The Building a Caring Community (BCC) program was established in 2007, under the auspices of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania Northern Diocese (ELCT-ND). BCC was created confront the realities faced by children with intellectual disabilities, who were often marginalized and deprived of their rights, including access to education, healthcare, and protection.
Situated within the framework of the ELCT-ND, BCC operates in close collaboration with eight parishes in Moshi Municipal and one parish in Hai District. It tends for more than 200 children and young adults. Through a holistic approach encompassing both center-based and in-home services, BCC endeavors to address the multifaceted needs of its beneficiaries.
The core service aspects of BCC encompass a diverse array of interventions aimed at nurturing and well-being of its beneficiaries:
- Physical Therapy: From specialized feeding techniques to mobility exercises and the provision of assistive devices, BCC prioritizes comprehensive physical therapy interventions. Equally vital are the training sessions provided to staff and parents, fostering a supportive ecosystem conducive to the optimal growth and development of each child.
- Occupational Therapy: Through individualized service plans tailored to the unique needs of each beneficiary, BCC emphasizes the cultivation of essential life skills, including activities of daily living and personal hygiene. Training programs for both staff and parents serve to reinforce these vital skills, empowering beneficiaries to navigate the challenges of daily life with confidence and independence.
- Young Adult Program: Recognizing the importance of equipping young adults with the tools for self-sufficiency, BCC offers vocational training in a diverse range of fields, including agriculture, handcrafts, and small-scale entrepreneurship. By fostering a culture of skill-building and empowerment, BCC endeavors to facilitate the seamless transition of beneficiaries into productive members of society.
- PROMOT Health: Central to BCC’s mission is the provision of comprehensive healthcare services, encompassing preventative measures, access to medical and nutritional support, and annual health screenings. By prioritizing the holistic well-being of its beneficiaries, BCC seeks to mitigate health disparities and promote a culture of wellness within the community.
- Education: At the heart of BCC’s interventions lies a steadfast commitment to education, encompassing tailored class lessons, literacy skills development, and individualized education plans designed to cater to the unique learning needs of each child.
- Inclusion: Through a myriad of community engagement initiatives and strategic partnerships with local schools and organizations, BCC endeavors to foster a culture of inclusivity and acceptance, thereby dismantling barriers to social participation and promoting the full integration of individuals with disabilities into the fabric of society.
- Family Supports: Recognizing the pivotal role of families in the development of children with disabilities, BCC offers a comprehensive suite of family support services. From economic empowerment initiatives to caregiver trainings and psychosocial counseling sessions, BCC seeks to empower families with the resources and resilience needed to navigate the challenges of caregiving and promote the overall well-being of their loved ones.
