Our Project
In Tanzania CanaDares works in partnership with a Tanzanian-registered NGO, the Vijaliwa Vingi Society (VVS): "vijaliwa vingi" roughly translates from Kiswahili as "God's many little gifts". CanaDares is the primary funding agency for VVS's "Extended Family Empowerment Project". In 2004 the Society was able to acquire a 20 acre plot at Msongola, near Mlandizi town, where it has since built a centre with two houses and various out buildings. Working in a joint venture, the two societies are working hard to develop these programs:
- the Residential Program (see below), operating since 2004, and currently fully supporting 21 children (19 at the centre and 2 in secondary school);
- the Outreach Program, with over one thousand registered families living in the Mlandizi area with orphaned and disadvantaged children; and
- the Medical Program, in its initial stages, with plans for the construction of a small hospital at the centre in Msongola;
- the Educational Program: planned to begin after the completion of the Medical Facility. We hope this will include both a primary and secondary school, trade workshops and a library;
- the Graduates Program, in which the children of our residential and outreach programs return as leaders, caregivers, nurses, doctors and teachers in our on-going activities.
In short, CanaDares and Vijaliwa Vingi are engaged in Community Development at the foundational stage and grassroots level.
Vijaliwa Vingi (VV) Residence for Children
It started as a pile of bricks!Construction of the Vijaliwa Vingi facilities was begun out in 2004/05, consisting of the first residence. The second residence was completed in 2009. Plans are now underway for completion of a medical facility on the property to serve the orphanage and surrounding villages.
Funds from CanaDares have also allowed the construction of a secure generator building, a chicken coop, a water tower, a recreational soccer field and the planting of fruit and nut trees.
The children live with us with the permission of their next of kin or the Village Elders. Two of the children are HIV positive. Some of the children have no parents or they have one parent who is unable to care for them.
The finished first houseThe children attend the 'free' local government elementary school or a secondary school which requires tuition. They are provided with food and clothing and given basic health and medicalcare, time for play and for worship. They also receive English language instruction.
The children are cared for by three live-in caregivers: Violet, our house manager (Matron), Agnes, our cook, and Shaban, our teacher (Patron). Ditrick, our Residential Manager, is responsible for the smooth operation of the home, and is present on-site every day, though his duties often take him to town. Masai guards protect the VV residence and property.
We are currently working with the local government and potential sponsors from North America to build a medical facility on the Vijaliwa Vingi property.