Sixty people with disabilities in Arusha Region have received wheelchairs worth TZS35 million through a partnership involving the US-based Wheelchair Foundation, Chem Chem Association and the Friedkin Conservation Fund (FCF), in an initiative aimed at improving mobility and expanding economic opportunities.
The wheelchairs were handed over on Tuesday by Arusha Regional Commissioner Amos Makalla, who said the donation would help ease mobility challenges that continue to limit the participation of many people with disabilities in social and economic activities.
The beneficiaries were drawn from four local authorities, with 30 wheelchairs allocated to Arusha City Council and 10 each to Monduli District Council, Arusha District Council and Meru District Council.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, Mr Makalla said improved mobility would enable beneficiaries to carry out daily activities more independently while increasing their ability to earn a living.
"Access to mobility is essential for enabling people with disabilities to participate fully in economic and social life. This support will help many of our citizens become more productive and improve their livelihoods," he said.
He thanked the three organisations for the donation and appealed for continued support, noting that the demand for wheelchairs in the region remains high.
Chem Chem Association general manager Clever Zullu said the programme is part of the organisation's broader community development efforts in areas surrounding conservation landscapes.
He said similar wheelchair donations have previously benefited residents in Manyara and Mara regions, adding that the initiative demonstrates how conservation partnerships can also contribute to improving community welfare.
Friedkin Conservation Fund projects manager Aurelia Mtui said the organisation has been supporting health, education and environmental programmes in several regions and had expanded the wheelchair initiative to Arusha this year.
Wheelchair Foundation president David Behring said the organisation has distributed more than 7,000 wheelchairs across Tanzania through partnerships with local organisations.
He said Chem Chem Association has so far received seven consignments containing about 260 wheelchairs for distribution in Arusha, Manyara and Simiyu regions.
For beneficiaries, the donation represents more than improved mobility.
Sebastian Gabriel, a farmer from Kisongo in Arusha District, said replacing crutches with a wheelchair would make it easier for him to reach his farm and continue supporting his family.
Farida Mwinyi of Njiro said the wheelchair would restore her independence by allowing her to travel without relying on relatives or neighbours for assistance.
The donation reflects growing collaboration between conservation organisations and international charities in addressing social welfare challenges in communities surrounding Tanzania's tourism and conservation areas.
