About the foundation

In Tanzania, as across Sub-Saharan Africa, people with disabilities often face persistent discrimination. Many are denied access to basic rights, opportunities, and the benefits of society. Deep-rooted traditional beliefs about disability fuel harmful bias, and society widely accepts these attitudes. Few formal or informal programmes work to change them.

This discrimination extends to religious life. People with disabilities are often excluded from national religious events such as Qur’an memorization and recitation competitions. This exclusion affects their sense of belonging and spiritual fulfilment. More than six decades after independence, they still face barriers to full participation in religious life.

The foundation organizes the National Qur’an Competition for People with Disabilities. The competition gives people with disabilities a platform to take an active part in a major religious event, and builds their confidence and hope for the future.

The foundation held the competition in Dodoma on 15 December 2024. The competition brings together participants from Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar, divided equally between men and women, in two categories: Qur’an recitation and Qur’an memorization.

Judges are experienced Islamic scholars and experts in Qur’anic studies from different regions of Tanzania. Clear evaluation guidelines are shared with participants and spectators, so that the competition is transparent and fair. Winners in each category receive awards.