Hello, my name is Lan Bale. My parents moved to Tanzania in 1993 and set up the Meserani Snake Park . Over the years, they became very involved with the local community in various ways. My daughter Ruby is now living there with my mother and has become very involved with the Drive Change Foundation school, located about half a mile from the Snake Park.

In the heart of Tanzania stands Drive Change Foundation Orphanage, Pre & Primary School — a place built on love, hope, and the belief that every child deserves a chance. But right now, that hope is hanging by a thread.

The school and orphanage care for children who have nowhere else to turn — many of whom have lost parents or come from families struggling deeply with poverty. The dedicated local teachers and caregivers pour their hearts into giving these kids food, education, and a safe place to call home. But due to a lack of funding, they haven’t been able to pay staff or fully support the children’s basic needs. As of today, there are 110 students, 48 of whom are orphans.

They are in desperate need of building new dorms, classrooms and toilet blocks; however, without government funding, it is almost impossible.

Every small donation makes a huge difference here — it can mean a child’s meal, a teacher’s salary, or the ability to keep the doors open another month.

We’re also calling for volunteers — anyone willing to come lend their time, energy, or skills to help teach, play, build, and support these incredible kids.

(They have a wonderful house for volunteers to stay so if interested, contact me.)

Together, we can make sure these children continue to learn, laugh, be loved and dream.

Please consider donating, sponsoring, or sharing this page — your kindness truly can drive change.