Introduction

We returned to Tanzania for a special visit to open the new TEKUA 2 building. We were here for less than 2 weeks which meant an even more hectic schedule of visits and meetings. We were once again inspired by the commitment and enthusiasm of the people we are helping. Here are the stories.

 

The Opening of TEKUA NDURUMA

This new vocational training centre has been built with your donations in the area of Nduruma, about 20k from Arusha town. It is a remote area of 4 villages, only accessed by a dirt road and inaccessible in the rainy season. Over 13,000 people live in this area, mostly subsistence farmers. There are 4 primary schools of around 500 pupils in each and just one secondary school, which means that many of the young people are left without further education after year 7 at primary.

This is the only vocational training centre in this area, and will give 80 disadvantaged teenagers the chance to learn carpentry and tailoring skills as well as learning English and computer skills.

 

The "finishing touches" were still being made when we arrived for the opening. All hands were set to work including about 40 of the students and all the teachers from TEKUA at Usa River (the original centre). There were a number of guests including the village "committee" as well as the 7 guests we had invited from the other community groups we are helping.

Eventually, the proceedings began with Pendo showing the guests around building, consisting of 4 classrooms, an office, kitchen, staff room and toilets. Rogathe from Kiwamifo was very impressed with the new sewing machines, Anza from LWCC and Emmanuel from Wamata, were similarly impressed with the quality of the desks and chairs made especially by the new carpentry teacher. However, it was the village committee who were the most impressed when they saw a working computer, the only one they had ever seen in their area.

Pop and snacks were passed around and toasts were made to the success of the new building. Ally took charge as "master of ceremonies" and speeches followed from Chris and Herri from TEKUA, the village chairperson, his assistant and secretary and finally from ourselves.

We were touched by the words from the village chairperson, who was so grateful that this remote area had been chosen for the new centre, despite the difficulties of transporting materials. He promised that the villagers would give all their support to ensure the centre was successful and that they would protect the building.

We all left on a "high", and we look forward to showing you the photos of the students learning new skills when we go back in January 2012 . Thank you for helping us to give them the chance.

 

Helping 100 Grandparents

This project to help grandparents caring for orphaned children goes from strength to strength. We have now helped 30 families and it never ceases to amaze us the difference it has made to their lives.

We were delighted when Emmanuel from Wamata explained that they had a workshop for the grandparents at the Wamata building so they could share ideas and learn from each other. One grandfather, Babu, a desperate man when we met him last year, stood up proudly and confidently to give an account of the best way to look after goats to ensure successful breeding and obtain a high quantity of milk.

We visited 3 of the new families we have helped, 2 already have "kids" and we're hoping the other is "in waiting". It is difficult to describe the emotion when they invite us into their simple dwellings and share the stories of how they have lost their children and the struggle to bring up grandchildren on their own; like Ndeonica who has brought up her granddaughter, Happiness, from just 6 months old.

We have given the approval and funds for a further 10 grandparents to be helped, thanks to your donations.

 

KIWAMIFO

We made a brief visit to see Rogathe and the students at Kiwamifo, giving sewing skills training to 20 orphaned/vulnerable teenage girls.

We were pleased to see such an industrious workshop, and clothes, bags, soap powder, beans and maize for sale outside. Rogathe is determined to make this project sustainable. It was also pleasing to hear that the 2 girls "loaned" a sewing machine at the beginning of the year, had started to make the repayments on the loan from the small income they had generated for themselves from sewing.

 

We were asked by one of the students, Rechel, if we would continue to loan machines to some of the students from this year. She told us she loved coming to Kiwamifo every day, it gave her a purpose after finishing primary school and kept her "out of trouble". She wants to help her grandma, who she lives with, and generate an income for herself from sewing.

We would like to increase the number of machines loaned, and will discuss this with Rogathe in January. Thank you for helping us to give girls like Rechel a chance to help themselves.

 

Dymphna's Special School

A visit to Mary reminded us yet again of this most demanding work of teaching mentally handicapped and autistic children. As if life isn't hard enough here without being born with these terrible difficulties. Coming to this day school can make such a difference, like Samwely's story:

"Samwely is 19 years old. He is brain damaged, has dwarfism, physical disabilities and was non-verbal. No school would accept him but it has been a great advantage being at Dymphna's. He is now able to say a few words in Kiswahili and English and can count. He claps his hands during music and is able to hold a crayon in colouring. He can often be found grinning and repeating 'How are you?' one of the few phrases he knows."

We were disappointed to hear that the Dutch church which was sponsoring many of the children had discontinued their support. Mary is progressing the registration process and we hope that once registered we may be able to find further funding for this most worthwhile special school.

 

Graduation Ceremony

We were lucky to be here for the graduation of the 2 girls we have sponsored for secondary education. Sara and Elieka have now completed year 4 (equivalent of our "O" level) and received the official school certificate.

As you can see, the girls were dressed specially for the occasion. We were disappointed that we had missed the certificate- giving ceremony; however that was soon dispelled when we heard Elieka's name called twice for being the top academically and top in discipline! We were thrilled to see her collecting her prizes.

 

Afterwards we were introduced to Sara and Elieka's proud grandparents, what a wonderful day for them. Now the girls will sit the National Examinations in October, if they are successful they will continue their education to High School (equivalent of "A" level).

 

Thank You

We have you, our supporters, to thank very much for helping us to help even more in Tanzania. We've seen for ourselves again the difference your donations have made to the lives of the people we are helping. From us all at Helping Africa 100 and from all the people whose lives you have changed, we say thank you very much.