Established in 2017 by Ayoub Matiko and his wife Angela. The orphanage houses children of varying ages. The preschool age children are taught by Ayoub, elementary school children attend local schools and one teen attends secondary school through sponsorship.

The project aims to gather funds to construct a permanent house suitable for the group and a classroom for the school. Many projects are built over time and the goal is to have these constructed within 3-4 years maximum.

At the same time daily life needs to be supported. There is no government help and unemployment is great. Covid-19 only made a tenuous situation dire. Regular monthly donations are needed to pay for rent, food, water, fuel, transportation, medical and school needs. The monthly budget is approximately $900 a month to meet all needs.

The project will work to obtain the necessary funds to complete construction while at the same time meeting ongoing needs.

While on Safari in Tanzania in 2018 my son and his girlfriend, a teacher and I visited this small orphanage and preschool. We were impressed with the dedication of Ayoub and Angela Matiko caring for these children. The children were healthy, happy and well cared for. Some dozen children were orphans and other poor children in the area came to this small school.

Ayoub, himself is an orphan and believes that these children deserve to have all that life can provide.

We initially provided a few donations and maintained communication with Ayoub. However, when Covid-19 halted travel the group was desperate as they had relied on tourists’ and visitors’ donations to provide for the day to day needs. Often the only food available was ‘porridge’ and Ayoub shared his troubles. And concern with me. We have worked to obtain donations from friends and family but the need is ongoing. A permanent solution is necessary to develop the ongoing success of the orphanage and preschool.

The group was originally housed in suitable premises that provided secure housing and a small classroom. A year ago they had to relocate and the premises did not have a school room. They have since built a small classroom out of trees. The classroom has a dirt floor but the education goes on.

They have a lot on which to build the house and school and this past year a local youth group dug the foundation for the house. The foundation cement and plywood floor has been constructed. This is expected be completed in steps as funds allow.

The project recognizes that the current need for basic funding is great, particularly due to Covid-19 travel restrictions. School continues for the children and there are regular needs for school materials, uniforms and transportation.

One child is currently at Secondary School and is sponsored by myself and my son. The total cost is approximately $700 a year but it is expected that as some of the children complete elementary school sponsorship will be required.

These children deserve to have a life like other children- safe, secure, happy and working toward a future full of promise.