SCAW BLOG: TANZANIA, 2026: August 5

Behind Every Mattress is a Partnership That Makes Dreams Possible

Before a single child receives a bedkit, an incredible amount of teamwork happens behind the scenes.

This week, our team visited the Unoplast factory in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, where more than 7,000 colourful mattresses were prepared for the 10 days of bedkit distributions taking place. Watching the mattresses move through production was a reminder that every bedkit represents the efforts of many dedicated partners working together.

High density foam ready to be cut into mattresses

For more than 20 years, Mama Wandoa has partnered with Unoplast to ensure every child receives a high-quality mattress. The company has been in business since 1965 and has become much more than a supplier - they are an invaluable partner in Sleeping Children Around the World's mission.

Their generosity goes well beyond manufacturing the mattresses. Unoplast continues to produce the mattresses at cost, without making a profit. They also store all 7,000 mattresses and, for each distribution, deliver the required 7,000 mattresses directly to the school using their own company truck and driver.

We saw how they were produced and how the colourful fabric with its vibrant patterns is sewn on each mattress. After receiving their knapsack - filled with school supplies, clothing, mosquito netting and other essential items - the colourful mattress is the final piece that the children receive. It is always a special moment to see the children's faces light up with excitement. Not only will they enjoy a better night's sleep, but they'll also have something beautiful and colourful to call their own.

A mountain of mattresses. The girls love the bright flamingos.

There's even a Canadian connection. Some of the materials used to manufacture these mattresses originate from a Canadian company, reflecting the international cooperation that makes this program possible. Just like Sleeping Children Around the World, these distributions succeed because of strong partnerships. Alongside Mama Wandoa, her children and grandchildren and the Upendo AIDS Information and Counselling Centre, Unoplast plays a vital role in helping us reach thousands of children across Tanzania.

To everyone at Unoplast, thank you for your generosity, commitment, and more than two decades of partnership. Together, we are helping thousands of children sleep better, dream bigger, and build brighter futures.

Team Tanzania, 2026

Upendo AIDS Information and Counseling Centre 🇹🇿 + SCAW 🇨🇦