DISABLED PEOPLE DISABLED PEOPLE AND MDGs AND MDGs IN IN

TANZANIATANZANIAPAPER PRESENTED AT THE PAPER PRESENTED AT THE

WORKSHOP HELD IN BRATISLAVA WORKSHOP HELD IN BRATISLAVA 15 – 17 MAY 2007 15 – 17 MAY 2007

BY LUPIBY LUPI MWAISAKA MWAISAKA MASWANYA MASWANYA

INTRODUCTION INTRODUCTION MKUKUTA is aMKUKUTA is a Swahili acronnym for Swahili acronnym for National Strategic plan National Strategic plan for economic growth and poverty reduction, which addresses for economic growth and poverty reduction, which addresses the 8 MDG’S. It was developed after stakeholder the 8 MDG’S. It was developed after stakeholder consultations and approved by the cabinet in February 2005. consultations and approved by the cabinet in February 2005. Its being implemented from 2005/2006 up to 2009/2010.Its being implemented from 2005/2006 up to 2009/2010.

People with disabilities are among the stakeholders People with disabilities are among the stakeholders consulted during the planning period.consulted during the planning period.

This presentation gives an overview of:This presentation gives an overview of:Disability NGO’S and CSO’SDisability NGO’S and CSO’SPopulation of PWD’S in TanzaniaPopulation of PWD’S in TanzaniaHow it is being implementedHow it is being implementedEducation for PWD’S and its problemsEducation for PWD’S and its problemsInclusive education and obstacles faced by PWD’SInclusive education and obstacles faced by PWD’S

To make sure that the Government To make sure that the Government plans are implemented in fairness to all plans are implemented in fairness to all groups in society, associations of and groups in society, associations of and for PWD’S have come together to a for PWD’S have come together to a common platform, to advocate for our common platform, to advocate for our shasharre in the National plans and benefits.e in the National plans and benefits.

In Tanzania there are 6 main associations of In Tanzania there are 6 main associations of PWD’S which are members of SHIVYAWATA, A PWD’S which are members of SHIVYAWATA, A federation of associations of PWD’S: federation of associations of PWD’S:

► Tanzania League of the Tanzania League of the BBlind (TLB)lind (TLB)► Tanzania Tanzania AAssociation of the ssociation of the PPhysically hysically

HHandicapped (CHAWATA)andicapped (CHAWATA)► TANZANIA Albino SocietyTANZANIA Albino Society ((TASTAS)) ► Tanzania Tanzania AAssociation of the Deaf (CHAVITA)ssociation of the Deaf (CHAVITA)► Tanzania Tanzania AAssociation for ssociation for MMentally entally

HHandicapped (TAMH)andicapped (TAMH)► Tanzania Tanzania AAssociation of the Deaf Blind ssociation of the Deaf Blind

(TASODEB)(TASODEB)

Furthermore there are other institutions Furthermore there are other institutions dealing with disability issues:dealing with disability issues:

►Disabled organization for Law and Social Disabled organization for Law and Social economic development (DOLASED)economic development (DOLASED)

►Information Centre on Disability (ICD)Information Centre on Disability (ICD)►Human Human RRightightss Centre for PWD’S Centre for PWD’S►Deaf Peoples Economic Development Group Deaf Peoples Economic Development Group

(UMIVITA)(UMIVITA)►Tanzania National Institute of the Blind Tanzania National Institute of the Blind

(TNIB)(TNIB)

►According to WHO According to WHO estimatesestimates on disability, in on disability, in 20022002 Tanzania had Tanzania had 3,456,9003,456,900 PWD’S PWD’S. The . The country population was 34,569,232. country population was 34,569,232. They They are distributed in the following categories:are distributed in the following categories:

►Physically Physically handicapped, 967,932.=handicapped, 967,932.= 2828%%►BlindBlind 933,363,= 933,363,= 2727%%►DeafDeaf 691,380,= 691,380,= 2020%%►Mentally Mentally handicaped 276,552,= 8handicaped 276,552,= 8%%►Multiple handicap 138,276,=4%Multiple handicap 138,276,=4%►Other disabilitiOther disabilities 449,397, =13es 449,397, =13%%

►According to population According to population estimatesestimates carried out in 2002, Tanzania has carried out in 2002, Tanzania has moremore people with disabilities people with disabilities now now. All . All associations of PWDSassociations of PWDS know the know the fact fact that parents do hide family members that parents do hide family members with disability. Its also a fact that the with disability. Its also a fact that the number of PWDS is growing because number of PWDS is growing because of accidents, malaria, meningitis, of accidents, malaria, meningitis, malnutrition and other reasons. malnutrition and other reasons.

