In July, volunteers of BAPS Charities in Tanzania conducted a food drive for five different causes donating nearly 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.
Al Masi Orphanage is a certified home for parentless children. It was founded in 1997, and is located in the Changombe area. Currently, it is home to 46 orphans, whose ages range from 2-15 years. Some of the orphans are also disabled. The children attend the government school in the vicinity of the orphanage, where they get free education. The orphanage is their permanent home.
Al Hidaya Orphanage is a certified home for parentless children. It was founded in 2008, and is located in the Buguruni area. Currently, it is home to 65 orphans (45 boys and 20 girls), whose ages range from 2-18 years. The children attend the government school in the vicinity of the orphanage, where they get free education. The orphanage is their permanent home.
Al Furqan Islamic Center was founded in 2011 by Mr. Hamisi Omari, who is currently the care taker of the orphanage. The orphanage is located in the Chanika area, which is approximately 30 kilometers from Dar es Salaam. 50 children reside in the home, whose age groups range from 3 to 12 years. In addition to housing, the orphanage provides the children with education in a nearby school. The schooling is free for all the orphans, because their poor backgrounds.
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.
BAPS Charities volunteers went to each of these places and provided the children and caretakers with the supplies. The following items were provided:
- 125 kg sugar
- 125 kg rice
- 20 kg salt
- 100 kg beans
- 250 kg wheat flour
- 100 liters of cooking oil
- 250 kg of maize flour
- 199 gift packs for the children
