800 Children with Physical Disabilities Receive Life-Changing Surgeries at Kafika House, Arusha Friedkin Conservation Fund Praised for Funding Medical Treatment

 

Mussa Juma, Arusha

Email: maipacarusha@gmail.com

A total of 800 children with physical disabilities have successfully undergone corrective surgeries and are recovering at Kafika House, a specialized rehabilitation center located in Arusha. Among them are more than 100 children from Meatu District in Simiyu Region.

The children from Meatu received surgical treatment through the support of the Friedkin Conservation Fund (FCF), whose affiliated companies—including Mwiba Holding Ltd—have invested in the district through photographic tourism and hospitality projects in Makao Village and the Maswa Game Reserve area.

Speaking to journalists, the Chief Executive Officer and founder of Kafika House, Sarah Rejman, said that since the center was established in 2008, it has provided surgical treatment to more than 12,000 children.

She explained that Kafika House offers comprehensive medical care for children requiring surgery and post-operative rehabilitation. The center was founded after recognizing the need for a safe place where children could stay and receive proper care after surgery, in collaboration with several hospitals in Arusha Region.

“Currently, the center is hosting 155 children. Some have already undergone surgery, others are waiting for surgery, some are undergoing physiotherapy after surgery, and two children are expected to return home soon after full recovery,” Rejman said.

She expressed deep appreciation to the Friedkin Conservation Fund for its continued support in funding medical treatment for children from Meatu District, noting that some have already returned home while others are still receiving care.

Several children from Meatu who are still recovering at the center also expressed their gratitude to FCF and its partner company, Mwiba Holding Ltd, for covering all medical expenses, including transportation from Meatu to Arusha.

Among them are Madeleke Duda, a Standard Three pupil at Makao Primary School; Emmanuel Sita, a Standard Six pupil at Sakasaka Primary School; and Noni Zengo, a Standard Six pupil at Mwangudo Primary School. They said they are thankful for the medical support and have already begun walking exercises following their surgeries.

The students, who were officially sent off to Arusha for treatment in September by the Meatu District Commissioner, Fauzia Ngatumbura, said they would not have been able to access such treatment without the support of Mwiba Holding Ltd and the Friedkin Conservation Fund.

Noni Zengo said the surgeries have restored their confidence and will enable them to return to school and perform better in their studies and examinations.

Twins Kulwa Musa and Doro Musa (12), from Mbaragane Village in Meatu District, who have already undergone leg surgeries, also thanked Mwiba Holding Ltd and FCF for making their treatment possible.

An occupational therapist at Kafika House, Jackline Lekule, said the center provides surgical treatment for conditions including clubfoot, joint deformities, cleft lip, bow legs, and burn injuries.

She explained that these disabilities are caused by various factors, such as high fluoride levels in drinking water, vitamin deficiencies among pregnant women, genetic conditions, and burn injuries in children.

One parent, Rehema Daudi, praised Kafika House for the high-quality services it provides.

“My daughter, Dorcas Mathias, had a serious hip problem that caused her legs to bend inward, making it impossible for her to walk. She has now undergone surgery and is recovering well,” she said.

The Director of Projects at the Friedkin Conservation Fund, Aurelia Mtui, said the organization will continue to sponsor medical treatment for children with disabilities under the age of 17 from Meatu District.

She added that beyond medical support, the Fund also facilitates student transportation to schools, provides free school meals, constructs classrooms, teachers’ houses, health centers, and wildlife-proof fencing to protect communities from dangerous animals.

“In this district, we also run scholarship programs for students from poor families and provide training for secondary school students to help them understand conservation and tourism issues,” Mtui said.

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