Tanzania: Mental Handicapped Youth Organization (MEHAYO)

About the local hosting organization

MEHAYO (Mental Handicapped Youth Organization) is a community-based, non-profit organization based in Morogoro, Tanzania. The organization is dedicated to reducing stigma and promoting the inclusion of children and youth with intellectual disabilities by providing them with practical life and vocational skills. MEHAYO empowers its beneficiaries through hands-on training in activities such as pottery, gardening, painting, sewing, and other handicrafts. These skills help build confidence, encourage independence, and create opportunities for future livelihoods. The organisation provides a safe and supportive home for approximately 60 children and young people with intellectual disabilities. In addition to shelter, nutritious meals, clothing, and daily care, MEHAYO supports their education by enrolling them in nearby public schools, ensuring they have access to learning opportunities alongside essential care and personal development. Their activities include: Daily Life Skills: Teaching the children to do their laundry, brush your teeth, how to take a shower, arrange your bed , and keep the environment clean. Agriculture: 50 hectares of land for crops cultivation that provide food security for 60 children and youth who live in the project site. Vocational Training: Woodwork, welding, maize flour machine operations and other manual work for practical skills and income. Sports & Games: Recreational activities for physical health and community engagement with local schools.

Presentation of the programme

Help with gardening, arts and crafts or pottery making Conduct physiotherapy and medication sessions to youth with mental disabilities Organise dance, painting or sowing classes Bring children to the nearby school Organise professional work to assist youth with mental disabilities and staff Content creation for social media and digital marketing Support with manual wood work, welding etc.

About the accomodation

Volunteers are accommodated within the project compound in shared volunteer rooms. The compound is a safe and welcoming environment, surrounded by staff residences, office buildings, and hostel for beneficiaries’ dormitories, creating a vibrant community atmosphere and allowing volunteers to immerse themselves in the daily life of the project.

About the location

MEHAYO is located at Mazimbu in Morogoro region. It’s approximately 4/5 hours by bus from Dar es Salaam and 4 hours by bus to the Capital city of Tanzania (Dodoma). It is an estimated 40 minutes by bus to Mikumi National Park, 2 hours to Udzungwa mountain and 20 minutes by feet to Uluguru mountains.

Requirements

Preference is given to volunteers with relevant professional skills or experience in physiotherapy, handicapped, healthcare, or related fields.