Over 700.000 hearing impaired people in Tanzania lack adequate education.
People with disabilities are barely half as likely to graduate from primary or secondary school as their non-disabled counterparts in Tanzania. Their literacy rate lies 1/3 below their non-disabled counterparts, and sign language literacy among the deaf population is even lower, with most never learning formal sign language.
Over 700.000 hearing impaired people in Tanzania lack adequate education.
People with disabilities are barely half as likely to graduate from primary or secondary school as their non-disabled counterparts in Tanzania. Their literacy rate lies 1/3 below their non-disabled counterparts, and sign language literacy among the deaf population is even lower, with most never learning formal sign language.
Over 700.000 hearing impaired people in Tanzania lack adequate education.
People with disabilities are barely half as likely to graduate from primary or secondary school as their non-disabled counterparts in Tanzania. Their literacy rate lies 1/3 below their non-disabled counterparts, and sign language literacy among the deaf population is even lower, with most never learning formal sign language.
Percentage of disabled people in Tanzania who
An inadequate education system
Why is school completion lower among impaired students?
The Tanzanian education system places hearing-impaired students in so-called “inclusive schools,” where they share classrooms, teachers, and resources with their hearing peers. Yet, these schools typically offer no sign language instruction, no hearing aids, and no specialized learning materials. As a result, many students struggle to keep up, face repeated setbacks, and often drop out before completing their education.
At TARATA, every class is taught in Kiswahili Sign Language, with no more than 10 students per class to ensure close interaction and support. Our teaching methods are flexible and adapted to each student’s needs, moving beyond traditional lecture-style learning. All of our teachers are trained in special needs education, ensuring that every student receives the guidance they deserve.
An inadequate education system
Why is school completion lower among impaired students?
The Tanzanian education system places hearing-impaired students in so-called “inclusive schools,” where they share classrooms, teachers, and resources with their hearing peers. Yet, these schools typically offer no sign language instruction, no hearing aids, and no specialized learning materials. As a result, many students struggle to keep up, face repeated setbacks, and often drop out before completing their education.
At TARATA, every class is taught in Kiswahili Sign Language, with no more than 10 students per class to ensure close interaction and support. Our teaching methods are flexible and adapted to each student’s needs, moving beyond traditional lecture-style learning. All of our teachers are trained in special needs education, ensuring that every student receives the guidance they deserve.
An inadequate education system
Why is school completion lower among impaired students?
The Tanzanian education system places hearing-impaired students in so-called “inclusive schools,” where they share classrooms, teachers, and resources with their hearing peers. Yet, these schools typically offer no sign language instruction, no hearing aids, and no specialized learning materials. As a result, many students struggle to keep up, face repeated setbacks, and often drop out before completing their education.
At TARATA, every class is taught in Kiswahili Sign Language, with no more than 10 students per class to ensure close interaction and support. Our teaching methods are flexible and adapted to each student’s needs, moving beyond traditional lecture-style learning. All of our teachers are trained in special needs education, ensuring that every student receives the guidance they deserve.
Causes
of hearing loss
50% of hearing loss in Tanzania is preventable.
Causes
of hearing loss
50% of hearing loss is preventable.
Accidents & Violence
Some of our students gained their hearing impairment as a result of an accident or physical violence – e.g., from corporal punishment.
Medication
Medication without sufficiently reported side effects is one of the most frequently reported causes of hearing impairment.
Birth
Genetic reasons or problems during pregnancy can result in a hearing-impaired child upon birth.
Accidents & Violence
Some of our students gained their hearing impairment as a result of an accident or physical violence – e.g., from corporal punishment.
Medication
Medication without sufficiently reported side effects is one of the most frequently reported causes of hearing impairment.
Birth
Genetic reasons or problems during pregnancy can result in a hearing-impaired child upon birth.
Impacts
of hearing impairment
Impacts
of hearing impairment
Stigma
Superstition and lack of awareness often lead to stigma against people with disabilities. They may be seen as a curse, a punishment for wrongdoing, or even victims of witchcraft.
Violence & Abuse
Children with disabilities are estimated to be three to four times more likely to experience violence and abuse, adding further trauma to an already vulnerable group.
Through talks and regular workshops, TARATA students regain their self-esteem and strengthen their sense of belonging.
We uphold a strict no-violence, no-discrimination policy to ensure our students are protected from further harm.
Poverty
Poverty and disability are deeply connected: the poorest people are most likely to have disabilities, and living with a disability nearly doubles the risk of falling deeper into poverty due to limited education and scarce job opportunities.
Societal exclusion
Disabled children are often hidden at home, denied access to society. Low literacy rates further limit employment opportunities, deepening their exclusion.
In our program, students study languages, arithmetic, business, and vocational skills while gaining professional experience—building a strong foundation for future employment.
We equip our students with the communication skills they need to engage in society. Through events, workshops, and mini-jobs, we create opportunities for them to connect with the wider community and build meaningful relationships.
Stigma
Superstition and lack of awareness often lead to stigma against people with disabilities. They may be seen as a curse, a punishment for wrongdoing, or even victims of witchcraft.
Violence & Abuse
Children with disabilities are estimated to be three to four times more likely to experience violence and abuse, adding further trauma to an already vulnerable group.
Through talks and regular workshops, TARATA students regain their self-esteem and strengthen their sense of belonging.
We uphold a strict no-violence, no-discrimination policy to ensure our students are safe and protected from further harm.
Poverty
Poverty and disability are deeply connected: the poorest people are most likely to have disabilities, and living with a disability nearly doubles the risk of falling deeper into poverty due to limited education and scarce job opportunities.
Societal exclusion
Disabled children are often hidden at home, denied access to society. Low literacy rates further limit employment opportunities, deepening their exclusion.
In our program, students study languages, arithmetic, business, and vocational skills while gaining professional experience—building a strong foundation for future employment.
We equip our students with the communication skills they need to engage in society. Through events, workshops, and mini-jobs, we create opportunities for them to connect with the wider community and build meaningful relationships.
Stigma
Superstition and lack of awareness often lead to stigma against people with disabilities. They may be seen as a curse, a punishment for wrongdoing, or even victims of witchcraft.
Through talks and regular workshops, TARATA students regain their self-esteem and strengthen their sense of belonging.
Violence & Abuse
Children with disabilities are estimated to be three to four times more likely to experience violence and abuse, adding further trauma to an already vulnerable group.
We uphold a strict no-violence, no-discrimination policy to ensure our students are safe and protected from further harm.
Poverty
Poverty and disability are deeply connected: the poorest people are most likely to have disabilities, and living with a disability nearly doubles the risk of falling deeper into poverty due to limited education and scarce job opportunities.
In our program, students study languages, arithmetic, business, and vocational skills while gaining professional experience—building a strong foundation for future employment.
Societal exclusion
Disabled children are often hidden at home, denied access to society. Low literacy rates further limit employment opportunities, deepening their exclusion.
We equip our students with the communication skills they need to engage in society. Through events, workshops, and mini-jobs, we create opportunities for them to connect with the wider community and build meaningful relationships.
Support
our students
Support
Our students
Support
Our students
Support
Our students
