Vikindu, Tanzania. Jannet Manoni from the Mwanangu Development Initiative in Tanzania was at the conference for inclusive social development.
What does the work of the Mwanangu Development initiative look like?
Mwanangu Development is a Camphill-inspired charity and community that works with children in the curative and medical sectors. Our vision is to see a generation where children’s health is a priority and access to inclusive education throughout the country. Our mission is to raise awareness, access and advocacy for children with special support needs in the health and education sector in Tanzania. We have a Waldorf-inspired curative education school as well as biodynamic and organic agriculture. Some children live in a residential home on site. Our community is offering therapy, education, care, rehabilitation, meals, transportation, accommodation and medical coverage. Parents of children with special support needs are supported by us with income-generating anti-poverty activities such as clothesmaking and cooking.
Which inspirations are you taking with you from the conference?
What inspired me from the conference was the wide range of Camphill initiatives in the world and how we can work together. African representation was very minimal, yet there is a lot we have to contribute. I am inspired to continue encouraging my brothers and sisters in Africa to come together and to form an alliance of anthroposophical communities in Africa to support each other to deepen our anthroposophical understanding and its relation with African narratives.
What do you wish for in terms of social inclusion in your country?
African Proverbs say that “it takes a village to raise a child.” However, as our communities are becoming more modernized and changing values based on urbanization lifestyles, we see less and less inclusion and more individualization. The responsibility to raise a child now is on a family level. I wish to see more embracing of our community living and values in accommodation for persons with disabilities, as it takes more than a family to raise this child.
Contact j.manoni@gmail.com
Translation Charles Cross
Image Jannet Manoni, courtesy photo
