Faraja Student Spotlight: Swaum and David

Faraja Primary School welcomes children with physical disabilities from all over Tanzania. It is one of the only schools in the country that offers students quality education, medical care, and rehabilitation (including orthopedic surgeries, prosthetics/orthotics, and physical therapy).

Swaum Salim comes from the coastal town of Pangani, some 270 miles from Faraja. She is ten years old, and she is in Kindergarten this year. Although this is only her first year of school, Swaum is already reading and writing. She has made new friends and loves playing games with them.

Swaum has spina bifida. She receives regular onsite physical therapy, which strengthens her upper body and helps her navigate her wheelchair more easily. In addition, Swaum and her classmates with spina bifida participate in clean intermittent catheterization and other specialized trainings offered by our partners at CCBRT in Moshi.

David Loota comes from the rural district of Oldonyosambu, home to many Maasai people in north central Tanzania. He is 15 years old and is in Class 6 this year.

Before he came to Faraja, David could not walk; he was born with osteogenesis imperfecta (brittle bone disease), a condition that led to severe bone deformities. Without access to a wheelchair, he could only crawl or be carried. At Faraja, David first learned to use a wheelchair. After a number of surgeries at Machame Lutheran Hospital and years of physical therapy at Faraja, he now walks unassisted.

David loves learning. He likes speaking English with Faraja's guests, and he enjoyed trying out carpentry and painting at Career Camp in June. David is the only child in his family who has had the chance to attend school, and he is making the most of it.

Faraja offers children like Swaum and David the education and medical care that they need and deserve. Thanks to our amazing teachers and staff – and our generous donors! – Faraja continues to offer love, encouragement, and a lifetime of opportunity to Tanzanian children with physical disabilities.