ABOUT SIMAMA CBR

MBEYA COMMUNITY BASED REHABILITATION MBEYA CBR (SIMAMA CBR)
Mbeya Community Based Rehabilitation also known as Simama CBR is one of the outreach programs of IYUNGA RC HEALTH CENTRE that is registered in accordance with the provision of Part III of the Private Hospitals (Regulation) Act number 6 of 1977 as amended by act number 26 of 1991. The registration number is 127220. The centre in question belongs to the Archdiocese of Mbeya.

The program from social perspective works hand in hand with Caritas Mbeya and also with other stakeholders in helping children regardless of their ethnic background, race, colour or religious affiliation. Meanwhile, there are four centres whereas one of them namely Don Guanella rehabilitation centre for children with disabilities is managed by the Servants of Charity.

The notion behind community based rehabilitation
Community based rehabilitation refers to the situation whereby the whole community is involved in helping the disabled (those who are physically and mentally challenged) as far as rehabilitation is concerned.The concept of Community based rehabilitation embraces the following aspects:-

i)The achievement of effective home and neighborhood services.
ii)The use of specialists (doctors) from the hospitals, health centers and dispensaries found among the people around and human resources and other resources found in the community.
iii) Sensitization of the community as far as the importance of helping the disabled is concerned
iv)Involving the local leaders in facilitating positive attitude change.

The history or background of Mbeya Community Based Rehabilitation (CBR)-Simama

Mbeya Community Based Rehabilitation came up as a result of the challenge that has been in place from time to time from Iyunga College (Center) for the youngsters with disabilities that has been in operation since 1987.It has been observed for over many years that among many disabled who join Iyunga College for the youngsters with disabilities would have been rehabilitated during their early stage of growth hence being in position to work more efficiently. Right now the following rehabilitation centers for the children between 0 to 14 years old have been launched to carry rehabilitation.Iwindi rehabilitation center is about 30 Kilometers away from Mbeya city while Simike center is about 5 kilometers away from the city. Iyunga rehabilitation center is 4 kilometers away from Mbeya city whereas Uyole rehabilitation center is about 25 kilometers from Mbeya city centre.

Vision

Simama CBR envisions a society that reduces incidences of disability and realizes the potentialities of the disabled children hence enabling them to participate in various activities for their own future welfare and of the society.


Mission

To strive in promoting Community Based Rehabilitation and the rights for the children with disabilities in such a way that empowers them and their communities.

WHAT WE DO

  • Children have access to physiotherapy treatments and social-cognitive activities in four rehabilitation centers

  • Children who cannot reach the rehabilitation centers do benefit rehabilitation services in homes

  • Children are linked with schools for inclusive education

  • CBR workers, teachers, parents and caregivers are trained on several topics in view of improving their knowledge and understanding on disability

  • Awareness on disability is carried in schools and also in public structures

  • Provision of assistive rehabilitation devices in rehabilitation centers, schools and also in homes