Kids like shopping and the children and young people from Mayega are no exception. It was a Christmas treat to travel to the shops and market in Lamadi (5 miles from the Children’s Centre) and buy clothes and sandals. Busega Scotland believes that it is important to offer these experiences as part of growing-up; children like to have some money to spend, choose what they wear and to look nice. These opportunities are not open to all families in Tanzania.

The wear and tear on sandals is particularly hard, as the children walk over rough and sandy ground. We have to replace footwear regularly and as with ‘parents’ everywhere there is a struggle between what are ‘sensible shoes’ and what are stylish. As with most such encounters worldwide there is usually only one winner! Sensible shoes are reserved for school! We are thankful for small mercies.

Busega Scotland was happy to add capital to the Igombe Women’s Group vicoba scheme. The closest Scottish equivalent to a vicoba is a credit union. The women in the Igombe group have received business grants from Busega Scotland, as part of our Family Support Project. They pay modest amounts from their profits into the vicoba and then lend money to each other, to develop their enterprises or to meet unexpected family costs. Interest is charged on the loans and this is eventually shared out by members as a boost to incomes.

Busega Scotland had examined the operation of the group and found it to be working well (see news item on 051216 ‘Capital investment at Igombe’). As a result, John attended the women’s meeting at Igombe to present £130 to chairwoman, Stella Ndallo. This was added to the £43 already saved into the vicoba. Julieth Godwin, Assistant Project Leader, explained in detail the agreement reached between Busega Scotland and the group’s leaders.

The women are interested in establishing a co-operative business but are at in the early stages of thinking this through. It would be good if Busega Scotland could provide support, if a satisfactory business plan can be developed.

Education is a priority for Busega Scotland and for the children and young people at Mayega Children’s Centre. It could be described as ‘the’ priority but admitting new children and establishing a piped water supply are also critical.

The education issue has two parts.

Firstly, we need to improve the attainment of the younger children, concentrating on basics such as use of English and proficiency in Mathematics. There will be interviews, and appointment of a ‘Saturday teacher’ early in January. A job description has been written by trustee Jenny Wallen, emphasising an individualised learning plan for each child. Assessments in English and Swahili have already been undertaken by education consultant Sebahene Amon and student teacher Ester Stephano  (one of our Mayega graduates).

Secondly, for our oldest young people their school careers are over and Busega Scotland supports vocational education through the Moving-on Project. There are currently seven students in college and 2017 will see three more placed. One is confirmed for motor mechanics at Kalwande Training College, and interviews will occur on 3rd January for two other places, in motor mechanics and domestic electrical at Nyakato Vocational Training Centre , Mwanza. We hope the interviews go well. It is essential for young people to get practical training when they do poorly in their school leaving exams. Without marketable skills future prospects can be bleak.