Tanzania Child Sponsorship

Introduction

The St John’s child sponsorship programme is now in its fifth year, and is currently enabling 63 children to attend primary and secondary school in and around Musoma, in northern Tanzania — the place where our church supports a whole range of practical development projects.

Each year members and friends of St John’s pay an amount to sponsor a child whose family could not otherwise afford to buy the necessary books, uniform, food, shoes, etc.

Through 2007 the programme has supported 50 children in primary school, 12 at secondary school, and one who is attending tailoring classes. In 2008 we hope that a good number of the 14 children who are currently in their last year at primary school will move up into either secondary school or vocational training (learning computer skills or tailoring).

The scheme is coordinated for us by a wonderful man called Canon Arthur Mauya, and his assistant, Grace. Arthur is the education officer for the Diocese of Mara. He has an office in Musoma, next door to the cathedral, but spends much of his time visiting each one of the children, travelling to their villages on his piki-piki (motorbike). He and Grace keep in regular contact with the children, their parents or guardians, and their schools, to ensure that they continue to make good progress, and to assist if there are difficulties.

During a trip to Tanzania earlier this year, we visited schools and met some of the children sponsored by St John’s. It was fantastic to see the progress that these children have made, and to spend time with them in the classroom and with their families at home. That’s David, at Mara Primary School. In the background is the rainwater-harvesting tank, built by the St John’s Legacy youth group, when they visited in 2006.

We really want to be sure that as many children as possible are given the chance to attend school and complete their education. If you would like to sponsor a child in 2008, please download the Child Sponsorship Brochure

Case Study

This is Monika, one of the sixty three children from Nyankanga and surrounding villages whom members of St. John’s are sponsoring, for just £30 a year. This pays for uniform, books and food which enable her attend primary school.

How can I find out more?

For further information on Child Sponsorship contact the Church Office...