Dear All,

In January I will be volunteering at Neema Village - a U.S registered non-profit organisation in Tanzania, East Africa.

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.


Salha and Samia were born this summer in a small clinic in Arusha. Their nineteen year old mother died of postpartum haemorrhage in the waiting room. They were her first. The young father and grandmother came to Neema with the babies to see where they will be cared for until they are able. When the babies are a bit bigger they should be able to go home with the grandmother. 


Newborn Christopher above was abandoned in a taxi in downtown Arusha.  His mother asked the taxi driver to wait for her to get something, but she never came back.  How desperate she must have been to leave such a beautiful baby boy. He has since been adopted.


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


Abandoned on a porch overnight, Neema House was called to rescue this little boy and he has since been adopted.


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. 


These twins - David and Dennis were brought to Neema along with their mother, who felt she could not care for them as she was alone and had no ability to make a living.  Neema have since helped her set up a used clothing business with one of the other mothers. 

This is a special charity very close to my heart and is run purely on donations. 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, vehicles, etc and Tanzanian staff salaries).

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: CLICK 
 
Thank you all in advance for your kind contributions.
 
Much Love,
Sophie
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