We are Americans and We Care!
With all the recent disruption in federal funding to poor and developing countries— including Tanzania—the panic is widespread. Many critical programs were virtually shuttered overnight, including those impacting children’s health, both here at home and among our brothers and sisters in Africa.
Faraja does not receive USAID grants or any federal aid. We succeed because our community of donors show up with open hearts and deep compassion. You do what you can to ensure that the children we serve—literally the poorest of the poor—have a chance for a good life, despite the enormous challenges they face.
As we revved up Faraja Forward last year, we had confidence that our bold thinking, our track record serving children with special needs, and the depth of our relationships with African-led NGOs, made Faraja an ideal candidate for a partnership with USAID. We knew we could do big things. Just as we put our plans to paper, that door shut.
It’s not stopping us from moving FORWARD. Your gifts to Faraja enable Faraja School to stay strong and get better. Your support of Faraja Forward through our capital campaign has allowed us to reach families that no other organization has touched. As Americans and Tanzanians, we are rooted in this work together.
This is our time.
Support Faraja Today!
Welcome New Sponsors!
Warner and Vanessa Moore are thrilled to be sponsoring Debora Yohanna Laizer.
Good friends and fellow Faraja student sponsors, Kimberly and Geoff Mize, introduced Warner and Vanessa to Faraja last year. Warner opined that Faraja is one of the things that gets him through the “rough times at work.” Both look forward to visiting Debora at Faraja in the near future.
Warner is a Senior Vice President with UBS in Washington, DC. Vanessa founded restaurants Unwind and Revel in Alexandra, VA, and will soon be moving on from hospitality to explore her other interests.
Warner and Vanessa: Welcome to Faraja!
Debora Yohanna Laizer is in Class 1. She comes from the Maasai culture and has four brothers and a sister; she and her sister are the only family members to receive an education. Her family lives far away from an urban center. They are subsistence farmers with a small business that provides very little income. Two years ago, Debora fell from the roof of their house and sustained fractures that were never properly treated, immobilizing her entire left arm. At Faraja, Debora is receiving physical therapy, with the possibility of corrective surgery down the road.
Debora’s mother, father, and two of four siblings outside their home in Simanjiro-Naberera, four hours south of Faraja School.
Welcome Martha Circle!
Martha Circle is a group of women who meet once a month at First Lutheran Church in Norfolk, VA. The group meets for fellowship, education, sending cards to shut-ins and various projects throughout the year.
Pastor Jean Bozeman said, “We have known about Faraja since it was just a dream in the eyes of Joann and Don Tolmie, as they were members our congregation when they made their first trip to Tanzania, and came home with a new vision and mission for their life.”
“Our church, and many of our members, have always contributed to Faraja but this year we decided it was time for Martha Circle to sponsor a child.”
“Our members said, ‘This gift of love will change a life and reach out beyond what we will know. It is a tribute to Don and Joann Tolmie.’
“We take much for granted and don’t realize how blessed we really are.
“We feel honored to give of what God has provided me to help others. God’s work. Our hands.”
“We are so excited to get to know Daniel and feel honored that he will become a part of our family. ”
Daniel Mathayo Masanja, Class One, was born with cerebral palsy. He comes from the Mwanza-Ukerewe district, the largest inland island in Africa—about 13 hours away from Faraja. He is a friendly, outgoing boy (as you can see by his wide smile). His family is very poor, and Daniel cannot leave his house to play with others because there are no ramps for his wheelchair. Faraja staff are working with the family to install a ramp to make Daniel’s home visits easier when Faraja School recesses twice a year.
Daniel’s family home in Ukerewe.
An Incredible 1st Quarter for Faraja Forward
Last month, Faraja Forward’s mobile clinic visited two wards in Moshi district, treating 61 children with special needs who had never before seen a doctor. The team provided medical diagnosis, consultation, therapy, medication, orthotics, referrals, training and counseling to both mothers and local village health workers to help them understand their child’s condition and manage disability after the team departs. We will return to these villages soon to measure progress.
Inside the Mobile Clinic
Receiving orthotics to align the feet and correct deformities
Providing counseling and psychosocial support to families of children with special needs
Receiving advanced medical attention
As always, thank you for your support!
Help Faraja stay strong, especially in these times! Donating online is quick and easy. It means the world to these children!
Happy Spring to everyone.
Disability is NOT Inability!