Our History

Our History

St. Justin Foundation (SJF) initially started as a Voluntary Centre taking care of children and youth with disabilities in January 2006, established by Sr. Maria Magreth John of the Immaculate Heart Sisters of Africa in Musoma. Over the years, it has grown in scope, vision, and impact, expanding its services to better meet the needs of children and youth with disabilities across Tanzania.

SR. MARIA MAGRETH JOHN

Founder

In 2016, the Centre was registered as a Community-Based Organization (CBO) in Musoma Municipal Council. This marked the beginning of its formal recognition, enabling it to enhance its service delivery and outreach. The Centre continued to gain experience and expertise, leading to its registration as a Children's Home by the Ministry of Health, Community Development, Gender, Elderly, and Children in 2020 with License No. 0005686. This provided the Centre with a broader legal framework to offer essential care, support, empowerment, and rehabilitation services to children and youth with disabilities.

In August 2024, recognizing the increasing demand for our services beyond the confines of the Centre, we transitioned into a National NGO, registering under the Non-Governmental Organization Act as St. Justin Foundation (Reg. No. 00NGO/R/6820). This pivotal change reflects the organization’s new vision, broader mandate, and commitment to champion the rights and dignity of children and youth with disabilities not only in Musoma but across Tanzania Mainland.

The Foundation’s mission has a strong focus on empowering children and youth with disabilities to realize their full potential through rehabilitation services, inclusive education programs, and advocacy efforts. To date:

• Over 1,500 children and youth with disabilities have gained direct access to inclusive education, with many transitioning to secondary education and beyond, and more than 3,000 are reached indirectly through home-based care.
• Over 500 children and youth with disabilities have received assistive devices, general healthcare, and physiotherapy.
• The Foundation has actively promoted social inclusion, reducing stigma and discrimination against children and youth with disabilities at the community level.

VISION

St. Justin Foundation envisages a Tanzanian society where the rights and dignity of people with disabilities are respected, and their socio-economic contributions are recognized.

MISSION

St. Justin Foundation was established to support all efforts aimed at improving the rights and dignity of children and youth with disabilities, empowering them to contribute to the national economy.

Overall Objective

To promote the rights and well-being of children and young people with disabilities, enabling them to participate in national development.

Objectives

1. Empower children and youth with disabilities socially and economically to respond to their needs.
2. Promote access to national resources for children and youth with disabilities in Tanzania.
3. Advocate for the rights and dignity of children and youth with disabilities in Tanzania.
4. Enable access to educational and health services for children and youth with disabilities.