Mobile Clinic Updates for Tabora Tanzania
Read about the services that Archbishop Mihayo University College at Tabora (AMUCTA) provided to Tabora Municipality’s special needs children.
by Dr. Ildephonce Mkama
Spring 2025 Newsletter Update
The Department of Special Needs Education of Archbishop Mihayo University College of Tabora (AMUCTA) is committed to advancing scholarship and research in promoting community engagement in the local area. Through a partnership with the Living Water Children’s Fund, Archbishop Mihayo University College of Tabora has extended its support to families with children who have disabilities, offering specialized assessment and appropriate interventions.
Recently, AMUCTA organized an outreach stationed assessment clinic across 29 wards in Tabora Municipality, located in the western region of Tanzania. This initiative aimed to support a targeted group of 100 children and 100 parents. The clinic successfully provided services to 68 children with various disabilities and 87 accompanying parents. The assessments conducted identified a wide range of needs among the children and their families. Below is a summary of the categories of disabilities identified:
| Disability Category | Number of Children |
|---|---|
|
Physical disability |
19 |
|
Deafblind |
3 |
|
Cerebral palsy |
10 |
|
Down syndrome |
1 |
|
Intellectual disability |
4 |
|
Autism |
2 |
|
Albinism |
1 |
|
Speech impairment |
2 |
|
Cleft palate |
1 |
This outreach effort addressed several needs, yet highlighted areas requiring further attention and support.
Although the clinic services were offered free of charge, the turnout of parents bringing their children for assessment and support was below expectations. This underscores the need for heightened advocacy efforts to raise awareness among parents about the importance of such assessments. Nonetheless, the initiative witnessed significant collaboration from educational officers, social welfare representatives, and medical experts from partner hospitals, demonstrating a strong network of community support. Parents expressed their appreciation for the initiative, highlighting the need for the university to consider scheduling home-based support. Additionally, the university is committed to providing assistance to schools by enhancing pedagogical practices and supporting children as they enroll in these institutions. However, substantial collaboration and resources are essential to ensure the effectiveness and sustainability of these efforts.
Dr. Ildephonce Mkama, Head of the Department of Special Needs Education, emphasized that the multidisciplinary team—comprising health workers, lecturers, and students—is both comprehensive and deeply committed to ensuring the success and sustainability of the mobile clinic.
Every child deserves a chance ❤️
Thanks to generous donations Living Water Children’s Fund has been able to help children with special needs receive the medical care and education they need.
Please consider donating to support other students at with special needs, as any gift, big or small, helps us on our mission to make sure children have their basic needs met so that they may flourish and grow.
