
CORE VALUES
- Compassion
- Integrity
- Inclusiveness
- Community empowerment
- Youth-centered approaches
- Evidence-based messaging
Who We Are
Diabetes Consciousness for Community (DiCoCo) is Tanzanian grassroots, education, training and advocacy-based NGO dedicated to raising awareness, fighting stigma, and promoting healthy living among people living with diabetes, especially in rural and underserved communities.
Our Journey
DICOCO was founded in December 2018 by Lucy Johnbosco, a Mass Communication specialist and certified Diabetes Educator who has lived with Type 1 Diabetes for over 20 years. After years of witnessing fear, stigma, and misinformation surrounding diabetes, especially in rural communities, she made it her mission to create a platform that brings knowledge, hope, and action to those most affected.
DiCoCo does not provide clinical care or distribute medicines. Instead, we focus exclusively on education, community mobilization, and storytelling as a means to fight misinformation and mental health challenges associated with diabetes.
We believe that accurate education, deep conversations, and empowering dialogue are the first line of therapy, especially for young people affected by diabetes.
Why DiCoCo?
DiCoCo currently receives no donor funding, sponsorship, or internal financial support. Everything achieved so far has been through voluntary efforts, partnerships, and the strategic use of minimal resources.
We believe that lack of funding should not stop meaningful work. With your support, we can transform how diabetes is understood and managed in Tanzania.
Fully registered and compliant NGO
Innovative use of storytelling and media
Transparent, dedicated, and driven by lived experience
Youth-centered, mental health-aware approach
Over 5 years of grassroots-level diabetes education
Deep community trust and cultural sensitivity
2025 PRIORITY PROGRAM: YOUTH, DIABETES AND MENTAL HEALTH
In 2025, DiCoCo is focusing its efforts on addressing the overlooked mental health needs of youth living with diabetes. This includes:
- Safe space dialogues in schools and youth centers
- Peer-to-peer support forums
- Audio-visual content featuring lived experiences
- Community-based campaigns targeting teachers, parents, and health workers
Currently, DiCoCo operates with no funding at all — neither internal nor external. We identify and implement activities that are low-cost but high-impact, focusing on areas we can reach with limited means.
This commitment proves that with proper support, DiCoCo can scale its operations and make a national impact.
We do not receive any donor funding, sponsorship, or internal financial support. Everything achieved so far has been through voluntary efforts, partnerships, and strategic use of minimal resources.
We act because we believe that meaningful change cannot wait for perfect conditions.


OUR MISSION
To educate, empower, and advocate for people living with diabetes through community engagement, storytelling, and low-cost outreach programs that foster understanding and mental well-being.

OUR VISION
To see a Tanzania where every person, regardless of background or location, understands diabetes, lives free from stigma, and has the knowledge and emotional support to manage the condition with dignity.

OUR GOAL
To increase awareness, reduce stigma, and provide holistic support for mental health challenges impacting people living with diabetes, particularly children, youth, and their caregivers.