Kusini Kwetu

By Vincent Mpepo, OUT

The Open University of Tanzania (OUT) has expressed its commitment to maintaining strong relationships with partner universities in Norway due to the positive impact of such collaborations on the welfare of children with special needs something which is significantly improving their lives.

The statement was made today in Kinondoni, Dar es Salaam by the Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences of the Open University of Tanzania, Dr. Dunlop Ochieng, during a welcoming ceremony to lecturers and students from Norway who will be in Tanzania for three months of internship.

Dr. Ochieng said due to the value of the partnership, his university will continue supporting the Norwegian team to achieve the goals of the collaboration which primarily benefit children with special needs.

“I take this opportunity to affirm that, as stakeholders in this project, we are committed to doing everything possible to realize its objectives,” he said.

The Head of Department of Sociology and Social Work, Dr. Mariana Makuu said the project has entered its second phase, with the first phase running from 2022 to 2024 due to its success, stakeholders agreed to extend it for the second phase, from 2025 to 2027.

Dr. Makuu added that the first phase focused solely on Uhuru Mchanganyiko Primary School, but the second phase will include Sinza Maalumu Primary School thus increasing the number of beneficiary schools to two.

The first team for the second phase includes 10 people who are lecturers and students from Norway who will work alongside teachers at the mentioned schools to support children with disabilities over the next three months.

Assistant Lecturer from the Sociology and Social work Department, Alexander Ndibalema discussed the rights, laws, and policies concerning people with disabilities in Tanzania noting varying perceptions of disability, often viewed negatively as dependence or associated with curses or misfortune.

Professor Karen Reimers, a supervisor of the Norwegian students, explained that Norway has strong laws and policies ensuring the welfare of children, especially those with special needs, guaranteeing access to quality education and supportive environments.

“Children’s rights are legally protected to ensure they receive essential services, including quality education, in a conducive environment,” stated Professor Reimers.