Our Projects

The Voices of Hope Foundation (VOHF) is a community-driven organization based in Zanzibar, committed to fostering an inclusive society where every individual, particularly marginalized children, youth, and persons with disabilities, can realize their full potential

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Learning Together: Strengthening Inclusive Education for Children with Disabilities in Zanzibar

Project Overview & Policy Basis

Aligned with Tanzania’s Persons with Disabilities Act (2010), Zanzibar’s Inclusive Education Policy (2006), and the ratified UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD, since 2009). Under international frameworks like SDG 4 (Target 4. a on inclusive and safe schools) and UNESCO-supported African inclusion strategies, the project aims to support children with disabilities to access equitable, quality education across inclusive and special schools.

Objectives
  1. Train at least 50 teachers in inclusive pedagogy and accessible classroom design by 2027.
  2. Equip 30 schools with assistive devices, braille frames, wheelchairs, hearing aids, reading stands, and inclusive learning materials.
  3. Support 400 children and youth with disabilities across the project Shehia in the three Regions
  4. Establish functioning inclusion committees in all JuZa-supported schools.
Outcomes & Expected Results
  • Increased enrolment and retention of children with disabilities (target: 20% increase in attendance).
  • Improved learning outcomes measured through individualized progress tracking.
  • Enhanced teacher capacity to support diverse learning needs.
  • Schools become accessible and disability-friendly learning environments.

Strength in Our Hands: Economic Empowerment for Families of Children with Disabilities

Project Overview & Policy Basis

Under Tanzania’s Disability Development Policy (2004), National Disability Mainstreaming Strategy (2010–15), and Zanzibar’s provisions for livelihood support, the project provides seed capital and psychosocial support to caregiver-led groups. This aligns with global evidence that parent groups with economic activities improve family resilience and reduce school dropout rates.

Objectives
  1. Provide seed capital to 15 parent-caregiver groups in Zanzibar by 2026.
  2. Train 120 caregivers in small business skills and shared problem-solving techniques.
  3. Facilitate monthly/quarterly peer meetings as psychosocial support platforms.
Outcomes & Expected Results
  • Household incomes increased through viable micro-enterprises (e.g., tailoring, agriculture, horticulture, animal keeping, etc.).
  • Improved capacity of caregivers to support children’s schooling and health.
  • Reduced dropouts among children with disabilities due to stronger financial resilience.
  • A supportive social network enhances emotional well-being and community belonging.

Inclusive Play: Creating Safe, Inclusive Spaces for Every Child to Belong

Project Overview & Policy Basis

This initiative is rooted in Tanzanian inclusive education guidelines and the CRPD’s articles on social participation and recreation. It builds on best practice from organizations like Right to Play, Pathfinder International, Disability Africa, etc, demonstrating that inclusive recreation reduces stigma and enhances children's confidence and school engagement.

Objectives
  1. Launch inclusive play clubs in 10 JuZa–supported schools by the end of 2026.
  2. Train 20 facilitators (teachers, youth volunteers) in accessible games and inclusion techniques.
  3. Host quarterly community-inclusive play days to increase visibility and participation.
Outcomes & Expected Results
  • Stronger social connections among children with and without disabilities.
  • Improvements in self-confidence and peer acceptance among participants.
  • Shift in community attitude toward inclusion, measured via feedback tools.
  • An increase in school attendance and participation is linked to enhanced enjoyment and belonging.