The Organisation of Special Needs Education Teachers (OSNET) has actively promoted student empowerment, assistive devices and self-reliance among learners with special needs, reaching over 16,719 young students across Tanzania. This initiative focuses on equipping students with knowledge, skills, and confidence to actively participate in their own learning and daily lives, fostering independence and personal growth.
Through targeted life skills and vocational training programs, OSNET has helped students develop practical abilities such as communication, problem-solving, entrepreneurship, and basic financial literacy. These programs enable learners, including those who are deaf, hard of hearing, visually impaired, or living with other disabilities, to contribute meaningfully to their communities and pursue self-sustaining activities.
OSNET also organizes mentorship and leadership activities, encouraging students to take initiative, express their ideas, and build confidence in social and academic settings. Through workshops, clubs, and peer-support networks, students gain opportunities to practice teamwork, decision-making, and advocacy for their rights.
By combining education, skill-building, and psychosocial support, OSNET’s student empowerment initiatives have not only improved academic engagement but also nurtured resilience, independence, and self-reliance. These efforts ensure that students with special needs are prepared to thrive in society and embrace a future full of opportunities.