In November, volunteers of BAPS Charities in Tanzania conducted a food drive for five different causes donating nearly a half a metric ton of food and supplies to the following charitable organizations:
Children’s Retention Home – The home is run by the Tanzanian government. It was started in 1962 in response to rising crime rates among the youth. At present, it has got 38 inmates, whose ages range from 12 to 17. The warden of the home is Mr. Ramadhani Yahaya, who is assisted by Mr. Ali Said Msende. The Home offers a chance for rehabilitation and re-entry into society as productive individuals for the residents.
Salvation Army Matumaini was founded in 1933 by British Volunteers working in Tanzania. At present, the school is sustained by foreign aid and support from local citizens. Mrs. Cecilia is the current head of the home, which consists of 200 physically disabled children, whose ages range from 3 to 17. In total, 15 teachers conduct various classes, ranging from Mathematics, to English. This education provides a foundation for the children to progress their lives, despite being disabled. The school is their permanent home, where all amenities are provided for free.
Buguruni School for the Deaf & Dumb is a home and school for young disabled children. The home was founded in 1974 by the Government of Tanzania. At present, the school is sustained by the Government, the Society for the Deaf and other well-wishers. Winfrida Jeremiah is the head teacher of the school, where 271 student study, of whom 120 live there permanently. The age group for the students ranges from 3 to 15. In total, the institute has 41 teachers, whose students come from all over Tanzania. This is because schools like this are rare in Tanzania. The schooling is free for all the students, because the students come from disadvantaged backgrounds.
BAPS Charities volunteers went to each of these places and provided the children and caretakers with the supplies. In total, the following items were provided to the three beneficaries:
- 75 kg sugar
- 75 kg rice
- 75 kg beans
- 150 kg wheat flour
- 60 liters of cooking oil
- 150 kg of maize flour