Charles
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Charles is a 14-year old teenager living in Moshi, Tanzania. He lives with his mother and four siblings in a small house made of mud, with an iron roof. Charles has multiple disabilities and cannot stand or walk; he needs complete care in terms of feeding, washing, dressing and hygiene. His father abandoned the family and his mother tries her best to care for her children. It is typical for a family to feel that having a child with a disability is a burden.
Charles used to sit outside of his house while his mother left to find small day jobs. His toys were a long stick and a rope. Sometimes the neighbors would bring food to him while his mother was working. Food was scarce and just getting water involved a long walk.
In the spring of 2008, the Building a Caring Community (BCC) project staff, a Mosaic staff member, and a therapist from one of the project's partnering organizations, visited Charles and his mother to discuss possible services for the family. Based on that visit, it was decided that Charles and his mother would attend a week-long intensive rehabilitation session offered by Comprehensive Community Based Rehabilitation in Tanzania (CCBRT). A group of close-knit neighbors offered to care for the other children so Charles and his mother could attend the session. Charles enrolled in the BCC Center at Msaranga Parish and the family agreed to in-home support services. At the Center, Charles receives rehabilitation services including physical, occupational and speech therapies. He enjoys nutritional meals and relishes the companionship of other children at the Center The BCC project provides Charles' mother with the opportunity to work and earn a living. She receives help to feed her family and is in the process of applying for a small loan to start a business.
Charles and his family have had so many doors opened for them through their connection to the BCC project. As with most struggling families, they have a long journey ahead of them but they've taken those important first steps. With the support of their neighbors, the Parish, the BCC Project and partnering therapists, they now have hope for the future.
