Over 500 children to benefit from envisaged 6bn/- centre

JIMMY LWANGILI

THE Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania (ELCT) eastern and coastal diocese is planning to build a vocational training centre for the children with special needs at Mlandizi in Coast Region, the thrust being to develop their skills.

Retired ELCT Head and Presiding Bishop Dr Alex Malasusa (pictured), said the project, to cost more than 6 billion shillings, would cater for more than 500 children.

Speaking during the Mtoni Open Day Exhibition held at the Mtoni Primary School for the children with special needs in Temeke Municipality on Saturday, Dr Malasusa said initial preparation had already begun and construction work would start soon.

“The aim of building the centre is to help the children to acquire skills that could help them become entrepreneurs and self-employed because it is very difficult for them to compete with other people in the job market,” he said.

The clergyman appealed to Lutheran worshippers and other stakeholders to support the project financially, pointing out that it was improper to rely wholly on foreigners.

Dr Malasusa explained that the centre would not be exclusive for Christian children but would enroll children from other religious faiths, as was the case with the Mtoni center and Primary School.

Earlier, the Coordinator of Mtoni centre, Ms Dorice Mbuya, said the aim of the Open Day Exhibition was to show community members handicraft products made by children at the centre, including candles, ornaments and carpets.

He explained that the centre also catered for day care services for the children with special needs, the aim beinf to raise public awareness on the importance of creating academic openings for children with special needs, instead of hides them in homes.

“We are happy because the centre now hosts many children, compared to the past. This proves that community members have become increasingly eager to develop their skills in such schools,” she said, adding the centre hosts 84 pupils and 49 staff members.

Ms Mbuya explained, however, that despite the achievements it had recorded, the centre was facing several challenges, including shortage of dormitories, classrooms and staff housing.

She said 300mil/- was needed to solve the problems. Dr Malasusa also handed over a mini-bus to the centre, to facilitate transportation.