CAPDA was founded in 2010 by a group of South Australians driven to share their skills and knowledge with a community of families and carers in Tanzania who had demonstrated their passion and dedication in caring for children with disabilities.
Underpinning all CAPDA’s planning and action is the understanding that it is most often women (as mothers, family members, carers and health workers) who carry responsibility for children with disabilities, and do so without adequate knowledge, resources or support. We saw that the best way to improve the lives of people with disabilities is to equip the community with the skills and tools to meet challenges with minimal outside assistance.
With this idea of sustainability front and centre, we set about forging close relationships with local community-based organisations and support groups.
Our main aims are to:
- build the capacity of disability service-providers in the Kilimanjaro region
- raise awareness of disabilities in the Moshi community
- stop the development of preventable problems, by providing early monitoring, equipment and treatment
- improve mobility for children with physical disabilities; this not only makes life easier for their carers, but also allows them to participate more fully in the community
- offer vocational training opportunities for young people with disabilities
- support the local economy by employing local tradespeople
CAPDA’s principles are guided by the United Nations Conventions on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the Rights of the Child.
Community Action for People with Disabilities in Africa Incorporated is registered as a not-for-profit organisation in Adelaide, South Australia.