Tanzania 2025

 

This year, OMPACO expanded its outreach to two new locations in Tanzania—Moshi and Babati—delivering Autism Awareness workshops, educational materials, and family consultations to educators and communities eager for knowledge and support.

At both locations, the OMPACO team facilitated three-day introductory workshops focused on autism awareness and practical classroom strategies. Each training covered:

• The etiology of Autism

• Assessment techniques

• Communication development

• Teaching strategies

• Behavioral interventions

• Self-regulation tools

The sessions were highly interactive, featuring slideshows, video demonstrations, real-life modeling, and educator role-play activities to bring the content to life.

The first workshop took place at the Moshi Teacher Training Center, facilitated by Tabitha Mugusi. A group of 50 educators and administrators—with many collective years of experience—attended the training. Their passion and eagerness to better support students with autism were evident throughout the sessions.

Following the workshop, the team visited three local schools whose teachers had participated in the training:

• Msaranga

• Shauri Moyo

• Moshi Primary

During these visits, the team had the joy of meeting students and delivering donated educational materials and classroom resources, helping teachers immediately apply what they learned.

 

The second training was held at the Babati Teacher Training Center, led by Antonia Makhala, and attended by another group of 50 educators and administrators from the Manyara region. This group engaged enthusiastically in role-play scenarios and collaborated closely to develop support plans for case study students. Their evolving ideas and teaching strategies over the three days reflected a deepening understanding of how to:

• Recognize the signs of autism

• Promote communication and learning

• Support student function and promote the use of positive behavioral strategies

 

After the training, the team visited three additional schools:

• Kwaang’

• Sinai

• Maisaka

At each school, the team delivered materials and spent meaningful time meeting students that had been discussed throughout the training.

 

OMPACO was deeply honored to have Dr. Eunice Tondi, retired Director of Special Needs Education in Arusha, support both workshops and school visits. A long-standing advocate for inclusive education, Dr. Tondi:

• Addressed participants with inspiring messages

• Endorsed the importance and effectiveness of OMPACO’s training

• Encouraged regional growth in special education resources

Her involvement was met with passion and applause, reinforcing the value of collaboration and advocacy at the highest levels.

 

 

At the conclusion of both workshops:

• Participants received digital copies of all training materials

• Each group was provided with contact information for the OMPACO team to encourage ongoing dialogue and support

• Contact information was shared with the group to promote further collaboration among Tanzanian educators

The workshops concluded with strong feedback from participants and a clear commitment to applying what they had learned in their classrooms and communities.

 

While educators were participating in training, Dr. Martha Collins and Vero conducted individual consultations with families of children with disabilities in both Moshi and Babati. In total, 33 families were supported through these one-on-one sessions, which addressed:

• Developmental concerns

• Diagnostic questions

• Behavior management strategies

• Recommendations for resources and services

Among the children seen were a variety of conditions including chronic epilepsy, intellectual disability (ID), hearing loss, Down Syndrome, Autism Spectrum Disorders, results of cerebral malaria in early childhood (intellectual disability, and problems resembling autism).These consultations played a vital role in building trust with local families and offering personalized, compassionate support.

Outside of teaching and consultations, team members took time to explore the beauty and culture of Tanzania.  Two team members experienced their first safari, visiting three national parks and conservation areas. Over three days, they were lucky enough to spot hippos, lions, elephants, two leopards, a cheetah, and countless other wildlife—an unforgettable experience in the Serengeti.  Other members traveled to Arusha to visit the Cevahir School, founded by Dr. Tondi. A year after visiting its construction site in 2023, the team was thrilled to see the school now fully operational and serving nine students with disabilities. The school continues to grow, with funding efforts underway to expand educational and vocational opportunities. The team also reunited with friends in Dareda, visiting Dareda Mission, Dareda Hospital and Patrick Winter School.  As always, the Dareda community welcomed the team with open arms.

On the final day of the trip, the team was treated to a clear, spectacular view of Mount Kilimanjaro—a perfect ending to a powerful, productive, and inspiring journey. OMPACO is immensely grateful to the educators, families, and community leaders in Moshi and Babati who embraced this work with enthusiasm and heart. These new partnerships represent meaningful steps forward in expanding autism awareness and inclusive education across Tanzania.  OMPACO looks forward to the next opportunity to collaborate with their Tanzanian friends.

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