The Next Chapter
Donation protected
Over the past year, a small group of volunteers have been introuduced to the harsh reality of the lives many are living on the streets of Arusha, Tanzania. Together we are joining our efforts to give these homeless individuals a chance at a better future for those who are seeking change.
During our time volunteering we were introduced by our driver and close friend Jimmy Swai to the lives of the young men who are living on the streets in the city of Arusha. Living in Arusha, Jimmy has been exposed to this growing and ongoing issue for several years.
Each person has their own personal story and reason as to why they are in this predicament. Many of them have left their homes in order to try and find a better way of life for themselves. They leave hoping they will be able to find a job but are frequently unsuccessful because they are too young to work, they lack training and are unable to access basic items to ensure even proper hygiene. Others leave their homes due to rejection, exploitation and abuse from their families. Diseases such as HIV/ AIDS have also left many of these children as orphans.
Where we come from in the United States, Canada and Australia, there are homeless shelters available to offer warm meals, shower facilities and a place to sleep to those living on the streets.
Arusha does not have any such facility.
They sleep on the streets along storefronts in the city. If they are lucky, they will have a mesh tarp to use to cover themselves at night to try and keep from getting bitten by mosquitos and to provide minimal protection from the cold night winds. When we met the children most of them were wearing thin t-shirts, ripped trousers and worn rubber sandals. Those living on the streets do not have any access to showers or clean water so they try their best to maintain cleanliness by washing themselves and their clothing in the river (rarely having soap).
After meeting the children and seeing the inhumane life style they are living, we are compelled to do whatever is in our power to make even a slight difference in these children’s lives.
With the donations raised we hope to start a home in Arusha, Tanzania for those that are ready for a change. The money will be used toward purchasing a space that will provide a shelter for them to live in while giving them the assistance they require to be able to go on to lead their own lives when the time comes. We hope that the project will grow and that in addition to providing the children with basic life necessities, we can introduce a mentoring program. The program will be designed to educate and encourage the children. We will provide them with basic life training and assist them with getting an education, job training and choosing life paths that will better themselves and their circumstances. We hope to provide alternate, positive options that lead away from the self destructive behavior, crime and addiction, which many of these children believe have no option but to turn to for survival. Sniffing glue and drinking alcohol are just two common behaviors that are undertaken simply to endure some of the rough conditions that these young people are exposed to and just to get through the long and cold nights.
Despite having to endure such a life style, these children are positive, spirited and appreciative of any assistance. Prior to launching this fundraising appeal, we have provided the children with meals, warm clothing and shoes when we have been able.
Having a shelter will make a huge difference to these children and their futures. Basic life necessities such as food, water and shelter are things that many of us take for granted and don’t even need to think about. Most of us in the western world, (whether you are aware of it or not), are so blessed. Trust us when we say that there is no better feeling than helping those that are less fortunate.
Since our time here, as mentioned above, we have provided help where we have been able but we cannot sustain and provide without your help.
If you are able, please donate to this very worthy cause. Any amount large or small is so very appreciated and goes a long way in this part of the world. Thank you in advance for your generosity and support.
Please feel free contact us if you would like further information.
During our time volunteering we were introduced by our driver and close friend Jimmy Swai to the lives of the young men who are living on the streets in the city of Arusha. Living in Arusha, Jimmy has been exposed to this growing and ongoing issue for several years.
Each person has their own personal story and reason as to why they are in this predicament. Many of them have left their homes in order to try and find a better way of life for themselves. They leave hoping they will be able to find a job but are frequently unsuccessful because they are too young to work, they lack training and are unable to access basic items to ensure even proper hygiene. Others leave their homes due to rejection, exploitation and abuse from their families. Diseases such as HIV/ AIDS have also left many of these children as orphans.
Where we come from in the United States, Canada and Australia, there are homeless shelters available to offer warm meals, shower facilities and a place to sleep to those living on the streets.
Arusha does not have any such facility.
They sleep on the streets along storefronts in the city. If they are lucky, they will have a mesh tarp to use to cover themselves at night to try and keep from getting bitten by mosquitos and to provide minimal protection from the cold night winds. When we met the children most of them were wearing thin t-shirts, ripped trousers and worn rubber sandals. Those living on the streets do not have any access to showers or clean water so they try their best to maintain cleanliness by washing themselves and their clothing in the river (rarely having soap).
After meeting the children and seeing the inhumane life style they are living, we are compelled to do whatever is in our power to make even a slight difference in these children’s lives.
With the donations raised we hope to start a home in Arusha, Tanzania for those that are ready for a change. The money will be used toward purchasing a space that will provide a shelter for them to live in while giving them the assistance they require to be able to go on to lead their own lives when the time comes. We hope that the project will grow and that in addition to providing the children with basic life necessities, we can introduce a mentoring program. The program will be designed to educate and encourage the children. We will provide them with basic life training and assist them with getting an education, job training and choosing life paths that will better themselves and their circumstances. We hope to provide alternate, positive options that lead away from the self destructive behavior, crime and addiction, which many of these children believe have no option but to turn to for survival. Sniffing glue and drinking alcohol are just two common behaviors that are undertaken simply to endure some of the rough conditions that these young people are exposed to and just to get through the long and cold nights.
Despite having to endure such a life style, these children are positive, spirited and appreciative of any assistance. Prior to launching this fundraising appeal, we have provided the children with meals, warm clothing and shoes when we have been able.
Having a shelter will make a huge difference to these children and their futures. Basic life necessities such as food, water and shelter are things that many of us take for granted and don’t even need to think about. Most of us in the western world, (whether you are aware of it or not), are so blessed. Trust us when we say that there is no better feeling than helping those that are less fortunate.
Since our time here, as mentioned above, we have provided help where we have been able but we cannot sustain and provide without your help.
If you are able, please donate to this very worthy cause. Any amount large or small is so very appreciated and goes a long way in this part of the world. Thank you in advance for your generosity and support.
Please feel free contact us if you would like further information.
Organizer
Sadie Clarke
Organizer
Lawton, WI