► The National Strategy for growth and poverty The National Strategy for growth and poverty reduction is meant to address the MDGS being:reduction is meant to address the MDGS being:

► To eradicate absolute povertyTo eradicate absolute poverty► To provide primary education for allTo provide primary education for all► To promote gender equality and women To promote gender equality and women

empowerment.empowerment.► To reduce infant mortality To reduce infant mortality ► To provide quality maternal health serviceTo provide quality maternal health service► To combat AIDS, Malaria and other diseases.To combat AIDS, Malaria and other diseases.► To conserve and make the environment sustainable.To conserve and make the environment sustainable.► To promote solidarity among the international To promote solidarity among the international

community for development.community for development.

In Tanzania, PWDS have received the In Tanzania, PWDS have received the PRS with mixed feelings:PRS with mixed feelings:

►That they may not benefit because That they may not benefit because they are not fully involved from the they are not fully involved from the grassroots level to National decision grassroots level to National decision making organs.making organs.

►That maybe they will benefit to some That maybe they will benefit to some extent, because their associations extent, because their associations were consulted and involved during were consulted and involved during the planning stagethe planning stage..

ImplementationImplementation

The Government has shown its The Government has shown its commitmentcommitment to address the Millennium to address the Millennium Goals. We have seen a big increase in Goals. We have seen a big increase in primary schools throughout the primary schools throughout the country. A big percentage of school-country. A big percentage of school-age children have been enrolled in age children have been enrolled in Schools, the number of secondary Schools, the number of secondary schools has increasedschools has increased.. EEvery ward has very ward has been ordered to have a school within been ordered to have a school within its boundary. its boundary.

Roads are being built and improved, safe Roads are being built and improved, safe water infrastructures are improved, Health water infrastructures are improved, Health services are brought closer to the people, services are brought closer to the people, women are given equal opportunities in women are given equal opportunities in education and employment to the extent education and employment to the extent that we have 7 women in the cabinet of 22 that we have 7 women in the cabinet of 22 ministers.ministers.

The situation of PWDS is still bleak. The situation of PWDS is still bleak. One of the reason is that in National One of the reason is that in National policies we are grouped together as policies we are grouped together as vulnerable People; which includes:- vulnerable People; which includes:- women, widows, the youth, children, women, widows, the youth, children, orphans and people living with HIV/AIDS.orphans and people living with HIV/AIDS.

Education of PWDSEducation of PWDSThe Government, through its special The Government, through its special program for primary education has reached program for primary education has reached village level, making it possible for all village level, making it possible for all children to attend school. Even children of children to attend school. Even children of nomadic tribes have access to school in nomadic tribes have access to school in their environment. In supporting this, their environment. In supporting this, parents, Tanzania Social Action Fund parents, Tanzania Social Action Fund (TASAF) and international organizations like (TASAF) and international organizations like DANIDA, JICA, SIDA and some Banks are DANIDA, JICA, SIDA and some Banks are contributing resources towards the contributing resources towards the Government efforts.Government efforts.

ChallengesChallenges Although there are good programs, we still Although there are good programs, we still face challenges in education of the children face challenges in education of the children with disabilities.with disabilities.

►Accessibility was not considered when Accessibility was not considered when building the school and classroomsbuilding the school and classrooms

►Braille materials and teachers were not Braille materials and teachers were not prepared for blind children prepared for blind children

►There are not enough special teachers of the There are not enough special teachers of the Deaf, and the few available don’t know sign Deaf, and the few available don’t know sign language.language.

►The same challenges face children with The same challenges face children with mental mental handicaphandicap and Deaf blind and Deaf blind

Inclusive educationInclusive educationTanzania is trying to implement this program Tanzania is trying to implement this program according to the Salamanca Statement: 199according to the Salamanca Statement: 19944. . The Ministry of Education is sensitizing parents to The Ministry of Education is sensitizing parents to send their disabled children to inclusive schools.send their disabled children to inclusive schools.

