International - Tanzania
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Mosaic's work in Tanzania is accomplished through partnerships with the Northern Diocese of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Tanzania and the international alliance, IMPACT. The project, Building a Caring Community, was designed to provide much needed services to children with disabilities and their families through the creation of neighborhood centers and in-home support services. By opening the neighborhood centers, mothers, aunts and other caregivers are now able to have a safe and nurturing setting where their children can go while they work and earn money for food, shelter and other basic needs. Services are provided at no cost to the caregivers so they may use their earnings to fully support the health and well-being of their children.
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One key aspect of the project is that it empowers women by providing training and employment opportunities for three divergent groups identified by the Northern Diocese. These three groups include mothers of children with disabilities, widows, and elderly persons who were often unemployed or not able to make a living wage doing limited farm work, bartering goods/services, etc. prior to receiving supports through this project.
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The Building a Caring Community project also has impacted the community at large by confronting stereotypes of individuals with disabilities through project and parish outreach. Educational presentations and discussions have occurred throughout the diocese with positive results. As a result, volunteers have emerged to work in the centers -- a positive and unanticipated benefit. When the project was first conceptualized, we never dreamed it would be as far along as it is today. The project staff are truly at the heart of all the successes achieved to date. Outreach efforts have far exceeded our expectations, and families and children with disabilities are now receiving supports that have enriched their lives.
As of March 2009, there will be 11 centers in operation, serving approximately 200 children. In addition, 143 families receive in-home support services. While there are many examples, learn how this project has changed the lives of Elly and Charles.
