Abisae Maeda, VoicesofAfrica alumnus, Arusha, Tanzania
Mentally disabled people in the northern Tanzania area of Arusha should live as long and as decently as other people. This is one of the aims that Sibusiso Foundation is striving to achieve, by assisting children affected by mental disabilities.
It is estimated that 3 percent of the population in that area is mentally disabled. That is about 28,000. It has also been reported that the disabled live a shorter life than other people because they seem to live in the margins of society, and seem to have no access to basic and vital services, such as medic care. That is why most of the disabled are young.
Children represent a great percentage. Some of these children live in special institutions and others stay with parents and relatives. Parents and local community members can play an active and positive role in advocating and improving their condition.
This mobile report shows some of Sibusiso’s activities.
