EMFERD Orphanage for disabled children in Tanzania

Hi, my name is Matt Hackworth. I am a relief worker, disability advocate, autism dad and Presbyterian clergy. I am also a friend of EMFERD - a place I've visited several times. I am proud to support its life-saving work.

Josephine Bhakita founded the Erick Memorial Foundation for Education and Rehabilitation for Disabled following the death of her disabled son, Erick. “Mama” Bhakita is known throughout central Tanzania for her work with people living with disabilities. As a social worker, her professional life has been spent scouring rural villages to seek out people living with disabilities, and connecting them to services. Mama Bhakita established the Erick Memorial Foundation for Education and Rehabilitation for Disabled as a non-profit in May 2011. The registered organization (Tanzania Registration Certificate Number NG0 4606) supports around 667 people living with disabilities, many of whom are children who have been abandoned due to cultural stigma that frames disabled people as being unclean, or reflective of God’s punishment for sin.

Named for her late son, Erick, Mama Bhakita’s experience as a social worker helped to mobilize fellow mothers in struggle towards the basic rights and needs of disabled children, and thereby established EMFERD. EMFERD addresses the need for practical support as well as social change for people living with disabilities, many of whom live beyond the reach of social service systems. At the same time, EMFERD engages communities of faith as partners, providing formation experiences to Christian and Muslim worshiping communities that reduce stigma and provide opportunity for serving and living in community with people living with disabilities. EMFERD also works with animist and nomadic tribes whose members often view disabled children as poor providence, and disposable. With an office in Morogoro and a service facility in Mvomero, EMFERD has enjoyed a variety of partnerships with local, national and international organizations that have helped to improve capacity while working towards a shared vision for a better world.