combat FGM (2001- 2015) has been developed to provide guidance on elimination of
FGM.
In improving the condition of people with disabilities the United Republic of Tanzania
has established the Disabled Policy? (National Policy on Disability 2004), with the
objective of improving the life standard of the disabled people. The Government through
its department of social welfare provides for vocational training and technical aids for
people with disabilities. It works closely with organisations dealing with people with
disabilities. To further its commitment, the Government j oined the African Rehabilitation
Institute which emerged within the African Union. Currently the Government is working
on a projected ten years plan for people with disabilities called 'African Decade for
people with disabilities'.
Apart from giving small loans for the· disabled to start of petty business, the Social
welfare Department also assists with job placement. The state is also in the process of
ratifying the UN standard Rules on equalization of opportunity for person with disability.
A number of pensio_n schemes are in place to ensure comfortable retirement these include
Parastatal Pension Fund (PPF), National Social Security Fund (NSSF), Public Service
Pension Fund (PSPF), Local Authorities Provident Fund (LAPF) and National Health
Insurance Fund (NIDF).
The Government in its effort to improve the condition of the elderly people on the other
hand has done quite a number of efforts. It has established 17 elderly homes that are run
by the government within the country and another 24 elderly homes are run by Faith.
Based Organisations for example Mburahati faith based) Nunge (Government owned)
and Msimbazi (FBO) elderly home. Another 24 elderly homes 'are run by faith based
organisations.
The National Ageing Policy 2002 that exclusively deals with elderly issues was
formulated in 2002.
The National Growth and Poverty Eradication Strategy has
accommodated issues of elderly people to mark its commitment. The Social welfare
Department provides counselling for the elderly. It also advises and co unsels elderl y
groups who are conducting business.
Further more elderly people over 60 year are
'
treated free of charge in hospitals. The government collaborates well with Faith Based
33