CAT (Connects Autism Tanzania)
CAT works with the Ministry of Education to hold seminars, train teachers and the community about disabilities. CAT also works with the government to improve services at the community and national level. They work directly with students at CAT Youth Skills Center formed in 2016. Building for Generations partnered with CAT as a response to the need of our graduating students for employment.
Grace is the parent of 4 boys including Erik who is a young adult with autism. Grace is a public health nurse who has worked for Peace Corp., Cross-Cultural Solutions, and Edpowerment. She is the founder of Connect Autism Tanzania (CAT) and is an advocate for all with developmental challenges in her country.
She is a community leader who has worked with youth in a broad sense as one of the founders of Kilimahewa Woman's and Orphans Education Center. Her organization, CAT, is currently partnered with Building for Generations in the operation of an artisan craft training center for youth in Tanzania with developmental challenges.
Kelvin has dyslexia, he is an excellent worker and CAT has been able to place him in an outside position doing janitorial work at a church.
Nesarian is on the autistic spectrum. She loves to weave and cook.
She cooks daily lunches for the attending students at CAT Youth Skills Center.
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Shamin is part of the CAT Youth Skills Center where students are learning to weave blankets, table runners and bead purses. Shamin is deaf and has cognitive challenges but she is an excellent worker.
Students are also trained in using local transportation and hygene skills. They are producing quality work and they are seeking more marketing outlets.
Current Initiatives
The first adult youth living facility in Arusha, Tanzania will house approximately twenty youth with inadequate or no current housing.
Upon completion, the home and farm will be taken over by Connects Autism Tanzania (CAT) and serve all youth in need of housing, regardless of their disability.
Contributions over the 2023 holidays provided the funds to construct the roof! At this stage, we needed $30,000 to complete this project.
In May 2024, I was able to revisit Erik's group home in Tanzania to witness the painting and completion of the interior of the home.
By the end of May, the first two residents had moved in. Lot and Kennedy have their new home :)
We anticipate it accommodating approximately 18 more youth in need of permanent housing.
We cannot over-emphasize our appreciation for your continued donations. Not only that, 75% of our donations have come from individual donors.
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You made a difference!