In September I am heading off to Tanzania for 2 months to volunteer as an Occupational Therapist within a programme supporting children with special needs. The 'Building a Caring Community' (BCC) programme provides a comprehensive set of support services for children with intellectual disabilities and their families in Moshi, Tanzania.

Sadly children with disabilities in this area are seen as a shame on their family and are excluded from society. It is common for husbands to blame their wife for the child's disability and leave the home, causing deterioration of the family's financial situation and a lowering of living standard. The BCC offers therapy and schooling for the children, health care check ups, and training for the mothers to work within the day centres to provide a family income.

The BCC supports around 200 children in the city of Moshi. Half of which visit one of the 11 day centres across the city. The other 100 are visited at home and have a home based therapy programme. The BCC are in desperate need of more OT's to continue providing this therapy and support.

In March I a running the Hampton Court Half Marathon to help fund my volunteering trip. Any pennies are very so so appreciated!

More info:

http://www.buildingacaringcommunity.org/

http://www.world-unite.de/en/internships-volunteering/tanzania-moshi/special-education-physiotherapy-occupational-therapy.html