Breaking barriers: MyLegacy empowers people with disabilities in Kawe, Dar es Salaam
In the vibrant community of Kawe, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, a powerful transformation is taking place, and it’s changing lives for the better. Thanks to MyLegacy, a local organization committed to empowering individuals with disabilities. In this article, we’ll explore the story of how MyLegacy’s empowerment initiative, funded by Habitat for Humanity Tanzania, has played a pivotal role in improving the lives of people with disabilities in Kawe.
Meet Fatma Salum, the secretary of the Kawe Disabled Entrepreneurs Association. With a membership of 25 individuals, their journey began when in 2022, MyLegacy extended an invitation to attend a seminar designed specifically for people with disabilities. This seminar took place at MyLegacy’s offices in Mbezi, Dar es Salaam, where they gained valuable insights into batik production and fabric dyeing. But the support didn’t stop at training – MyLegacy went a step further by providing a generous contribution of 500,000 Tanzanian shillings to establish a small office space, marking the inception of their transformative 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. MyLegacy was planting the seeds of empowerment, and the impact was profound.
MyLegacy’s involvement didn’t end with that initial boost. The association continued to benefit from MyLegacy’s empowerment initiative, which offered 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 Salum firmly believes that “people with disabilities deserve the opportunity to acquire skills, earn a livelihood, and actively contribute to society.”
Fatma Salum, speaking on behalf of the Kawe Disabled Entrepreneurs Association, extends a heartfelt message to MyLegacy. She 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.
“Through training, financial support, and mentorship, individuals like Fatma Salum have transformed from being recipients of charity to proud entrepreneurs and contributors to their community.” Said Amina Ally from MyLegacy.