Small Things

A different way forward

Kids belong in families, whenever it is possible - and when it's not an option, kids deserve loving, family-style homes. Our first priority is keeping families together, through microfinance business development, and when necessary, paying for school fees, food and rent for a set period. In many cases, families are self sufficient within a year. 

However, there will always be some cases where families are temporarily or permanently unable to care for their children at home. About 80% of our children's mothers died in childbirth or shortly after, 15% of the mothers suffer from mental illness, and approximately 5% of the children have been abandoned. In some cases long term care is a necessity. 

In these cases, we work with the community to create long term homes at Nkoaranga Orphanage and Happy Family Children's Village, focusing on fostering healthy attachment. Loving local "mamas" are encouraged to form deep bonds with the children, and remain in their lives long term. The kids grow up embedded in their community, where they belong, supported by a network of sponsors from across Tanzania and the world. 

We recognize that local problems require local solutions, and listen to the community and families we work with, in order to  create sustainable, participatory and evolving care plans for the children's future.