Our history
Setting up a charity is no easy task, but Emma Burtles' vision and hope that no child should be without a wheelchair and access to education, is now shared by many.
Together they have created a sustainable programme of provision and care.
2017
Charity Founded
Just Wheels was set up in 2017 by Emma Burtles. Emma worked in Tanzania and was aware of the issues facing people with disabilities when she was there. However, supporting her own disabled son here in the UK made her realise the enormity of the challenges facing people with disabilities in Tanzania, and their families. She wanted to do something to help.
2019
Just Wheels Tanzania
Just Wheels Tanzania was led by Edwin Kalukwela, who has been a wheelchair user since contracting polio as a child. Edwin is a skilled and highly trained wheelchair technician and made over 100 wheelchairs which are still in use today.
2023
Partnership with DMI
In order to build on the capacity of the wheelchair programme in Tabora, a partnership was formed with the Deaf Mute Institute that sits within the Archdiocese of Tabora. This gave the programme a permanent, accessible base from which to run the programme and for beneficiaries to go for assessments, fitting and follow up appointments.
2024
Supported by CCBRT
In 2024 Comprehensive Community Based Rehabilitation Tanzania (CCBRT) provided Just Wheels with 40 wheelchairs which were fitted and donated to the beneficiaries by their team of technlogists and clinicians. CCBRT is a locally registered NGO providing specialised healthcare services operating in Dar es Salaam and Moshi, Tanzania. We are so grateful them for their support of our programme.
2025
Workshop and Training
2025 will see the opening of our own Workshop and Fitting Room, where we will be able to assess and fit wheelchairs and offer ongoing maintenance. In February a team of skilled trainers are providing a bespoke training programme to the team in Tabora to ensure our service is executed to the highest standards and we have a sustainable programme with capacity to grow.