A life-changing experience: promoting inclusive education

Eight months (and a bit more) into our volunteer journey, we still vividly recall the day we arrived in Kipera, a small village in the Iringa district of Tanzania. Filled with enthusiasm and a clear mission, we were determined to promote the inclusive education of children with disabilities. Little did we know how profoundly this intense experience would impact our lives—and the lives of the children we came to help.

From July 2024 to Spring 2025, we lived and worked closely with the local community, collaborating with the students and staff of the school. Partnering with IBO Italia, our goal was to create a welcoming, supportive, and stimulating environment where every child, regardless of their abilities, could feel comfortable and valued. 

PERSONALIZED SUPPORT FOR EVERY CHILD

A central aspect of our work was the development and implementation of Individualized Education Plans (IEPs). Through assessing the cognitive and relational skills of each child, we gained insight into their unique needs and learning styles, which allowed us to provide the necessary support for their educational journey.

Creating IEPs was essential in setting specific goals, defining teaching strategies, and identifying the required resources. By tailoring our support, we helped the children make significant progress in various areas, including academics, social skills, and behavior. One of the most effective strategies was dividing students into small working groups, typically of two, for more individualized and focused attention, which increased engagement, participation, and collaboration. As a result, we saw a noticeable improvement in the classroom atmosphere, with fewer behavioral challenges and stronger bonds between students.

A JOURNEY OF PERSONAL GROWTH 

But this project wasn’t just about the children’s development—it was also a profound learning experience for us. One of the most valuable lessons was communication. While Swahili wasn’t a language we initially knew, we dedicated ourselves to learning it, knowing that mastering even basic phrases would help us connect more deeply with the local community. Our effort to speak their language, even if imperfectly, created a bond of solidarity and mutual respect.

Working in a different cultural context taught us invaluable lessons in teamwork, patience, and flexibility. It forced us to adapt, to listen more attentively, and to approach challenges with an open mind. The sense of community and collaboration was palpable, not only in the school but in every interaction with the villagers. It was an experience that fostered personal growth, built resilience, and enhanced our understanding of the world.

A lasting impact

When our project came to a close, leaving Kipera was bittersweet. Our hearts were full of emotions as we reflected on the progress we had witnessed in the children and the positive impact we had made in the community. Seeing their growth was incredibly rewarding. But what left the most lasting impression was the deep sense of gratitude we felt for having been part of such a meaningful project.

We are proud to have contributed to improving the quality of life for these children, and even prouder of the bonds we formed with the community. 

Acknowledgements

More than anything, we are grateful for the opportunity to have had an experience that has changed us forever. It was an unforgettable chapter in our lives, one that reaffirmed the power of education, inclusion, and human connection. Thank you for the ECHAV project and IBO Italia for making this opportunity possible.

Elena Galeotti and Ángela Simón Perea

ESC Humanitarian Aid volunteers in Tanzania