In the vibrant community of Kawe, Dar es Salaam, a quiet transformation is unfolding—one that’s expanding opportunities for people with disabilities. With support from Habitat for Humanity Tanzania, an inclusive empowerment initiative is breaking down barriers to housing and livelihoods. Implemented with local partner MyLegacy, the project is driving lasting change for individuals who are often overlooked.
Meet Fatma, secretary of the Kawe Disabled Entrepreneurs Association—a group of 25 members working toward economic independence. Their journey began in 2002, where through this initiative, they received training in batik production and fabric dyeing during a seminar tailored for people with disability held in Mbezi, Dar es Salaam. They also received seed funding of 500,000 Tanzanian shillings, which helped them establish a small office and begin their entrepreneurial journey.
This support was nothing short of a turning point for Fatma Salum and her fellow association members. Establishing their office not only provided them with a sense of legitimacy but also facilitated local community support.
The association continued to benefit from this initiative through a range of training sessions. These training programs covered various valuable skills, including techniques for producing charcoal briquettes and soap. These newfound abilities empowered the members and helped them generate income and create marketable products.
Despite making remarkable progress and possessing the skills for charcoal briquette and soap production, the Kawe Disabled Entrepreneurs Association still faces challenges when it comes to finding suitable buyers and securing enough markets for its products. However, its determination remains unwavering. Its vision extends beyond dependency on charity and centers on self-reliance. Fatma firmly believes that “people with disabilities deserve the opportunity to acquire skills, earn a livelihood, and actively contribute to society.”
Fatma, speaking on behalf of the Kawe Disabled Entrepreneurs Association, conveys her gratitude for the support received thus far, and requests continued assistance in the form of capital injection and product development. Additionally, she believes that further training opportunities will enable their group to expand and thrive.