Orphanage

Today we headed to an orphanage/school that supports special needs children of Tanzania. The group prepared for the day by reviewing the skills of the programs, which included the Red Elephant Project and the Soul Mate Project. We had an early start this morning so to arrive early enough to make sure we were able to complete all of our wanted projects to make sure all of the wonderful donated items made to the needed children at the orphanage.

Upon arrival at the orphanage, which was a gated community, we were greeted by the head sister of the facility who seemed untrusting of our arrival. She explained to the group that today was their first day back and they were very busy with the officials. She hesitantly let us continue to begin our first project and would see how it went from there.

We began with the Soul Mate Project, where we fit the needed children who don’t have any shoes or shoes that are completely worn/broken get “new” shoes with socks to protect their feet against the environmental elements, worms, fungi, and bacteria. The first children to line up had no shoes on. They had to cross twigs, rocks, dirt and straw-like grass just to get in line with little feet desperately needing protection. Some had injuries from this lack of shoes. This project was overwhelming and fulfilling to do with the children, the simplicity of giving them shoes to wear which many of us in America take for granted was a complete joy for them and us. We were able to distribute shoes and socks for about 240-250 children. It just reminded us of how imperative this project is to continue.

The sister was pleased with our work and luckily we were able to continue the Red Elephant Project which was developed to teach girls who are menstruating about proper hygiene during that period of time and help with issues dignity. The goal of Red Elephant is to provide girls with the supplies they need to keep themselves in school during their periods. Missed school days is very common on a monthly basis for many females who do not have access to hygiene products. The group was able to teach the girls background information about women’s health and the process of how to use the supplies kits properly. With the help of translators and female teachers, who were very interested in being involved, our project was a success and they were able to distribute many of the kits. Some of the girls expressed interest in being teachers, doctors and lawyers. 

Since it was not necessary for all of us to teach the Red Elephant Project, a few of us were building soccer goals and playing with the children while others provided additional medical care. We left both of the goals that we brought and three soccer balls. The kids were thrilled to have new soccer equipment and were playing with it all immediately. At the same time, some of us spent some quality time with younger children making beaded bracelets that they all adored.

Soon it was lunchtime for the kids and the sister wanted to show us their dining area. We were shocked at the poor condition of their lunchroom, and the sister was saddened by how inadequate it was. She stressed the need for better dining and dormitory facilities and mentioned that they needed assistance with the construction.

We left the orphanage knowing that we made a difference in some children’s lives. We never would have been able to help any of the children without the support and generous donations. The orphanage was truly an eye opening experience for us all, leaving us thankful for everything we have in our lives, especially the opportunities we are given on this trip. The children truly touched our hearts and we are so happy to have been able to make a difference for them.

Asante Sana (Thank you) - Samantha and Korrie