This summer I am interning for WEHAF (Widows Encouragement & HIV/AIDS Foundation), an NGO supporting vulnerable women and their children in Arusha, Tanzania. The organization’s goal is to mobilize, motivate, and advocate for single mothers, widows, and children in the areas of economic empowerment and social justice. As part of my assignment I have interviewed 21 single mothers, most of whom are raising multiple children while stricken by challenging living situations and poverty. Whether they couldn’t afford to continue their education or were born into poverty themselves, the reality for these women means attempting to make a living off of precarious jobs such as washing clothes, selling dish soap, or gardening. Most of them live in a stone or mud house with no electricity, water, or mattress. They have little to no protection from rain as most of the houses have gaping holes in the roof. Access to clean water is sparse, let alone access to essential utilities.

Average weekly earnings vary from 5,000 to 15,000 Tanzanian shillings (approximately 1.95 to 5.85 US dollars). With rent amounting to around 25,000 shillings (10 dollars)/month, there is little money left for medications, school fees, basic maintenance, and food. Most children are unable to receive or further their education due to lack of funding, and they often stop school after seventh grade.

After witnessing the dehumanizing conditions that these families have been reduced to, I would like to raise money in order to cover their rent, food, education, and other basic necessities. I cannot emphasize enough that as little as $1 can make a difference in someone’s immediate future. Thank you for standing with us and for them!