Baraka's dream: From tumor to best in class in the Tanzania orphanage!

Baraka's dream: From tumor to best in class in the Tanzania orphanage!

At the orphanage in northern Tanzania, which provides much-needed support for orphans and children from difficult backgrounds, lives Baraka, a six-year-old boy whose story touches many hearts. Born with a large tumor on his head, he found a home at this center after his family didn't want him back because of his scars. Thanks to a fundraising campaign, a life-saving operation was financed, giving Baraka the chance for a normal life. But the challenges in the orphanage are great because the living conditions are modest and the children sleep on mattresses in classrooms. The diet consists mainly of rarely available plant foods.

The sweets and snacks that were previously lacking have now been supplemented thanks to the generosity of donors in Germany. The children enjoyed new activities and healthy treats like watermelon and bananas. However, everyday life in the orphanage is characterized by difficult situations. One incident illustrated how violence in education is still common here: children were severely punished for losing a ball. Corporal punishment has been banned in Germany since 1973, but in the orphanage it still seems to be part of the educational concept.

A look at life in the orphanage

There are currently 14 children aged four to 18 living in the orphanage. Education is a great privilege here, which is why it is particularly valuable that Baraka, the top student in the second grade, goes to school regularly. In addition to his interest in the subjects, he also loves the local hip hop style Bongo Flava and has discovered a passion for dancing. The older boy in the center, Hassan, has an ambitious dream: He wants to become an engineer, despite his difficult past. Ramadhani, a helpful boy, is also at the top of his class and, as a passionate soccer player, brings joy to the children's everyday lives.

The orphanage is not only a place of accommodation, but also of education, which is intended to lead to the independence of young people. Even when living conditions are challenging, the nonprofit organization ensures that every child receives the basic rights to education, health care and a loving home. These initiatives are part of a larger commitment to protecting orphans in Tanzania, working together to ensure that these children can one day stand on their own two feet. The challenges for orphans are enormous, especially in regions like Mbeya, where HIV and AIDS are widespread. Over 400 vulnerable children and young people receive access to education, medical care, support and often foster families who offer them a better environment.

The influence of internships and support projects

One intern, Pia Witthinrich, described her time in Tanzania as a profound change. She learned how to live without running water and how important it is to communicate with children, even without a shared language. Her emotional bond with the children was so strong that she gave each of them a pearl bracelet as a lasting memory. Such reports underline the importance of the commitment of international supporters and interns who not only provide financial assistance, but also bring human closeness and understanding.

In summary, the work with orphans in Tanzania by various organizations is bringing about significant change - be it through education, medical care or by creating loving environments. The stories of children like Baraka and his friends inspire many donors and supporters to continue working for positive development and improving the quality of life of affected children.

Further information about the projects can be found on the websites of Stuttgart newspaper, Tanzania relief organization and Mission 21 read up.