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What does Sibusiso do?
Moving for hope and support
Our approach is comprehensive: in the various programs, we work with the child, the parents, and the community. We offer therapy, education, social skills, and guidance towards independence. With our programs, we literally and figuratively set children in motion – and give their families hope and support.
And this approach works. Children who previously lived in isolation now go to school, play with others, find a place in their community – and some even find employment.
Our Approach
Local, personal, independent, integration
Our approach is based on sustainability, knowledge transfer, and equal cooperation.
- Locally anchored: More than 50 professional employees from Tanzania form the backbone of Sibusiso. From therapists to social workers, from caregivers to technicians – they speak the language, know the culture, and build trust.
- Personal approach: Every child is unique. That’s why we tailor our programs to the child’s abilities and home situation.
- From care to independence: We stimulate development, self-confidence, and social integration. Not only for the child but also for the parents, village elders, and schools.
- Breaking taboos: Through education, events, and sharing success stories (like Tumaini’s), we help society view children with disabilities differently.
The origin of Sibusiso
Sibusiso was founded in 2000 by Atty and Henk Hammer-Roos, both with years of experience in development work in Africa. Together with the local population, they began their mission from a simple guesthouse. The decision to build the center at the foot of Mount Meru, near the city of Arusha, was quickly made. This facilitated cooperation with the hospital and other medical facilities in the area. Furthermore, the availability of skilled medical personnel is greater here. As a result, the center has grown into what it is today: a professional center with capacity for over 80 children per week and a wide reach in the region.
Why We Do What We Do
All children in Tanzania deserve a good future, with good health and quality education. Children with disabilities also deserve to live as independently as possible with the opportunity to contribute to society. Sibusiso can help them with a professional team and years of experience and accumulated knowledge.
Mission
Sibusiso promotes and strengthens the dignity of children and young adults with intellectual disabilities in Tanzania, regardless of their cultural or religious background, by teaching them self-reliance.
Objectives
Our objective is to help children and young adults with disabilities in Tanzania, regardless of their cultural or religious background, with therapy and lessons, in a professional manner, locally and with impact. The approach is based on sustainability, knowledge transfer, and equal cooperation.
Interested in the annual reports?
See below for the annual reports of 2023 and 2024, as well as the annual report of the management in Arusha for 2024.
If you would like more information, you can request it from the treasurer, Leo Wortel, via info@sibusiso.com.
The programs
Would you like to know more about the programs we organize for the development of children with disabilities?
Day treatment
4-Week Program
6-month program
Outreach program
Custom-made assistive devices
Events
Training
Mobile Clinic
The Board
With passion and pride, the heart of our board
Our organization works with two foundation boards that complement each other.
Curious about how the board is organized?