Neema Village - The Kilimanjaro Climb

Dear All,

 

In June 2022, a small group of us will be climbing one of the 'Seven Summits' and the highest free standing mountain in the world at 5,895m - Mount Kilimanjaro! This ascent is an extra special one as we will be climbing for Neema Village, a baby rescue centre in Tanzania, East Africa, located a short distance from Kili.

 

 

 

The orphan population in Tanzania is now estimated at over 3.1 million. Many children are orphaned by HIV, AIDS and other diseases, but there are additionally a large number of vulnerable babies who lose their mothers in childbirth (there is still a high maternal mortality ratio), or are abandoned when their families simply do not have the financial resources to care for them (e.g. children with special needs, or AIDs widows who have little or no income). Neema is used as a point of contact, by the hospitals, police and social welfare, when there is a baby in need and no-one to look after them. These babies are brought to Neema where they are cared for around the clock.

 

Neema Village was originally established in Arusha in 2012 as a rescue centre for the country’s increasing number of abandoned, orphaned and at-risk vulnerable babies. Since then, they have helped to support and care for more than 230 babies – most of whom have been adopted into a new family or returned to an extended family member. They have a strong focus on 'families, not orphanages.'

 

 

Baby Bryan (named by the Neema staff), one of their newest arrivals, was found on the side of the road with his placenta and umbilical cord still attached. He is now safe and sound at Neema.

 

 

Abbas arrived at Neema when his mother passed away after childbirth and is currently being cared for by the Neema Staff.

 

Caring for these abandoned and orphaned babies helps temporarily, but does not solve the problem, so Neema’s mission also incorporates a range of programs designed to help support local women with maternal nutrition, healthcare in childbirth, access to medicines and clean water. They have also created a “Mothers Against Poverty” program MAP to help families find ways to supplement income and support women with entrepreneurial opportunities (education, training, funding and technical assistance) so that they can provide an income for themselves and their families, with improved living conditions, better nutrition, and money for education.

 

 

 

 

Halimah, a Massai mum living in a remote village in the plains, who Neema are supporting financially with starting a chicken/egg business so she can care for her baby.

 

This is a special charity very close to our hearts and is run purely on donations. Sophie, joining on this climb, has recently volunteered for a few months at Neema and has seen first hand the incredible work they do by not only rescuing abandoned babies but also by empowering women to lift themselves out of poverty by helping them start their own businesses so they can care for their babies alone.

 

 

Please note that the money raised on this page goes directly towards helping care for the babies (child care/food formula/supplies, medical care, education, maintaining equipment and grounds etc and Tanzanian staff salaries to care for the babies 24/7 till they are re-homed).

 

Any amount is greatly appreciated and will make a huge difference in a child’s life.

 

Please watch this Video to gain more insight into their Story: VIDEO

 

Link to their website: LINK

 

Thank you all in advance for your kind contributions.

 

Much Love,

The Kili Tribe 

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