Our History
From 1964 to a nationwide movement.
Our origins
Where Our Journey Began
TLB began with students. At Manoleo Technical College in Tabora, students who were blind were experiencing exclusion, discrimination and mistreatment — and in 1964 they organized, forming an association to put their rights and their needs to the college administration.
Its first leaders were Domesius Mzawena as Chairperson, Noel Pala as Secretary and Amri Sudi as Treasurer. Napegwa Paul Kitalama, Auzebius Kasheshela and many other students stood with them. Leadership changed hands each year, following the intake and graduation of students.
In 1970 the association widened: it began keeping its links with graduates of the college, so that leaders who had finished their studies could go on serving.
Becoming national
From a Student Association to a National Organization
Members scattered after graduation, some into government employment and some into work of their own. In December 1971 the Tanzania Society for the Blind invited Napegwa Paul Kitalama, then Chairperson, to discuss how the movement might be strengthened.
One recommendation was to move the headquarters from Tabora to Dar es Salaam — closer to the seat of national government at the time, and so closer to the services and the decision-makers the association needed to reach.
With the support of the Tanzania Society for the Blind and the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare, a meeting held in June 1972 conducted the first national election and marked the birth of the Tanzania League of the Blind. TLB was registered on 16 November 1972 under Registration No. SO. 5034.
Growth
Growing Into a National Movement
TLB built its national presence branch by branch, and built the electoral systems to go with it. By 2021 the organization had been through seven administrations since 1972 and had branches in nearly every part of the country.
In the early years, national leaders extended the organization by appointing local leaders in cooperation with the Department of Social Welfare.
As TLB became better known among persons who are blind, it introduced a stronger electoral system — and with it, internal democracy and leadership that answers to its members.
1964
A Student Movement Begins
Students who are blind at Manoleo Technical College in Tabora form an association to demand their rights and raise their needs with the college administration.
1970
The Association Opens to Graduates
Links are kept with graduates of the college, so leaders can continue serving after their studies end.
1971
A Move Towards National Standing
The Tanzania Society for the Blind opens discussions on strengthening the movement, and recommends moving the headquarters from Tabora to Dar es Salaam.
1972
TLB is Founded
The first national election is held in June, and the Tanzania League of the Blind is registered on 16 November under Registration No. SO. 5034.
2002
Leading White Cane Day
TLB begins coordinating Tanzania's national commemoration of International White Cane Day, and has done so every year since.
2021
Seven Administrations, Branches Nationwide
TLB has been through seven leadership administrations since 1972, with branches established in nearly all parts of the country.
2026–2031
A New Strategic Chapter
TLB enters a new five-year period focused on sustainability, stronger advocacy, education and technology, vibrant branches and stronger governance.
The record
What We Have Built, and What Remains
TLB's own account sets its achievements beside the challenges that have not gone away. Both belong here — the second is why the first continues.
Key Achievements
7 in total
- Bringing together persons who are blind from across Tanzania under a national organization.
- Promoting education, vocational training and employment opportunities for persons who are blind.
- Strengthening relationships between TLB, the Government, communities, stakeholders and development partners within and outside Tanzania.
- Working with the Government and other stakeholders to promote access to prevention, treatment and rehabilitation services, including the revival of vocational training centres.
- Supporting the acquisition and distribution of assistive devices through partnerships with different stakeholders.
- Increasing public awareness and understanding of the issues affecting persons who are blind.
- Coordinating Tanzania's national commemoration of International White Cane Day since 2002.
Continuing Challenges
5 in total
- Persistent negative attitudes towards persons who are blind and the issues affecting them.
- A lack of sustainable and reliable sources of income for the organization.
- Continued economic and social dependency among many persons who are blind.
- Limited participation and representation of persons who are blind in decision-making bodies.
- Limited self-awareness and self-confidence among some persons who are blind, which can contribute to social marginalization and loss of dignity.
Looking ahead
A Renewed Direction
TLB is building the financial foundation it needs to meet its responsibilities, and a membership that knows its rights and its responsibilities and lives by them.
