Orphanage visit update

I am back in Iowa “adjusting” to the cold. It’s been nearly a 100 degree temperature change from Dar-es-Salaam to Des Moines – can’t wait for spring :)


We have concluded our initial donations to the orphanages!! With the help of the donors – Peak 4 Poverty raised just shy of $5,000. The money was distributed among 6 orphanages and financed tuition fees and school supplies for more than 23 children ranging from elementary school to college. Please accept our deepest gratitude on behalf of these children and the orphanages – THANK YOU!

I would also like to thank a key member of our team, Marziya Kaka – who worked day and night to ensure all the logistics were in place for the donations which includes visiting the orphanages, fund transfer, getting receipts, bank deposits for the children’s tuition fees and thank you letters. She still is in Tanzania trying to wrap things up before flying back to Denver for college.

The followings are the bios of the orphanages:

Diana Women Empowerment Foundation:

Founded in 2005 this organization based in Dar es Salaam and Tanga takes care of 17 orphans – the youngest being 3 and the oldest 15 years old. Their objective is to provide the children with all the necessary humanity requirements such as food, water, clothes, medical care, and education.

Dar ul Muslimeen Orphanage:

Dar ul Muslimeen Orphanage is an NGO which was established in 1995, in Morogoro, Tanzania. The orphanage started with 4 orphaned boys and is currently running with 30 orphans aged 4 years and above. The orphanage was founded by a husband and wife – Mr. and Mrs. Ismail. The children look up to Mr. and Mrs. Ismail as their foster parents and each child is given an opporunity to talk to them about their concerns to them in private. If a child expresses particular wants and wishes that are reasonable, then whenever possible, they are fulfilled or kept in mind until the financial situation allows for it. [ Their personal wishes are usually very unassuming and humble. It may include, for example, a request for new trainers, a soccer ball to replace a burst one, or a pet.]Several staff members (matron, teacher, cook and cleaner) live with the children at the orphanage and act as guardians whilst spend quality time with them.

The Anglican Tanga Deanery HIV/AIDS control project:

Tanga Deanery HIV/AIDS control project operates under The Anglican Church of Tanzania Diocese of Tanga. The project deals with different activities such as educating the community by using peer educators, partnership with African Medical and Research Foundation (AMREF), income generating for widows, and education support for orphans. To date, the project is supporting 100 orphans in elementary schools in the Tanga region.

Soure Collegina Santa Familia (Collegine Sisters of the holy family):

This orphanage is dedicated towards the services of aids orphans and is run by 5 nuns and a helper. Currently there are 24 (11 boys and 13 girls) orphans under their care; the youngest is nearly two years old while the oldest is 18. The orphanages needs are mainly medical funds, food, clothing and building material for explansion of their services

SCSF is headquartered in Italy and is located in 6 other countries including Tanzania.

Ansaar Muslim Youth Center:

Started in 1997 with 7 orphans - this orphanage now cares for 80 children (25 girls and 55 boys). The youngest is 5 year old while the oldest is 23. The orphanages needs include book and school supplies, tuition fees, school uniforms and food.

Keko Orphanage:

This was least structured orphanage but one needing the most financial support. The orphanage started in 1994 and is run by Mama Tedi. In 1994 – Mama Tedi lost 2 siblings to AIDS/HIV leaving behind 3 children. Tedi decided to look after these kids. A few years later – Tedi’s close friends’ passes away due to the same disease as well and left behind their kids. Tedi then decided to build an orphanage to house all these kids. She now has 30 orphans ranging from 5 to 18 years of age. The financial situation of the orphanage is very weak – these children just eat once a day and sleep on the floor.