Empowering Lives, Promoting Inclusion

At Upendo Wangu Foundation, we are dedicated to championing the rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities in Tanzania. With 80% of persons with disabilities residing in developing countries, the urgent need for their inclusion in development activities is paramount to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The link between poverty and disability is undeniable—poverty often leads to disability through malnutrition, inadequate healthcare, and unsafe living conditions. Conversely, disability perpetuates poverty through exclusion and lack of opportunities.

Our Mission
Our community-based initiative seeks to awaken and strengthen the spirit of solidarity within communities by addressing the challenges faced by the less privileged. Our mission is to create a continuous impact, with annual campaigns that highlight the importance of catering to the needs of persons with disabilities. We aim to promote diversity, inclusion, and accessibility in all community activities, aligning our efforts with the SDGs to ensure that no one is left behind.
What We Do
Raise Awareness:
We are committed to spreading knowledge about the 2030 Agenda and the achievement of the SDGs, specifically focusing on persons with disabilities.
Foster Dialogue:
By facilitating active dialogue among stakeholders, we aim to create a better, more inclusive world for persons with disabilities.
Build Resources:
We are developing a live web resource dedicated to SDGs and disability, providing ongoing support and information to the community.

The Background

In Tanzania, poverty and disability are closely intertwined. According to the Disability Inclusive Development Tanzania Situational Analysis (June 2020), 49.1% of the population lives in poverty, with higher prevalence in rural areas. The 2012 census revealed that 9.3% of Tanzanians are persons with disabilities, making them one of the most marginalized groups in the country.
These individuals face numerous challenges, including stigma, discrimination, and limited access to essential services. The lack of employment opportunities is exacerbated by previous barriers to education and vocational training, trapping many in a cycle of poverty. Furthermore, access to healthcare is severely restricted due to high costs, distance to facilities, inadequate medical supplies, and communication barriers. Alarmingly, 94% of persons with disabilities in Tanzania cannot afford necessary health services.
“My son defines me. Through him, I have found my voice, and now I use it to speak for the voiceless.”
Regina Mwengi, the driving force behind Upendo Wangu Foundation, is deeply passionate about advocating for the voiceless. Her personal journey, especially her experience with her son who has Cerebral Palsy, has redefined her purpose in life. Through the foundation, Regina has launched the Cerebral Palsy Awareness Campaign, where she speaks out for those who cannot and raises awareness about the challenges faced by children with disabilities.
Join Us in Our Mission

We invite you to be part of this transformative journey. Together, we can build a more inclusive society where every person, regardless of their abilities, has the opportunity to thrive.