Youth with disabilities face many barriers regarding to equal accessing to productive resources and financial inclusion and employment. The only employment option is through self-employment. However, majority lack vocational and business skills, access to capital and are in unsupportive structures for engaging in entrepreneurial activities.

Legal frameworks that encourage inclusive employment for them have not been implemented effectively. The Persons with Disabilities Act Number 9 of 2010, Section 31 requires that employers with more than 20 workers to have at least 3% of their employees be persons with disabilities are not implemented.

The proposed intervention, intends to build youth with disabilities’ capacity on vocational and business skills in achieving equal rights and employment opportunities. Moreover, it will promote engagement of stakeholders in offering employment opportunities. It will also promote creation of enabling environment for them to access funding opportunities from local government.

The proposed project’s main objective is to enhance 60 youth with disabilities between 18-30 years old in Morogoro Municipality council access to equal rights and employment opportunities by February 2024.

VISION THAT INSPIRED OUR PROJECT

In 2004, SEED TRUST was established by the Honourable Margareth Agness Mkanga, a former parliamentary representative for people with disabilities, who herself has a physical disability. Margareth’s vision was simple yet profound: to create a society where people with disabilities are empowered, economically self-sufficient, and integrated into their communities. The organization’s core values are inclusivity, empowerment, and resilience.

In 2023, SEED TRUST’s commitment to this vision was further strengthened when it received funding from Voice Global to implement a project titled Support for Employment Opportunities for Youth with Disabilities in Morogoro Municipal, 2023-2024. The aim was to provide meaningful employment opportunities to youth with disabilities, addressing their unique needs and harnessing their potential.

Our primary goal is to economically empower diverse disabled communities, including individuals with physical disabilities, visual impairments, and albinism. By providing comprehensive training and support, we aim to break the cycle of poverty and dependency, fostering self-sufficiency and independence among our beneficiaries.

In collaboration with our esteemed donor, Voice Global, SEED TRUST has undertaken transformative projects focused on empowering young people with disabilities in self-employment and job skills. These initiatives have not only provided essential training but also offered capital investment opportunities, enabling beneficiaries to start and sustain their own businesses.

PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION

The project began by identifying 60 youth with disabilities in Morogoro Municipal. These individuals underwent comprehensive entrepreneurship training that covered essential skills such as business planning, financial literacy, and marketing. The trainers, many of whom were successful entrepreneurs with disabilities, provided real-world insights and mentorship. This phase laid the foundation for the beneficiaries to understand the basics of entrepreneurship and prepare for practical application.

From the initial group, 10 beneficiaries were selected based on their highest need and potential. These individuals received both theoretical and practical training in poultry farming and business management. The hands-on approach ensured they not only understood the concepts but could apply them in real-world scenarios. This phase was crucial for building their confidence and skills to start their businesses.

The final phase involved providing start-up capital to the 10 beneficiaries, enabling them to launch their businesses. This support was essential in transforming their theoretical knowledge into tangible economic activities. The start-up capital allowed them to purchase necessary materials, equipment, and initial stock, setting them on the path to financial independence and business success.

CHALLENGES AND STRATEGIES

One of the significant challenges faced was societal stigma, which impacted the confidence of many beneficiaries. To address this, SEED TRUST organized community engagement sessions to promote awareness and acceptance. These sessions included discussions and workshops aimed at educating the broader community about the abilities and potential of people with disabilities. By creating platforms for open dialogue, stigma was reduced, and a more supportive environment was fostered.

During the poultry farming training, SEED TRUST discovered a new challenge faced by visually impaired and partially sighted beneficiaries: the difficulty in identifying currency notes. In collaboration with Voice Global, SEED TRUST proposed a currency identification training project to the Central Bank of Tanzania (B.O.T), which agreed to provide a three-day training on currency identification for visually impaired individuals.

Ensuring all training sessions and materials were accessible to individuals with various disabilities was another challenge. This was addressed by utilizing assistive technologies and adapting training methods. For example, braille materials and screen readers were provided for visually impaired participants, and physical accessibility was ensured in all training locations. Tailoring the training sessions to meet the specific needs of each participant enabled full engagement and benefit from the program.

Limited resources sometimes hampered the ability to provide extensive support to all beneficiaries. To overcome this, SEED TRUST leveraged partnerships with local businesses and volunteers. Collaborating with local entrepreneurs allowed the organization to secure additional resources and mentorship opportunities for the beneficiaries. Volunteers provided valuable support in training and mentoring, enhancing the program’s overall effectiveness. These partnerships and collaborations were crucial in extending the reach and impact despite resource constraints.

IMPACT AND TRANSFORMATION

The results of the project were transformative. Here are some success stories highlighting the positive changes achieved:

Christopher re-opened his shop selling soft drinks and expanded into selling vegetables and fruits. “Re-opening my shop and expanding into selling vegetables and fruits has been life-changing. The training and support I received from SEED TRUST gave me the confidence and skills I needed. Now, I am financially independent and can support my family. I am grateful for this opportunity,” he shared.

Ahmed Almajid started a poultry farm, demonstrating resilience and determination. “Starting my poultry farm seemed like an impossible dream before this project. The practical training and start-up capital provided by SEED TRUST made it a reality. This project has truly empowered me,” he explained.

Maria launched her own business and became an advocate, training others in entrepreneurship and poultry farming. “Not only have I started my own business, but I am also able to train others. Sharing my knowledge and helping others succeed has been incredibly fulfilling,” she expressed.

Rose utilized her knowledge to start a business and train others. “The support from SEED TRUST was invaluable. I am now able to contribute to my community in meaningful ways,” she said.

Royse Marwa started a successful sewing business, creating custom garments and employing others. “Starting my sewing business has given me purpose and independence,” she stated.

Richard Coster established a roast chicken business. “With the start-up capital and support from SEED TRUST, I was able to start a roast chicken business. It has been a successful venture,” he shared.

Fredrick Mboto started a money transaction business known as a Money Agent, contributing to the local economy. “The training and support from SEED TRUST were crucial in making this happen,” Fredrick explained.

LESSONS LEARNED

Throughout this project, SEED TRUST learned invaluable lessons. Continuous dialogue with the community helps break down stigma and fosters a supportive environment. Tailored support enhances the effectiveness of empowerment initiatives, as each individual has unique needs. Providing start-up capital is important, but ongoing support and mentorship are critical for sustained success.

One of the key lessons we’ve learned is the importance of tailoring our programs to the individual needs and interests of young people with disabilities. Each participant comes with unique abilities, challenges, and aspirations, making personalized support essential to ensure their success as entrepreneurs.

CALL TO ACTION

The journey of SEED TRUST has only just begun. To continue empowering youth with disabilities, the organization needs your support. Financial contributions enable SEED TRUST to reach more individuals and provide the resources they need to succeed. Volunteering your expertise and time can make a significant difference in training and mentoring the beneficiaries. Sharing SEED TRUST’s project within your network raises awareness and garners more support.

Together, we can create a more inclusive and empowered society for all. Join SEED TRUST in its mission to transform lives and build a brighter future for youth with disabilities in Morogoro Municipal.