly celebrated in Tanzania. From welcoming a new director to celebrating 25 years of impact. We are pleased to share the highlights of the past year. In the news, you can read about the stories and developments that empower our mission in Tanzania.

A mobile clinic truck for Sibusiso

Many children with disabilities do not receive the care they need because the center is too far away, there is no transport, or there are no funds. That is why Sibusiso visits villages with a mobile clinic. Join the fundraising campaign for a mobile clinic truck for Sibusiso. By doing so, you help set this essential care in motion!

Sharing knowledge about treatment methods

Rehabilitation physician in training, Elian König, spent two months working alongside the therapists in Arusha. She is researching how the quality of care at the center can be further improved.

News from the Förderverein in Werl, Germany

The summer newsletter from the Sibusiso Förderverein in Germany has been released. Chairman Josef Blienert shares the latest news from the organization with the members of the Förderverein in Germany. Read more!

Help our children
from Sibusiso

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