25.2.25 Graduation celebrations!

It may seem a little odd to be celebrating graduation before you have received your final results. However, in Tanzania, there are  good reasons for doing this and the graduation ceremony is a big event.
A-level students attend boarding schools, and once their final examinations are over they quickly disperse. So, the graduation ceremony is really a celebration of completing the course and being ready to sit the exams.
Elizabeth’s school celebrations occurred on 20th February, and Mayega staff joined her. One photo shows Leya, our matron, who has cared for Elizabeth for many years. There is also the cake, to be shared amongst classmates, and a ‘well done’ gift.
We hope Elizabeth will gain qualifications to enter university, as she would like to study social sciences. She is a credit to herself, the Children’s Centre, and an inspiration to the younger children.

24.2.25 Congratulations!

There was a double celebration on 18th February!
The Kalwande women received their final grant from Busega Scotland, and this completed the first group fully supported by Maura and Mark. It has been a great help to have their dedicated efforts in fundraising for our women’s groups.
The VICOBA (credit union) January figures were in line with expectations, and this represents a very successful group.
Total VICOBA capital = £1543
Grants from BS = £660
Women’s savings and loan interest = £883 (or 57% of VICOBA capital)
Number of business loans = 63
Number of emergency loans = 12
The group received its final grant of £166 on 18th February, as community-based organisation status had been achieved. At that date the VICOBA capital had reached £1,752.
The photo shows the group celebrating their grant payment. Well done to the Kalwande women and Maura and Mark

3.2.25 Shindig for Susie

It was a cold night in Garmouth on Saturday 1st February. But plenty of heat was generated at Busega Scotland’s first event of its second decade, and the third Shindig for Susie, held in our charity’s home village.

Susie is blind. She recently started at a specialist residential secondary school. A challenge for any child and particularly so when you are 500 miles from your home at Mayega Children’s Centre. But Susie is very brave, spirited and determined.

All the proceeds from the ceilidh will go towards Susie’s care and education (we had sponsors meeting the costs of staging the event). £865 was raised from ticket sales, a raffle and whisky squares, and other donations added £165. What a magnificent effort.

Thanks go to Lewis and James who provided the music, and the Qismat curry van that was on hand to fortify the forty-six dancers. A great night was had by all.

29.1.25 Accounts Summary

The Busega Scotland accounts for 2023/2024 have been verified and forwarded to the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR). The accounts were accompanied by our Annual Report.
The Busega Scotland reporting year to OSCR ends on 30th November and the submissions are noted on their website.
The summary accounts are available below and if you wish a copy of the full 2023/24 Financial Statement and Annual Report we would be happy to send them to you. Email [email protected] or call 07936 383800.

 

14.1.25 Back to School

January is the start of the new school year in Tanzania. In common with children everywhere, it is important to look good on your first day.
Most of the children from Mayega Children’s Centre go to local schools. Four youngsters go to boarding schools. That is because three are doing A levels, and selection is countrywide, while Susie has started a specialist school on account of her visual impairment.
In contrast with Scottish students, school cleaning is on the ‘curriculum’ and the necessary equipment has to be taken. Who knows what the reaction here would be if Scotland’s
schools followed suit!

3.1.25 Shindig for Susie

In 2018, a nine-year-old girl arrived at Mayega Children’s Centre in Tanzania with virtually no sight. Despite the best treatment available, and after a period when she could see quite well, Susie is now blind.

Busega Scotland is organising a ceilidh, its third Shindig for Susie, to take place at Garmouth Village Hall on Saturday 1st February. 7 for 7.30.

Lewis Wiles and Friends will provide the music, and the Qismat Curry Van will be available. BYOB.

Susie touched the hearts of folk at the previous Shindigs and has made great strides. She recently graduated from primary to secondary school. Education for Susie is costly, as it is residential, and hundreds of miles from Mayega. Susie is a very special young lady.

Bookings for the ceilidh can be made through John and Christine Carney at [email protected] or 07936 383800.

Everyone is welcome to dance the night away for a wonderful cause.

 

3.1.25 Special guests

For the second year in a row, Mayega Children’s Centre has received good wishes and gifts presented on behalf of the President of Tanzania, Hon. Dr. Samia Saluhu Hassan.
The head of Bariadi District, Simon Simalenga, addressed the children and handed over the gifts, including 20kg of sugar, 50kg of flour, 50kg of rice, 10l of cooking oil, three bags of soap, 10 cartons of juice, and 4 goats.
Mr Simalenga said that children are a gift from God, and it is the responsibility of all sections of society to protect children, keep them safe, and to ensure they feel valued. The gifts are for the children to enjoy in celebrating the New Year of 2025.
The messages we receive from our friends in Mayega village and Busega District Council is that they are proud of the Children’s Centre, and are happy to bring special guests to visit. The Centre is honoured to receive them.
A report of the visit was carried on the national Sibuka FM website.

https://radiotadio.co.tz/sibukafm/2024/12/31/3326/

2.1.25 A little less glamorous

Plenty of exciting things have happened recently at Mayega Children’s Centre – a Christmas party, special visitors, and outstanding school examination results.
But Mayega is a harsh environment, and repairs and maintenance are an ongoing demand.
Lately, the biggest problems have been rotting roof timbers in the dormitory roof, part of the security fence falling over, and water damage from roof leaks.
We are very fortunate to have supporters prepared to help us fund repairs and improvements, and this time around they cost around £800.
The photos show the restored roof, a frame for the fence post, and a ceiling repair.
Not 2025’s most exciting photos but reassuring nevertheless.

15.12.24 Mutual Support

Christine and John spent a very productive evening recently with Nanette and Vic, talking over experiences of work in Tanzania and India.
The striking common factors were the challenging ‘downs’, and inspiring ‘ups’, that characterise both journeys. Resilience is needed, and persistence pays.
Nanette and Vic are the founders of Friends of MGF India program. They support, and have helped develop, a feeding station that now feeds 80 widows and children, on a nightly basis, in the village of Kamuru. In addition, there is a study centre to help children with education, as many parents are illiterate. A sponsorship scheme funds some youngsters through college.
While Friends of MGF and Busega Scotland have responded differently to their situations, the common factor confronting both are the effects of poverty. Both organisations do what they can, and are indebted to their supporters making that possible.
John and Christine thank Nanette and Vic for the friendship, wise counsel, their special greeting, and delicious Indian food.
Friends of MGF program has a Facebook page.

10.12.24 First undergraduate

Tangu is the first young person from Mayega Children’s Centre to gain a place at university. She is studying population and rural development in Tanzania’s capital, Dodoma.
This is a wonderful achievement for Tangu, and the Centre; the care staff, teacher Reni, and Mayega ‘brothers and sisters’, who have nurtured her progress. It also provides inspiration for the younger ones.
We have three youngsters studying A levels, four who have just done Form 4 examinations, and four children who are proceeding from primary to secondary school (this is based on examination performance).
The challenge for Mayega children is illustrated in the words of a Form 4 girl:
‘I have nobody to rely on (outside the Centre), even my aunt can’t help, so I’m working hard on my studies to be in a better better position, considering I have a little brother out there’.
Powerful words.