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We had many plans going into 2020, and when the world told us to be flexible and creative, we listened. Thanks to your support, we were able to complete a number of our planned projects and design and implement several new programs along the way. In addition to all our COVID-19 facing programming, we were able to do the following:
School Improvement Projects: The School Improvement Projects were completed in the final quarter of 2020. Partnering with 3 local secondary schools and 1 primary school, we built new beds, a new dormitory, a new water system and a new bathroom. These projects helped over 1,165 children (including students from MCH) gain access to better quality facilities at the schools they attend.
Financial Training Program: Our Financial Training Program took place at the end of the year and included 60 participants from the surrounding community. Over two days, 6 bankers and 3 microfinance experts trained all 60 participants on budgeting, financial management, banking and microfinance. Our hope is to continue these trainings next year and help community members open bank accounts and start small businesses.
Mental Health Counselling Programs: At the end of 2019, we decided to focus on mental health and wellness at Majengo. With the support of the Arusha Mental Health Institution, we provided training to the staff and children at Majengo and provided children in need, or children who were interested in, counselling with professionals through the hospital. This was incredibly helpful for many, and we will continue to promote this program in the coming years.
Clean Water Initiative: Our water system at Majengo was deemed unsatisfactory in providing enough safe water to the children – an even bigger problem when all the students were home during lockdown. With the support of many local tradesmen, and a couple of generous donors, we were not only able to repair our current system, but we were also able to install a reserve for back up water and a water harvesting system to promote more sustainable water use during the rainy season (and prevent floods!).
Pre-School Food Security Program: When the Majengo students returned to school after lockdown, our garden had flourished and we had too much food for the number of kids at the centre. We began our Pre-School Food Security Program, which provides food subsidies to our students on a regular basis. We hope to continue this program next year.
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