Folk in rural Tanzania have a close relationship with the forces of nature. Fishermen on Lake Victoria contend with violent storms, farmers fear drought and flood, and the possibilities of hunger and destitution are there for many people. Families have to be resilient.
The children at Mayega Children’s Centre connect with the natural world – in our vegetable garden, by growing many young trees and bushes to improve the environment, and through keeping chickens. These are not just chores or interests but life skills that may be needed in the future.
One of the boys, Paschali, has particular interests. He keeps pigeons (‘for looking, not eating’, as he once memorably said), looks after Floppy, the Centre’s puppy, and has now started growing seedlings in his tree garden. This remarkable youngster would like to be a wildlife ranger. There is strong competition for places on the national course but the wonderful thing is that Paschali has that aspiration.Years ago the children at Mayega had no belief in their future. Adults were letting them down and they had no trust. How that has changed under Busega Scotland and it is one of the things we are most grateful for. The congratulations go to the staff and children at the Centre because it is they who have made it become a place of hope.
As Julieth said about her assessments, ‘I am always looking at the whole family situation, such as what kind of house they have, do they have valuables in their home, are they residents of the area and what is their economic status? Is it a family having a woman with a big responsibility for caring? Is she doing all the work of earning at least a family income? This can be proof enough that this woman should be included in our project’. The assessment is a skilled job that is aided by a family circumstances questionnaire but a lot depends on Julieth’s experience and judgement.
Leukondia had been missing for a while. Away from Mwanza looking for work and he has been successful. About 20 miles from the city is Kikongo, on the shore of Lake Victoria. It is the point of departure for ferries across the lake to Busisi, 3km away. Several years ago a minibus went into the harbour and many people were killed. Perhaps stimulated by that disaster, the government is constructing a bridge – the longest in East Africa and the sixth longest in Africa. Leukondia, in the hard hat, is employed in the construction. Here is a link for more information.
Working in Mwanza city, in an electrical/hardware shop, is Margreth. She has a certificate qualification in electrical installation. A clear help in the work she is doing. Looking very smart, she dropped in at the Busega Scotland office for a chat.
Margreth’s classmate Tabu is out of town and helping her sister with childcare (and also doing some shop work). Tabu (back left in the photograph) is a mainstay of her church choir. Choirs in Tanzania perform an important social and recreational function, and their sound is uplifting (and often very loud!). Enjoying an African church choir is one of those ‘must do’ experiences. Tabu is a very good singer.
January is a busy month at Mayega Children’s Centre.
Mwanza to choose and purchase the books. Mr Reni and Patron Emmanuel have worked hard to establish a learning culture at the Centre and have been rewarded with some superb exam results (there are earlier articles about this on the News Page). We ensure the children have the resources to stretch them.
Our Assistant Project Leader, Julieth Godwin, said, ‘Mukuyuni is new to us. It is about 6 miles from Igombe and inland from Lake Victoria. It is not a fishing village and people rely on agriculture, collecting firewood, making charcoal and breaking stones for gravel, to make a living. About 500 people live there and they have a primary school and dispensary’.
Julieth is working closely with local leaders. Together they identify women who will benefit from group attendance. Julieth’s visit to Mukuyuni in January was affected by the rainy season weather. Julieth said, ‘it was raining so hard we couldn’t reach many families. I visited three and then had to give up but I’ll be back in February to complete the assessments. The families are very poor and the soon our group starts the better’.
The Centre planted many young trees in its compound from July 2019 and approximately 70% have survived and are growing well. Regular watering is the key. The School has established a pilot tree garden with over 400 seedlings and a small vegetable patch. The plan is for the seedlings to be planted out around the school and to supply neighbours.
The new academic year in Tanzania starts in January and there is a flurry of activity at Mayega Children’s Centre. Writing books, pens and pencils etc. are bought in bulk and the children head to the local town of Lamadi for school uniform. Our four new secondary school pupils have to take their own desk and chair!
It is always a bittersweet moment when a new child arrives at the Centre. It is sad that a new arrival needs our care but positive that life chances are immediately enhanced. The child is sure of a warm welcome and encouragement from the other children. Tumaini is 6 years old, and from a village near to Mayega. Karibu sana, Tumaini!