Special Needs Centers for Children & Young Adults
We are proudly partnered with BCC Centres (Building a Caring Community) since 2009. This initiative, supported by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania (ELCT), that aims to support children and young adults with special needs through care, education, therapy, and community involvement.
Today, BCC operates 10 centres, reaching over 250 children and young adults with disabilities across the Kilimanjaro region. Each centre welcomes interns and volunteers who are passionate about making a lasting impact.
These centres support individuals aged from 3 to 22 years, divided into two age groups:
- Young adults (ages 15–22) – Focus on life skills, vocational training, and independence.
- Children (ages 3–14) – Focus on early care, therapy, and special education.
Each centre serves about 10 – 20 children onsite, and up to 20 more through home visits—especially those who are unable to attend due to severe disabilities.
Areas Where We Need You
We welcome interns, volunteers and professionals from various fields, including:
- Physiotherapists
- Speech-Language Pathologists
- Special Education Specialists
- Psychologists
- Sign Language Specialists
- Occupational Therapists
- Nurses
Your role may include:
- Teaching feeding techniques and daily exercises
- Assisting with communication and swallowing difficulties
- Helping with toileting and personal care
- Supporting medication and meal preparation
- Planning daily activities for each child
- Participating in outreach programs and home visits
For young adults, your role may include:
- Teaching cooking and nutrition classes
- Agriculture and gardening activities
- Chicken farming projects
- Painting, drawing, and handcraft workshops
We also seek qualified professionals to train local caregivers and parents, building sustainable care practices that continue long after your visit.
Work Schedule
Volunteers and interns work Monday to Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Why This Matters
In Tanzania, children with disabilities are often excluded from society, hidden from public view, and seen as a burden or even a punishment from God. This stigma leaves many families struggling in silence, children facing poor health, neglect, and lack of opportunities.
BCC’ mission is to break that stigma by helping families move from isolation to active community participation. The centres not only care for children, but also empower parents, support income-generating projects, and create jobs for young people with disabilities. Help to create a more inclusive future of these kids.
Are you ready to use your skills to change lives?
