About Us
The Tanzania Association of the Deaf popular know in its Swahili acronym “Chama Cha Viziwi Tanzania” (CHAVITA) is the organization of and for the deaf people in Tanzania. It is a-
- Non-government and voluntary organization
- Brings together all categories of Deaf persons in Tanzania
- Includes those with multiple disabilities like Deaf-Blind persons.
- Formed in 1983,
- Was registered as Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) in 1984.
The Organization is dedicated to the advancement of deaf people in the United Republic of Tanzania. CHAVITA was established by Deaf people themselves to address the problems experienced by deaf people in Tanzania and to improve their access to education and their inclusion in in socio-economic, political and cultural life. Since its establishment CHAVITA is engaged in advocacy work and in sign language training as well as in other activities related to the promotion of the rights of deaf people and the enhancement of their livelihoods.
CHAVITA is a member of the World Federation of the Deaf and has a good record of collaboration with donors and international organizations e.g. The Finnish Association of the Deaf (FAD) 1988- 2016, the Swedish National Association of the Deaf (SDR) 2004- 2012, and Community for International Cooperation in Education Development (CICED) Denmark in partnership with the Danish Association of the Deaf (DDL) 2013- 2024.
CHAVITAs headquarters built in Dar es Salaam by the Finnish Association of the Deaf in 1993 employs 13 people and is headed by its Executive Director. A sign-language interpreter from TASLI, the Tanzanian Association of Sign Language Interpreters is employed as in-house sign language interpreter, and thus also facilitates everyday close contact with TASLI, another important civil society organization in the struggle for inclusion of the Deaf in Tanzania. CICED has also collaborated with TASLI since 2014 and has conducted two CISU funded projects with TASLI as (co-)partner.
Through its 20 regional branches (Deaf clubs Countrywide) CHAVITA has a nation-wide outreach to its 5,874 members of which 2,503 are female.
Our Mission
To advocate for, promote and protect the rights and well-being of the Deaf community in Tanzania, fostering their full inclusion in society through education, empowerment and cultural expression.
Our vision
To have an empowered and well informed Deaf community and a Tanzania community which has a conducive and supportive environment for deaf people to access and enjoy their rights, fulfill their potential and be productive members of the society.
What We Do
- Provide educational programs and support for deaf children and adults.
- Advocate for sign language recognition and accessibility.
- Offer vocational training and employment support.
- Organize community outreach and awareness campaigns.
- Promote Deaf culture and artistic expression through events.
- Collaborate with government and other organizations to advance Deaf rights.
Main Goal
Quality of life of Deaf people in Tanzania mainland improved through realization of human and citizenship rights.
Core Purpose
Capacity of CHAVITA and its members to promote their life standard is strengthened.
Statement of Need
Core Values
Beneficiaries-driven
Supporting and empowering Deaf, persons’ rights to decide and achieve their goals, determining the focus of programs and services. The organisation is therefore committed to acquire in-depth understanding of what matters to Deaf people and to develop services and partnerships that Deaf people need.
Partnerships
We acknowledge and appreciate the contributions a wide -range of stakeholders make and in various ways work with us and support the work we do. We are committed to deliver on our promises and consistently being honest to ourselves and with our stakeholders.
Communication
We believe provision of fluid communication is the utmost gap the organisation needs to support to fill. Focus is therefore on ensuring Deaf people are being linguistically and fully communication accessible to all members of the community. The organisation is the therefore committed to further development, promotion and advocacy for adoption and wider utilisation of TSL.
Self-Determination
Supporting and empowering individual beneficiaries to make informed decisions and determining for themselves their appropriate personal and professional goals.
Empowerment
Continual endeavor to create an environment where Deaf people increasingly take charge of their lives as capable independent participants.
Innovation & Development
We are dedicated to continue improvement in all we do, and embrace creativity, and innovation for efficiency and more effective achievement of our mission and vision.
Mutual respect
Mutual respect between and among Deaf people, and between and among Deaf and the community at large is core to the success of all other values.
How Are Different Partners That Are Working With Chavita
Name of the project
Enhancing Linguistic Human Rights for the Deaf Population in Tanzania
Name of the project
“Disability-Responsive Awareness Raising Through Community Engagement and Leveraging Parent Support Groups to Facilitate Enrolment and Retention of Out-of- School Disabled Children in Three Regions of Tanzania
Name of the project
Advocating Sign Language recognition into the Constitution and local Legislations
Name of the project
Disability Justice Fund For Women