Challenges

We were privileged to visit one of the many places set up to assist children in need in Tanzania. Amani Children’s Home was set up in 2001 to care for some of the many kids roaming the streets of Moshi – in need of food shelter and love.

The building we arrived at is one that has developed from the efforts of a dedicated band of local Tanzanians, who recognised the needs of destitute street children and hoped to give them some hope in their lives. It has grown from humble beginnings – just a room acting as a drop in centre, to a building which houses and educates between 70 to 90 children at any given time. By providing for the basic needs of these children it aims to put them back on their feet, get them back in touch with family life (if appropriate), teach them basic life skills and ’offer a chance of a lifetime’.

Our tour including viewing the classrooms (in which students were proudly sitting in their bright purple and grey uniforms), the dormitories, the health clinic, kitchen and dining area and the expansive playground area – now fully grassed and with lots of shelter about.

It wasn’t long before a game of soccer began on the oval, and visiting students were definitely challenged by the skills of local students. The audience of non-players watched enthusiastically, until distracted by the sharing of smiles, photos and other games. Arm-wrestle challenges occurred, somersaults were performed and simple games quickly filled the afternoon, till sadly we had to leave.

Quiet reflection occurred on the bus trip back to ISM, as we considered the fortunes of the students in Amani – blessed to be cared for but part of a cycle of poverty facing many others in countries such as Tanzania. We were able to take away with us a few souvenirs – in the form of T-shirts, cards and booklets which help to support the organisation. We also have a link to their web site which gives a more complete story about what Amani stands for and aims to manage with help in the future: http://www.amanikids.org/ (Watch the video for more information.)

Have a look at this link for more information and consider how you might be able to support this organisation yourself! Often so little can mean so much…