However, people with disabilities are divided on However, people with disabilities are divided on the issue of inclusion.the issue of inclusion.

Majority of PWD’S would prefer the special Majority of PWD’S would prefer the special education model, but they acknowledge that education model, but they acknowledge that there ere no enough schools, most being run by there ere no enough schools, most being run by charities. So the consensus is that it is better to charities. So the consensus is that it is better to have inclusive schools than to miss education have inclusive schools than to miss education altogether altogether

Inclusive education Cont Inclusive education Cont ……Inclusive schools are accepted, with the following Inclusive schools are accepted, with the following

conditions in place:conditions in place:► Accessibility for physically impairedAccessibility for physically impaired► Special Braille from class 1 to 3, then an inclusive class Special Braille from class 1 to 3, then an inclusive class

from grade 4 for the blindfrom grade 4 for the blind► For the Deaf and Deaf blind, inclusive classes are not For the Deaf and Deaf blind, inclusive classes are not

practical! practical! They will need classrooms and special teachers with sign They will need classrooms and special teachers with sign language skills. Their communication needs make it language skills. Their communication needs make it impossible to study in an inclusive classroom, especially impossible to study in an inclusive classroom, especially for primary school.for primary school.

► Only hard-of-hearing children can benefit in an inclusive Only hard-of-hearing children can benefit in an inclusive class. The others; profound Deaf cant cope as most can’t class. The others; profound Deaf cant cope as most can’t speak on top of not hearing it’s a waste of time and speak on top of not hearing it’s a waste of time and resources to have them in an inclusive classroom.resources to have them in an inclusive classroom.

► It is accepted that in Secondary and higher education It is accepted that in Secondary and higher education interpreters can be utilized in an inclusive classroom. At interpreters can be utilized in an inclusive classroom. At that stage they have sign language skills to cope with an that stage they have sign language skills to cope with an interpreter.interpreter.

GlobalizationGlobalization Globalization has brought many and profound Globalization has brought many and profound changes in education, employment, agriculture, changes in education, employment, agriculture, health etc.health etc.

Employment for PWDS has become difficult as Employment for PWDS has become difficult as competition is stiff on the job market. It is competition is stiff on the job market. It is difficult to be employed now as employers want difficult to be employed now as employers want to get maximum returns from employees. to get maximum returns from employees. Among PWDS it is obvious that globalization is Among PWDS it is obvious that globalization is increasing poverty not alleviating. During post increasing poverty not alleviating. During post independence period there was an act that independence period there was an act that forced employers to employ a minimum of 2% forced employers to employ a minimum of 2% of their Staff to consist PWDS.of their Staff to consist PWDS.

Globalization Globalization cont…cont…► PWDS were employed as telephone operators, typists PWDS were employed as telephone operators, typists

and other skilled job in factories. They were mostly and other skilled job in factories. They were mostly employed in state corporations and the public sector.employed in state corporations and the public sector.

► Now our economy is market oriented, all the Now our economy is market oriented, all the parastatals have been privatized and the Law is not in parastatals have been privatized and the Law is not in force any longer. The result is most PWDS are force any longer. The result is most PWDS are unemployed and have become idle beggars. Some are unemployed and have become idle beggars. Some are doing small businesses to sustain their livelihood and doing small businesses to sustain their livelihood and their family.their family.

► To address this problem, we have built a network for To address this problem, we have built a network for lobbying and advocacy, including Government and non lobbying and advocacy, including Government and non Government institutions, media for sensitizing the Government institutions, media for sensitizing the society on the plight of PWD’S society on the plight of PWD’S

CHAVITA IN POVERTY CHAVITA IN POVERTY REDUCTIONREDUCTION

The Tanzania association of the The Tanzania association of the Deaf (CHAVITA) is currently Deaf (CHAVITA) is currently implementing a poverty reduction implementing a poverty reduction program in 5 regions of Tanzania. program in 5 regions of Tanzania. The program has been running for The program has been running for 2 years, this is the last year; if we 2 years, this is the last year; if we will not get funds for its will not get funds for its continuation.continuation.

In this program, In this program, we:we:► Sensitize Government institutions and NGO’s to include the Deaf Sensitize Government institutions and NGO’s to include the Deaf

in their plans and activities for example The PRS Programsin their plans and activities for example The PRS Programs► We have built an alliance with media personnel, now they are We have built an alliance with media personnel, now they are

helping in raising awareness of the society on issues of helping in raising awareness of the society on issues of disability.disability.

