By The Respondents Reporter
In a heartwarming gesture, Mwiba Holdings Ltd, in partnership with the U.S.-based organization Chair the Love, has donated 75 wheelchairs to residents with mobility challenges in the Serengeti region.
The initiative is part of ongoing social support programs targeting communities living near wildlife conservation areas.
The donation builds on earlier efforts by Chair the Love in collaboration with Tanzanian conservation institutions.
Previously, the organization partnered with Chem Chem Foundation to support communities around Burunge Community Wildlife Management Area (Burunge WMA) in Babati District, Manyara Region.
They also worked with Mwiba Holdings in Meatu District, Simiyu Region, to provide wheelchairs to residents near Makao Wildlife Reserve.
In Serengeti, beneficiaries included 75 residents from villages bordering Ikoma WMA and Ikorongo in Serengeti and Bunda districts.
Many of them live with various physical disabilities, and the wheelchairs have already restored mobility and independence, bringing smiles and renewed hope.
Speaking during the handover, Sylvester Bwasama, Project Manager at Friedkin Conservation Fund, which owns Mwiba Holdings, said the program is a direct result of positive experiences from U.S. tourists and aims to support communities living on the periphery of protected areas.
“This is the third phase of our initiative starting with Babati, then Meatu, and now Serengeti. We are confident that the wheelchairs, given to children, women, and men, will improve their mobility and daily lives. We remain committed to reaching those who have not yet benefited,” Bwasama said.
He added that the donations are made possible by the economic benefits derived from wildlife and environmental conservation, which create opportunities for communities living near national parks.
Yusuph Manyanda, Secretary of IKOMA WMA, expressed deep gratitude to Friedkin and Mwiba for restoring hope among residents who had struggled with mobility challenges.
“This donation highlights the tangible benefits of conservation, and communities must continue to protect wildlife and the environment,” he said.
Manyanda noted that tourism creates opportunities to support communities directly. “Through this initiative, conservation touches people’s lives. These wheelchairs will help residents access social and economic opportunities more easily,” he said.
Serengeti District Commissioner, Angelina Marko, commended the initiative, emphasizing that the government is continuously strengthening programs to support persons with disabilities.
“We provide low-interest loans, develop educational infrastructure, and work to empower residents with disabilities. Today, tourists are complementing government efforts. We urge other investors to follow Mwiba’s example and contribute to community development,” she said.
Representing Chair the Love, Glen Mother said the organization combines tourism with supporting communities worldwide that have special needs.
“Here in Tanzania, 15 of us were selected to participate. We hope our work inspires others to serve people with love and compassion,” she said.
Among the beneficiaries, Monica Mugabo from Nattambiso village expressed her gratitude. “I did not expect to receive a wheelchair. This support will make it easier for me to attend prayers and participate in economic activities. I thank the partners who made this possible,” she said.
For the fourth consecutive year, Chair the Love has continued to provide wheelchairs in partnership with conservation institutions across Tanzania, demonstrating how tourism and community support can go hand in hand to transform lives.
