Monday 19 December 2011

December 2011 - Exciting news

'SEEDS FOR TANZANIA’ registration no: 1144822


 
The orphans of Chitemo and Nhyinila

I and my three co-trustees (Rebecca Day, Linda Wanniaratchy,Nicky Teverson)  have recently received the exciting confirmation that 'Seeds for Tanzania' is now a registered charity. Four years ago when I first travelled to Tanzania, amongst my many travels around the diocese of Mpwapwa, I visited the villages of Chitemo and Nhyinila. I was welcomed by a large group of singing children, approximately 300, tots to 7 years of age. I later found out that they were all orphans. Their parents had died mainly from either Aids, dysentery, malaria or in childbirth. In Africa orphans have a tough life often left to fend for themselves from a very young age.  In the two villages the churches do what they can but they are unable to fund the childrens’ needs on a regular basis which means that it is left to the villagers, who themselves are very poor.   Unfortunately pre school facilities are unavailable until the age of 7 when they will attend a government school.   Before that the orphans are looked after by volunteers who attempt to give them activities and a form of education- all done outdoors with only a tree for shade. “Seeds for Tanzania” wants to change this. 
When I left Mpwapwa that year I took a picture of the orphan children which has remained on my laptop and in my heart. After much thought and prayer I felt I had to try and do something for them. I believe that if they are to have a future it will be through education. Education will give them the skills that will enable them to move on in their lives and contribute to their communities. This needs to start as early as possible so that when they do move onto primary education they will stand more chance of developing in the basic skills.

The government has donated 50 acres of land which lies in between Chitemo and Nhyinila and this will be the ideal location to build a pre-school. It would be wonderful for the children in the 3 to 7 year age group to have somewhere to call their own for activities and education. The people understand that they must take ownership of this project and with the churches acting continuing to act as overseer they have organised a project committee and a bank account has been opened. They will make the bricks, dig the foundations and build.  The charity’s role will be to fund the training of teachers, to assist with building materials such as cement, nails and roofing. Also teachers will require equipment and the means   to sustain themselves and develop their own self reliance.  This is a long term project and whilst sometimes I wonder if it is possible I do believe that God never asks us to undertake anything that is beyond us, although it may be a great challenge. Funding will be closely monitored through our close links with the churches and monies will only be provided when evidence is produced that the next stage of the project is required.

If you feel you would like to support this project and by doing so make a real difference to the lives of these children please contact Rev Canon Yolande Marcussen
07794151635 –email seedsfortanzania@gmail.com


No comments:

Post a Comment