AfriKids of Tanzania

Nestled within sight of Mt. Kilimanjaro is the village of Majengo near Moshi, Tanzania.  In Majengo, as across much of   Africa, HIV/AIDS has taken a terrible toll.  Many fathers have died, or simply abandoned their families.  This village is where AfriKids works to make a difference.

 

AfriKids is born

The founder of AfriKids of Tanzania first worked in Majengo with local women’s support groups helping children learn English and improve their reading and math skills.  Then she wanted to something more lasting and make a greater impact.  She knew these bright children were eager to learn but had no resources to continue their formal education. She asked a few friends to each sponsor one student through four years of secondary school.  Our first group of students will graduate in August of 2014.

Education in Tanzania

Secondary school in Tanzania, whether public or private, is not funded by the government.  Students need to pass an entrance exam and pay tuition ranging from $500 to $1500 a year.  And that’s where AfriKids of Tanzania steps up, providing scholarship assistance to the Majengo kids who have passed the entrance exam but are so poor they simply can’t afford to attend.  AfriKids of Tanzania pays tuition directly to the school. This is very personal for us.  We know these kids, have met their families, and been in their homes.  They’re talented and hungry to learn.  And, while AfriKids of Tanzania helps both boys and girls, we keep a special eye out for girls because they face the toughest obstacles to success. 

Women’s Support Groups

All of our students first come to us through the local women’s groups supporting the families devastated by HIV/AIDS.  Home visits, help with food and medical costs, and informal schooling for the children are their focus.  They help us find kids with potential, and AfriKids of Tanzania helps them with technical assistance and a small amount of financial support.

We don’t just hope for the best, we make a difference.

A little can do a lot

You contribution of any amount is always welcome, but here are some basics:

• With an investment of $500-$700 you can sponsor a student for one school year. That’s less than $1.50 a day
• For $150 you can purchase textbooks for a student.
• $75 will take care of uniforms and a good pair of shoes.
• If you want to do more, you (or a group of people you put together) could sponsor a student through all four years of school.

Your investment in AfriKids of Tanzania has a multiplier effect in a young person’s life that will last for years.  With a real education, these kids can help their families, rebuild their society, and work their way out of poverty.

It’s that simple, that real, and that important. 

Please help us help them.

If you think you’re too small to make a difference,
you haven’t spent a nightin a room with a mosquito.

 (AfricanProverb)