Mosaic International Voice | 2016 Summer

International Voice summer 2016

a publication of Mosaic International | www.mosaicinternational.org

Unaweza Means “You Can!” “Unaweza!” means “You can!” in KiSwahili. In February, children and youth in Building a Caring Community (BCC), a program Mosaic supports in Tanzania, were cheered on with this phrase at BCC’s third Special Olympics Day.

in Moshi, this event was presided over

by Meghan Hussey, Mosaic’s International Field Director and long-time Special Olympics volunteer.

“They could jump, throw, kick, run, and stretch.”

With donations from Special Olympics Connecticut and outdoor space provided by the Uhuru Lutheran Hotel

All day, children and young adults showed their excitement as they demonstrated to spectators and to each

other that they could jump, throw, kick, run, and stretch. Only the whistle blow indicating it was time to change stations and join another fun activity interrupted the shrieks of laughter in the air.

Because people with intellectual disabilities in Tanzania still face high levels of stigma and discrimination, the Special Olympics event was very symbolic.

At the end of the day, proud athletes received their medals from Pastor Nkyia, BCC’s spiritual adviser, and the manager of the hotel. It was a moment of pride, and the first time some of the participants had been publicly celebrated for who they are.

This is a strong public statement against traditional beliefs, still held by many in Tanzania, that people with disabilities are cursed. Those beliefs lead to children being hidden away in shame. Programs like BCC and events like the Special Olympics Day shed the light of truth on these beliefs, helping others to see the talents and value of these children, and share in their joy.

There are those who say overcoming long-held stigma and changing how people value individuals with disabilities is impossible in a country with so much poverty and need.

Amiri’s joy was contagious at Special Olympics Day. He has been part of the program in Tanzania for less than two years, but has already made great progress.

Every day, with the support of our partners and donors, we work to prove them wrong.

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From the International Team Change is at the core of our international program: we work to change lives, change communities and change opinions about disability. During the past 22 years, we’ve witnessed remarkable change and growth in the places we’ve served in across the globe.

Change is part of our own story as well.

The past year has brought many changes to our staff. Our Vice President of International Relations, Rich Carman, retired after 26 years of service at Mosaic. Rich was instrumental in the founding and growth of our international work. He remains a tireless warrior for the rights of people with disabilities worldwide, now serving as a board member in one of our international partner organizations.

We have also added two valuable staff members! Meghan Hussey joined our team as International Field Director in August 2015. She returned to Mosaic in this capacity after serving for one year as an International Fellow in our Tanzania program. Her on-ground experience with the program, ability to speak Swahili and deep dedication to our mission make her a great fit for the international team. Meghan’s main responsibilities include traveling to our international programs to monitor, evaluate and advise; developing

additional data collection methods for our programs and providing support to our international partners.

Teresa Roll joined our group in December 2015 as the Resource Development Manager. Teresa will help us continue to build strong relationships with donors, supporters and the community. She previously worked in international philanthropy and has traveled overseas with donors and supporters, showing them the profound difference their support is making.

How does a motorcycle lead children and youth with disabilities to better health? Read how Godson Mmary and his motorcycle are making a difference in our Tanzania program on our BLOG! While you’re there, be sure to sign up for alerts when new posts go up. www.livesofpossibility.wordpress.com

Change is a beautiful thing. Thank you, all of you, for helping us bring positive change to children and young adults with disabilities all over the world.

–Kelly Lytle

Connect with Mosaic International! facebook.com/mosaic.intl mosaicinfo.org/blog facebook.com/mosaicinternational twitter.com/mosaicpossible donate.mosaicinfo.org/pages/inter/ international-projects BCC Health Coordinator, Godson, with his motorcycle. It is a key part of his mission to improve health for all children and youth in the program.

Mosaic International Voice is published by Mosaic International | 4980 S. 118th Street Omaha, NE 68137 | 402.896.3884 | www.mosaicinternational.org Director of Mosaic International Resource Development Manager

A Man, a Motorcycle and a Mission

kelly.lytle@mosaicinfo.org teresa.roll@mosaicinfo.org

Mission Embracing God’s call to serve in the world, Mosaic advocates for people with intellectual disabilities and provides opportunities for them to enjoy a full life.

