Impact of a Caregiver Collective
Abstract
Background. Caregivers of children with disabilities in Tanzania often face poverty, social exclusion, and mental health problems, which are compounded by stigma and limited formal support. In response, the Uhuru Mama Collective (UMC) was established in 2023 as a school-based initiative combining income generation, peer support, and collective empowerment. Aims. This study examined the economic, social connectedness, and mental health impacts of participation in the UMC over 16 months on caregivers of children with disabilities, their children, and disability-related attitudes within the school community. Methodology. A community-based participatory research design was employed, using a one-group, mixed-methods longitudinal approach. Thirty-three female caregivers were followed from baseline to 4, 12, and 16-month follow-ups, assessing economy and mental health. Focus groups and key informant interviews were conducted at 16 months to capture caregiver, teacher, and school perspectives on the impact of the collective. Results. Substantial improvements in caregivers’ financial stability, social inclusion, and mental health were demonstrated. Mean daily income more than doubled, the caregivers went from feeling isolated to active participants in a community, and depressive symptoms significantly reduced. Further, improvements in children’s school attendance, peer relationships, and academic and life skills were reported. Finally, enhanced school–home communication and reduced stigma toward disability within the school community was reported. Conclusion. Findings suggest that a school-based, caregiver-led collective can generate sustained economic, social, and mental health benefits for caregivers of children with disabilities, while also supporting child development, improving school–family relationships, and reducing stigma. The findings support the integration of caregiver interventions into disability, education, and social protection policies in low-resource settings.