ICYE-STEPS / MEHAYO CENTER 2016

MEHAYO is a Tanzanian non-government organisation established with the aim of helping Mentally Handicapped Youth in Morogoro. Its goal is to improve the quality of life for mentally handicapped young people, while at the same time creating better awareness of mental disability among their parents and the local population. The organization has 2 centers and provides shelter for 41 mentally handicapped people, ranging in age from 6 to 31 years. Some youngsters and children stay in the MEHAYO hostel, but most of them live at home. Taking care of the elderly, taking care of people with disabilities. There is a timetable of activities each day including group activities like gardening, arts and crafts, music, and clean up. Volunteers may go to school with the children who attend primary school, or remain at the facility to assist in activities for children who are unable to attend school. Mehayo also has a working farm, and volunteers are welcome to join in on the activities on the farm (a short distance from the center). Volunteers are encouraged to develop their own activities according to their strengths and areas of expertise. The Mehayo administration is run entirely by volunteers, and appreciates any special skills volunteers can bring to the center—computer skills, ideas for improvement, etc. Volunteers are encouraged to be selfmotivated and help out where they are needed and where their strengths are. The children are enthusiastic and love to participate in music, drama, fashion shows, etc. set up by international volunteers during free time. Also, volunteers have a flexible schedule and can arrange with the volunteer coordinator when they need a break or time off.