Integrity at Mosaic If you have a concern, call our national Confidential Reporting Hotline at 800.443.4899, or email integrity@mosaicinfo.org

Relationships Mosaic is an affiliated social ministry organization of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and a member of Lutheran Services in America.

Non-discrimination Mosaic will not discriminate in matters of employment or service delivery on the basis of race, creed, age, color, sex, religion, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, marital status or veteran status.

To be added or removed from the mailing list or to receive information via email, please contact Mosaic at the address given. ©2016 Mosaic. All rights reserved. Mosaic is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization.

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New Options for Young Adults in Tanzania When Mosaic first started working in Tanzania in 2008, the Building a Caring Community (BCC) program we supported served primarily children with disabilities. However, the children in the program, like all

All youth in the program experience many kinds of employment before choosing. Here, Jonathan works with BCC staff, learning to make recycled paper and turn it into artistic pieces.

children, grow up. It became clear after a few years that the program would have to mature along with them, providing more options to develop vocational and life skills.

After securing grant funding, the new Young Adult Program at BCC launched in September 2015. Now, 30 young adults are enrolled. They are able to sample different jobs,

determine their own interests and skills with guidance, and then gain employment.

The young adults have many employment options. Some are employed in the BCC day centers, helping with essential tasks like cleaning, meal preparation and caring for younger children. Some are employed by a local environmental enterprise, Iko Eco. They collect plastic bottles from identified locations within their community. Another group recycles scrap paper into artistic handmade paper, with finished goods such as greeting cards that are sold. A small community farm has also been established. Products grown on the farm will be sold in local markets, which produces income for the employees.

Three new grant-funded members of BCC staff provide oversight of the new program, including a coordinator and two job coaches. They provide support to the young adults to help them build skills, confidence and achieve their goals.

The program is not only providing young adults with the chance to earn income, but to increase their independence. It’s also challenging stereotypes about young adults with disabilities, showing that with support, they are productive, important members of their community.

Living is employed with a recycling organization in the community now. He has even given presentations to primary school children about why recycling is important, and how he does his job.

With Hearts Full of Gratitude To all of our supporters who attended our annual Partners in Possibilities fundraising lunch, and all who give of their time, talents and financial support throughout the year, a big thank you! Without your support, Mosaic would not be able to stand in the gap, providing services, advocacy and HOPE for the hundreds of children and their families we serve overseas. We know we speak on their behalf as well, when we say we hope you are blessed by the blessings you have shared with others.

If you missed the event, you don’t have to miss out! Watch a special video on how donor and volunteer generosity is making a direct impact on those we serve in Tanzania, in their own words! Contact Teresa Roll for more information at teresa.roll@ mosaicinfo.org, or call at 402.896.3884, x30189.

After years in the BCC program, Drusilla has now transitioned to the young adult program. She is employed part time in a BCC center now, helping care for younger children.

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A life of possibilities for people with intellectual disabilities.

Wings Romania Program Soars When young adults with disabilities in Romania graduate from high school or leave their institutions at age 18, they are left with very few options for employment or to learn basic independent living skills. Mosaic, in partnership with long-time partner Motivation Romania and Kivunim, a service provider in Israel, launched the Wings Romania pilot program at the end of 2016. The two-year program, based on a successful program model developed and used by Kivunim, focuses on employment and independent living for young adults.

In the pilot, four young adults are living together with a social counselor for the first year, and in the second year will transition into semi-independent living apartments. The pilot is located in Piatra Neamt, Romania, to demonstrate that such a program can be successful in small to mid-size cities. Currently, all four young adults

are successfully employed and learning everyday living skills such as cooking, laundry, time management

and money management. They also engage in sports and social activities within the local community.

(L to R) Adelina, Andrei and Tiberieu, all part of the Wings Romania program, stop for a photo while relaxing at home in the evening.

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