About Us

Hon. Frank Patrick Materu is a distinguished development economist and dedicated executive with over 15 years of pioneering work at the intersection of inclusive education, rehabilitation, and sustainable community development. He holds a Master of Science in Community Economic Development from Southern New Hampshire University (USA), grounding his practice in robust academic theory and evidence-based strategies. As the Executive Director of Ekklesia Special Needs School in Dar es Salaam, he provides strategic leadership guided by a core mission: to champion disability inclusion and rehabilitation by bridging the critical sectors of education, health, and economic development. A passionate advocate for equity and access, Hon. Materu is committed to advancing inclusive education for persons with special needs in Tanzania and across the region. His visionary approach—linking essential rehabilitation services with broader socio-economic development agendas—has established him as a recognized thought leader on fostering inclusive and sustainable growth. His professional ethos is defined by a relentless pursuit of systemic change, advocating for policies and programs that recognize persons with disabilities as active, valued contributors to economic and social prosperity. In addition to his role at Ekklesia, Hon. Materu currently serves as Chairperson of the Tanzania Association of Community Economic Development (TACED), further amplifying his leadership and influence in shaping inclusive development policies. Hon. Materu is a sought-after voice in international forums, where he shares insights on effective models for disability inclusion, the economic imperative of accessible education, and strategies for building resilient, inclusive communities.