President Samia backs ELCT's special needs centre with Sh250 million

Dar es Salaam. President Samia Suluhu Hassan has commended the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania (ELCT) for its initiative to establish a centre for children with special needs, describing it as a true expression of faith in action.

Speaking on Thursday June 5, 2025 during a fundraising event for the proposed Centre in Kitopeni, Bagamoyo District, Coast Region, President Hassan commended the ELCT for consistently supporting government efforts in health, education, and moral guidance.

“Beyond preaching the gospel, ELCT has taken on the important task of delivering social services. This reflects the true essence of religious duty,” she said.

“Your efforts send a clear message to those who claim to serve God but serve the devil. True religious leadership builds a morally sound society,” she added.

The President highlighted disability among children as an increasing challenge that calls for urgent and united action across all faiths.

“I agree with the bishop—this issue remains critical. Although this centre is a church-led initiative, the problem affects families of all religions. The rise in conditions like cerebral palsy and autism demands collective intervention,” she said.

Citing data from the World Health Organization, she noted that one in every 100 children is born with autism.

She said this underscores the need for focused support systems.

“The government will work closely with the church in constructing and operating the centre. We aim to establish a model institution offering education and care to these children,” she hinted.

During the fundraiser, President Hassan announced a Sh250 million contribution from her office and pledged continued collaboration with the ELCT.

“Whenever I attend a major church function, I normally contribute Sh100 million. Today, six of my advisors have added another Sh100 million. And wearing my ‘grandmother’s hat’, I’ll contribute Sh50 million on behalf of my grandchildren—making it Sh250 million in total,” she said.

She also lauded the ELCT’s role in promoting national unity and urged continued prayers and civic education ahead of the general election.

“I urge the church to keep praying for the country’s peace and continue nurturing a society grounded in ethics,” she said.

ELCT outlines vision for the centre

Earlier, the Presiding Bishop of the ELCT and Bishop of the Eastern and Coastal Diocese, Dr Alex Malasusa, said the centre’s design drew from research conducted in Germany, Finland, and China on best practices in caring for children with intellectual disabilities.

“Our diocese has taken practical steps to ensure this project succeeds. So far, we’ve secured land and completed architectural designs. Legal processes for ownership are being finalised,” he said.

He stressed that the project’s long-term success would depend on close collaboration between the church, government, and private sector.

“We’re committed to ensuring these children aren’t left on the streets. They deserve access to education and a life of dignity,” he added.

Call for oversight of religious institutions

Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner Albert Chalamila used the occasion to urge increased oversight of religious institutions to curb divisive messaging.

He cited a recent de-registration of Bishop Josephat Gwajima’s Glory of Christ Tanzania Church (Ufufuo na Uzima) due to political content in its sermons.

“The Registrar of Societies found the church violated the law by preaching messages that incited public opposition,” he said.

Mr Chalamila also dismissed allegations circulating on social media that President Hassan and her family were amassing wealth.

“These claims are baseless. People spread rumours without facts. I once heard someone claim a petrol station belonged to the President’s child—without even recognising them when they passed by,” he recounted.

He added that similar unfounded claims were made about former President Jakaya Kikwete, but they faded once he left office.