Author Archives: christinecarney

17.5.25 Combining expertise

A group of self-funding volunteers from Scotland are due to visit Mayega Children’s Centre in June. The child care social work experience possessed by the group is enormous.
In the photograph, that was not taken in Africa (!), are Andy, Mark, Anne and Maura. Andy and Anne being senior managers at City of Edinburgh Council, and Mark and Maura, professor and lecturer at Dundee University. Mark’s specialty is residential child care.
A lot of preparatory work has been undertaken with Mayega to refine the visitors remit and relevance, as they aim to develop the capabilities of the staff at the Centre. That is underpinned by Neema and Asteria being Tanzanian social work graduates.
The quality and depth of the discussions will be so rewarding for all concerned, as they mix their knowledge, skills and experiences gained from two different social work cultures. More red letter days for Mayega!

 26.4.25 A second group has completed

The women’s group at Lugezini has followed Kalwande in completing its support from Busega Scotland in 2025. With three groups still running, the number in the project has reached seventeen. One more will start this year.
We have been doing some number crunching. The figures in the table relate to the position just prior to the groups receiving their final grants. That is, eleven months from starting.
A conversion rate of 3,000/- Tanzanian shillings per pound has been used,
Item Kalwande (33 women) Lugezini (31 women) Combined (64 women)
BS grants (£) 660 620 1,280
Women’s contribution (£) 883 829 1,712
Business loans 68 58 126
Emergency loans 13   8   21
You’ll note that the women’s contribution exceeds the grants provided by BS. The money added by the women is from interest on loans and using the group to deposit savings.
When combining the two groups, the women’s contribution is 57% of the capital available to them. The capital can be used by the women to develop their small businesses or to cover emergencies.
The money belongs to the women and their groups will continue after Busega Scotland’s period of support has ended. The photo shows the Lugezini women receiving their final grant.

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26.4.25 Making a desert bloom

It is an irony of Mayega that for most of the year the sandy soil is bone dry, despite the village being on the banks of Lake Victoria. The lake is the second largest fresh water lake in the World, and the largest in Africa. Of course, water stress limits agriculture and prosperity.
There are ‘long rains’ in March to May, and ‘short rains’ in November and December. But it’s never that simple. Sometimes, there is too much torrential, and damaging, rain, and often the rains will fail. Living in Mayega can be a precarious existence.
The situation at Mayega Children’s Centre is moderated by a piped water supply from the lake. We have a garden, maintained by staff and the children. In dry periods the vegetables are watered but good soakings in the rains makes such a difference.
At the moment, mchicha (spinach), aubergines, pumpkins, and okra are growing particularly well. Patron Isaak is an enthusiastic gardener!

26.4.25 Undoubted progress

If we were asked, ‘what has been the biggest impact of Busega Scotland at Mayega Children’s Centre ?’, our answer would surely be ‘educational attainment beyond all expectations’.
But, of course, Busega Scotland only provides the potential to improve the children’s lives, it is the staff that make the difference. High up on the list of ‘Mayega heroes’ must be Renidius Willbrand.
Known affectionately as ‘Mwalimu (Teacher) Reni’, he has supported the children in their educational progress and their growing belief that that they can succeed. Passing exams is the norm now, and that was not previously the case.
Good things do come to an end, but this cloud really does have a silver lining. Reni has been appointed to a government teaching post in the south of Tanzania. This is the best next step for his career, and future security. We will miss him greatly, but are delighted and wish him all the best.
The search for his successor is underway. We have to maintain educational continuity.

 

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.