Orphan Support
Due to HIV/AIDS and other health hazards, many children are orphaned every year in Tanzania. Without substantial family support, access to even
the most basic education remains quite difficult, not to mention the daunting challenges on the way to employment. For those lucky enough to make
it through Primary School, higher education is usually no more than a remote prospect.
In partnership with White Orange Youth, MVTCDC supports orphans and children stemming from under-privileged backgrounds for their
education. The centre contributes part or all of the school fees and offers a much needed follow-up on the children's progress. Some youths
join the vocational training programmes, which literally provide them with a passport for employment. Upon
completion of their one-year course, they are full-fledged tailors, hoteliers and secretaries whose training is highly valued all over the country.
Since its creation in 2000, the programme has constantly grown to welcome 30 students this year. We expect to offer education for 40 orphans next
year.
Mohamed Shabani, 14
Since his parents died, Mohamed was under the care of his then 16-year-old sister. As she obtained a scholarship to study tailoring at Mkombozi
VTCDC, she brought him along to the centre but then left him behind to fend for himself. He is now fully supported by Mkombozi and doing well in
grade 4 at a local boarding school.
Frateni Faustin, 13
Frateni is the last born of 5 children whose parents both fell victim to HIV/AIDS. He is himself infected by the virus and is being treated at the
centre. He used to live in a 2-room house with his grand-parents and some of his relatives - 'many people' as he put it himself. The whole
family depends for its subsistence on the little farm his grandmother is keeping. Most of his siblings have not been able to complete primary
education and do not manage to eke out a living. Frateni has not received any formal education. At Mkombozi VTCDC, he has started learning how to
read, write and count and has gained much confidence through the interaction with the other students.
Riziki, 19
Riziki does not know who her parents are. She has been taken care of by her sister, a widow and a mother of 5. They live in two rooms in Siwandeti
village (Arusha municipality) with no source of income other than the generosity of fellow church members. After completing her primary education,
she joined the tailoring programme at Mkombozi VTCDC.
'I have learnt how to sew, to embroider, to make jumpers and to tie and die batiks. At the end of the course, I hope to get a good job.
When I have enough money, I will give back to God through the church and also help my sister.'
Help us support orphans in Tanzania click here
Training for children with disabilities
Help us support children with disabilities in Tanzania click here