Monthly Archives: December 2024

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.

10.12.24 Stuck

I don’t think we have reported on the septic tank at Mayega Children’s Centre before. It has not really been a news item.
The tank is at the back of the dormitory building. It now needs cleaning out, and the Rural Sanitation and Water Authority (RUWASA) sent their tanker.

It is the rainy season, and Mayega is sandy. There was perhaps an inevitability about what happened, and it took from 8am to 4pm to dig the vehicle out. RUWASA will come back when the ground is drier. Let’s hope for a better outcome.
Life at Mayega is not without its challenges.

10.12.24 Group joy

The payment of grants to women’s groups facilitated by Busega Scotland is a matter of great excitement. It represents an opportunity for the women to develop their small businesses and provide for their families. This is a real partnership, as group members use their vicoba (credit union) for savings and to hold loan interest. Their capital grows rapidly.
The photos show the Tumaini group receiving their first grant, and Kalwande their second.
Some facts and figures. In 2024:
Our three new groups are supporting over ninety women.
The cost of the project is £2940 or £30 per family
The project is funded by the efforts of supporters in Edinburgh
Many thanks to everyone involved, including our workers on the ground in Tanzania – Julieth, Henry and Mr Kagezi.

9.12.24 Upskilling

When Busega Scotland became involved with Mayega Children’s Centre in 2014, the staff only had primary education. It was clear that to provide the best possible care of the children, in all its facets, we needed greater expertise. This has been a progressive exercise, recruiting staff with both residential child care experience and formal qualifications.

We now have three graduates working at the Centre, a teacher and two social workers. The latest recruit is Asteria Benedicto, a social worker who has become our Head of Care. She will work alongside Neema Stephen, the Centre Manager, who has described their task.

‘The love and hard work (of staff) helps the children to become good people and fulfil their dreams and become important individuals in our society’.

We welcome Asteria and wish her well in her new post.