Kids in Karatu - Shalom Orphanage
Shalom Orphanage & Children Care Centre in Karatu, Tanzania
The number of children has grown to 40 (from something like 20 a year ago). There are many reasons for the growth, including a big problem with HIV/AIDS. The orphanage has little and needs a lot.
Shalom Orphanage & Children Care Centre in Karatu, Tanzania
WHY I WAS INSPIRED?
It’s amazing how the unexpected just happens sometimes. On the last day of our safari in Tanzania, on a simple walk into town, our group stops at an orphanage. We speak with Warra Nnka, the orphanage director, who explains the number of children she cares for continues to grow. There are many reasons for the growth, including a big problem with HIV/AIDS. Due to the growth of alcohol abuse and the rise of HIV/AIDS in Karatu, the number of children at Shalom Orphanage Center has grown to over 50 since early 2009. With a dedicated staff of fourteen, Shalom's Mama Warra works hard to provide the children with shelter, food and of course love. Shalom has very litte and is in great need of your help.
The kids are fortunate to have Warra caring for them. She tells us of the importance she places on educating the children, and, in particular, teaching them English. The English helps their chances for adoption and their future success as adults. She seems to have done an excellent job with what little she has. The children come out and sing for us (in English, of course). We are all very moved from the short visit and impressed with Warra’s care, dedication, and love for the children. We can see they have little and need a lot. We walk away (with tears in some eyes) wondering how we can help.
WHAT WE DID?
We decide to start our help by simply donating money to the orphanage as a group. We know they need to expand as the number of kids continues to increase. We know our contributions can go a long way there. A little from us is a lot for them.
We coordinated a collection from our group (Deb/Joe B, Liz G, Emily F, Cindy O, Anne K, David G, Rebecca/Terry R, and Deb/Gary Z). One of us found a bunch of work employees who were so moved by the story and picture that they also wanted to donate. One of these work employees also has some children’s books he wants to donate.
WHAT WE INTEND TO DO?
You never know what can happen sometimes. As someone said on a Kili climb, we can all accomplish anything we set our minds to – by just taking one small step at a time.
We think this is just a start and probably need to think more about what we want to accomplish. We intend to coordinate a donation periodically. We are in contact with the orphanage director to better understand how they would use the money and in what other ways we can help.
In 2009 volunteers will be traveling to the orphanage to personally participate in projects to improve the living environment for the children. For example, one volunteer trip will be building bunk beds. Funds for building materials are needed if you would like to donate. Fifty dollars buys material for one bed, and donators can have their name engraved on the bed. Click on the Donate tab.
IF YOU WANTED TO HELP HERE IS WHAT YOU COULD DO?
If you would like to donate to the Shalom Orphanage & Children Care Centre in Karatu, Tanzania, or have other ideas, contact Gary Zimmermann at gpzim@aol.com or 585.506.8351.