The Challenge Facing Children with Disabilities in Tanzania

<p>Children with disability in Tanzania at family level are still overprotected, hidden, isolated and stigmatized within their daily lives. Children face a serious threat in their life situation. They are more vulnerable and more likely to have lower education levels, poor health and to be poorly nourished.Children with disabilities are segregated, discriminated against and denied their rights to access basic human needs such as education, health, and social integration.**The Reality:**
- Children with disabilities are often hidden at home and excluded from schools
- Families lack awareness about disability rights and available support
- Poverty further compounds the challenges faced by families with disabled children
- Negative community attitudes lead to stigma and isolation**What HACRET Does:**
HACRET works across Arusha region to challenge these barriers through our four core programs: education, health and rehabilitation, economic empowerment, and awareness raising.Our approach is guided by Human Rights-based and Basic Needs frameworks, including:
- The Universal Declaration of Human Rights
- The UN Declaration of the Rights of Handicapped Children and Human Rights of PWDs (2008)
- The Tanzanian Persons with Disabilities Act, No 9 of 2010
- The Constitution of the United Republic of Tanzania
- The National Policy on Disability 2004Together, we can change the situation for children with disabilities in Tanzania — ensuring they enjoy equal rights, quality social services, and improved livelihoods.</p>