► Working within the federation we are coordinating the “African Working within the federation we are coordinating the “African Decade for People with Disabilities. Two seminars with Decade for People with Disabilities. Two seminars with parliament committees have been conducted, we are expecting parliament committees have been conducted, we are expecting good results as issues of disability will be discussed in good results as issues of disability will be discussed in Parliament.Parliament.

► Campaign among communities to show that PWD’S can Campaign among communities to show that PWD’S can contribute to our national development. Through this we want to contribute to our national development. Through this we want to remove stigma and negative attitudes.remove stigma and negative attitudes.

► Training women and youth in entrepreneurship, empowering Training women and youth in entrepreneurship, empowering them to access microfinance and training institutions.them to access microfinance and training institutions.

► Lobby employers so that they employ Deaf people where there Lobby employers so that they employ Deaf people where there is an appropriate vacancy.is an appropriate vacancy.

► Teaching sign language to vocational centers so that they can Teaching sign language to vocational centers so that they can accept Deaf people in vocational training.accept Deaf people in vocational training.

► Offer counseling to employers, and other institutions on how to Offer counseling to employers, and other institutions on how to co-exist with the Deaf, or where there is a communication co-exist with the Deaf, or where there is a communication problem.problem.

ChallengesChallenges

► Most of the Deaf have inferior education, Most of the Deaf have inferior education, making it hard to be employed.making it hard to be employed.

► Change of Leaders/Managers in government Change of Leaders/Managers in government institutions makes it necessary to start institutions makes it necessary to start sensitizing the replacements.sensitizing the replacements.

► Employers feel the Deaf will increase cost: for Employers feel the Deaf will increase cost: for interpreters during meetings and dialogue.interpreters during meetings and dialogue.

► The Deaf have an inferiority complex, thinking The Deaf have an inferiority complex, thinking the society won’t accept them.the society won’t accept them.

► The program is too short, 3 years. We won’t be The program is too short, 3 years. We won’t be able to reach all the Deaf in those regions. able to reach all the Deaf in those regions. Follow up is also important but resources are Follow up is also important but resources are not enough.not enough.

ACHIEVEMENTSACHIEVEMENTS► We have built alliances with a wide range of Co-workers and stake We have built alliances with a wide range of Co-workers and stake

holders.holders.► Awareness is now high among employers, but there is a need for Awareness is now high among employers, but there is a need for

more training to the Deaf as there is competition in the job market.more training to the Deaf as there is competition in the job market.► In the project area about 25% do access microfinance, and about In the project area about 25% do access microfinance, and about

10% do get employed as artisans or unskilled job10% do get employed as artisans or unskilled job► At head office we have established a sign language and education At head office we have established a sign language and education

committee where we work with ministry of education, the committee where we work with ministry of education, the University of Dar University of Dar eses Salaam, the Institute of Education and National Salaam, the Institute of Education and National Examination Council.Examination Council.

► For the first time in history there is a Deaf girl studying at the For the first time in history there is a Deaf girl studying at the University of Dar-es-Salaam, studying through an interpreter!University of Dar-es-Salaam, studying through an interpreter!

► A few Deaf people with qualifications have been employed as A few Deaf people with qualifications have been employed as teachers. Now more Deaf people are applying for teacher training teachers. Now more Deaf people are applying for teacher training so they can go back to teach Deaf children.so they can go back to teach Deaf children.

► Capacity building programs have been undertaken in all regions Capacity building programs have been undertaken in all regions especially in fund raising, Good Governance, HIV/AIDS and especially in fund raising, Good Governance, HIV/AIDS and advocacyadvocacy

General Challenges.General Challenges.► DPO’S don’t have enough resources for running their DPO’S don’t have enough resources for running their

offices and programs offices and programs ► There is no official policy on full participation in decision There is no official policy on full participation in decision

making and planning of issues affecting them.making and planning of issues affecting them.► Policies and plans pertaining to disability are not Policies and plans pertaining to disability are not

implemented but remain on papers only for example implemented but remain on papers only for example “The standard rules on equalization of opportunities for “The standard rules on equalization of opportunities for PWDS.PWDS.

