Keeping Children in Families through Education

Amani's infrastructure requires constant upkeep. Heavy annual rains and the relentless equatorial suns cause buildings to deteriorate more rapidly than in more temporate climates. Amani's plumbing and restroom facilities, which must function for over fifty individuals day in and day out, require constant attention and maintenance. 

Amani is attempting renovate much of its plumbing system. We will likely launch a miniproject and social media campaign in the spring to finalize these renovations. Updated restroom facilities in and outside the dormitories will ensure that our center is compliant with best practices in sanitation and child health. We also plan to bring on undergraduate student volunteers during the summer to conduct WASH surveys (a tool used by the United Nations to measure successful sanitary practices) both inside the center and in the surrounding communities. This, along with child health assessments focusing on dietary quality and physical development will allow us to quantify our impact on children's health in our area. This can serve ask pilot work for future studies, and foundational information for community health initiatives. 

1. We not only finished the construction of a perimeter wall but sealed, plastered and painted it. A guarded entrance is crucial for any school’s safety. It ensures we can control who enters and who leaves our campus. It prevents trespass, theft of children’s home property, and keeps out the herds of cattle and wandering wild animals. Additionally, every few years, the harsh sandstorms and heavy rainfall in Tanzania take their toll, and Amani’s walls and buildings require repainting. Our painted presence communicates who we are to the community, and is the first impression we make on visitors, neighbors and officials alike. It is the backdrop to the children’s lives— the bright colors a source of pride and identity for the students. The paint also seals the buildings, preventing cracking and deterioration. As building repair is costly (and reconstruction nearly impossible) it is vital we prioritize the maintenance of all the structures on our campus. Our new wall is properly sealed against the elements, providing protection for years to come.
2. In 2017, we lost our milling machine and building to an electrical fire. The corn mill had brought in additional income to support the children’s home, as well as allowed us to grind our own corn for free. Although the electrical company was at fault, they never provided reparations and so we began the long campaign to repair and rebuild. This year, through support and generosity from donors like you, we were able to complete the reconstruction of our milling facilities. This helps us take a step towards financial sustainability, getting back on track towards our long-term goals.
3. It has taken nearly a decade, but as of this year, all 48 of our residential children have been award scholarships from sponsors. These pledges ensure that school fees and supplies for each child are covered, in most cases from now until they complete their educations before university. For many of these children, although not yet all, donors also cover the cost of medical care, child care, and food needs. These comprehensive sponsorships are vital to ensure all a child’s needs are met. It’s our hope that within the next five years, all our children will have both their educational and personal needs covered by donors like you.

Links:

• Our Website