Monthly Archives: February 2025

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.