► PWD’S don’t know their rights, especially those in the PWD’S don’t know their rights, especially those in the villages where DPO’S cant reach them in their villages where DPO’S cant reach them in their campaigns.campaigns.

► Tanzania has yet to have representation for PWD’S in Tanzania has yet to have representation for PWD’S in legislatives bodies like parliament and local councils.legislatives bodies like parliament and local councils.

► Many National programs and campaigns, e.g. HIV/AIDS Many National programs and campaigns, e.g. HIV/AIDS are not accessible by PWD’S as they are made without are not accessible by PWD’S as they are made without consulting PWD’Sconsulting PWD’S

General AchievementsGeneral Achievements..► The Government is becoming more positive The Government is becoming more positive

towards rights of people with Disabilities. Some towards rights of people with Disabilities. Some local governments have disabled members in local governments have disabled members in development committees.development committees.

► More PWD’S are graduating in universities and More PWD’S are graduating in universities and are employed. Some are Blind (one is a Lawyer) are employed. Some are Blind (one is a Lawyer) and physically handicapped. The Deaf and and physically handicapped. The Deaf and others are still behind. One Deaf person is a others are still behind. One Deaf person is a member of Budget tracking committee for EU member of Budget tracking committee for EU Support (Cotonou agreement for PRSP)Support (Cotonou agreement for PRSP)

► Deaf people have been trained to become VCT Deaf people have been trained to become VCT counselors (Voluntary counseling and testing) counselors (Voluntary counseling and testing) for Hfor HIIV/AIDS. They now practicing under AMREF. V/AIDS. They now practicing under AMREF. (African Medical Research Foundation) (African Medical Research Foundation)

Inclusive Inclusive Tanzania Tanzania ► This is a program being Co-ordinate by ICD This is a program being Co-ordinate by ICD

(Information Center on Disability) in collaboration (Information Center on Disability) in collaboration with Light of the world (AUSTRIA) there is a with Light of the world (AUSTRIA) there is a steering committee and technical committees steering committee and technical committees comprising of PWD’S and other stakeholders.comprising of PWD’S and other stakeholders.

► The objective is to raise awareness and sensitize The objective is to raise awareness and sensitize the public, Government and other institutions the public, Government and other institutions about the importance of using the inclusive model about the importance of using the inclusive model of school. This model can enable all children with of school. This model can enable all children with disability go to school in their community. The disability go to school in their community. The program is lobbying and advocating for right of program is lobbying and advocating for right of education for all.education for all.

► It is a 4-year program and as a pilot it covers 4 It is a 4-year program and as a pilot it covers 4 districts. 3 in Dar es Salaam and one in Mwanga –districts. 3 in Dar es Salaam and one in Mwanga –Kilimanjaro Kilimanjaro

AchievementAchievementss►In the program area some Schools have In the program area some Schools have

agreed to become model inclusive Schools.agreed to become model inclusive Schools.►The teachers are motivated to learn how The teachers are motivated to learn how

to teach/handle children with different to teach/handle children with different disabilities.disabilities.

►There is a good working relationship with There is a good working relationship with the local governments involved.the local governments involved.

ChallengesChallenges►Some PWD’S don’t accept inclusive classrooms Some PWD’S don’t accept inclusive classrooms

as the best solution for own education needsas the best solution for own education needs►The project duration 4 years is too short as this The project duration 4 years is too short as this

model is new to Tanzania. model is new to Tanzania. ►Special Education Teachers are very few Special Education Teachers are very few

compared to the needcompared to the need► Instruction and environment still not in favor of Instruction and environment still not in favor of

PWDSPWDS►

ConclusioConclusionn► The task of fighting for rightsThe task of fighting for rights

is a difficult and needs persistence. Without co-is a difficult and needs persistence. Without co-opting other groups, institutions, experts, opting other groups, institutions, experts, professionals and policy makers we will never professionals and policy makers we will never reach our objectives. Changing of attitudes and reach our objectives. Changing of attitudes and policies is a long journey.policies is a long journey.

► DPO’S have to work hand in hand with parents, DPO’S have to work hand in hand with parents, Teachers, politicians and other stakeholders to Teachers, politicians and other stakeholders to promote the welfare of PWD’S, especially now promote the welfare of PWD’S, especially now that the UN convention has been signed and that the UN convention has been signed and adopted. adopted.

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