October 2024
Hello dear friends!
I find myself particularly reflective as October begins – for it was fifteen years ago this month that our Child Sponsorship Program was born in Karatu, Tanzania! Likewise, as I prepare to return to Tanzania next month for what will be my last trip there on behalf of JOS, I’m stunned by the journey we’ve shared. I’m also grateful that the journey is not over just yet!! More on that soon.
In September 2009, I remember sitting across from Shalom Orphanage’s founders Mama Warra and Mr. Nnko as we discussed Shalom’s needs and how they hoped JOS could come alongside their support of the then-51 children in their care. Following that meeting, I scribbled down some ideas then hurried off an email to the JOS Board and got straight to the point:
Shalom has asked that JOS exclusively works on one project, with a focus on education.
I remember it as both exciting and daunting! I knew I needed more information to devise a plan aimed to ensure continued educational support to students, so I got to scheduling a visit to Tumaini Junior School, the local English-medium school to learn about their cost structure and intake opportunities. Likewise, more discussions continued with Mama Warra about student selection, with us ultimately deciding to support the eldest students first. Next I sat with students and scheduled intake exams with Tumaini, compiled a list of potential supporters and surely, hoped and prayed and trusted that we were creating a strong plan. Fun Fact, “Tumaini” means “Hope” in Swahili.
Three weeks later, on 21 Oct 2009, I wrote another message to the JOS board, my family and a growing list of supporters:
It’s looking like we’ll get the Child Sponsorship Program up and running in time to send some of our children to Tumaini, for the new school year starting on Jan 4, 2010!!!
Now, I’m a gal with big dreams, though even so, the journey since these emails has been surprising, colorful and surely filled with much celebration! With the support of our donors, JOS has partnered with over twenty students in their educational pursuits, their guardians, their schools and other program partners, both internationally and across Tanzania. Initially, support was straightforward since the children were in the same primary school and still under the care of Shalom Orphanage. As students continued to higher education and in turn were placed at schools across the country, we adopted unique approaches to support the students’ individual journeys.
Ten years in, we saw our first secondary school graduates begin vocational programs, colleges and even secure employment.
And now, in year 15, we continue our program sunsetting with our two remaining students: Baraka & Naomi who are pursuing a university degree for mechanical engineering and advanced coursework to become an OBGYN, respectively. Baraka and Naomi began their JOS journeys as fourth graders, fourteen years ago. Now, they’re the same age I was when I wrote my 2009 emails. Dare I say we’re filled with a similar hope for the future.
With bittersweet excitement, I invite you to join us for our final CSP fundraising campaign celebrating our 15 years: a donor match opportunity, $1,500+ for 15+!
We have a donor pledge of $1,500 to match all donations received through December 2024. I told you I’m a gal with big dreams, so I’m hopeful that we’ll surpass this goal and reach at least $6,000, as $1,500 covers 1 year of support.*
Click DONATE and choose “Child Sponsorship Program,” to partner with us in supporting the final years of Baraka and Naomi’s educational pursuits!
With deep appreciation, celebration and much hope as we continue on,
Elizabeth
Questions?! Please contact me ([email protected]) – I’ll love to connect!
*Transition Year grant: up to $1,500.00USD one-time
Transition Year grants are one-time grants offered to CSP students who have finished their course of study and are preparing to enter the workforce. We see many recent grads secure internships and/or volunteer opportunities in their fields of study, so these grants provide monies for expenses such as housing costs, food, transport, medical needs at FAME and local dispensaries, and a small monthly allowance, and are deposited directly into student bank accounts on a monthly basis.
University student grant: up to $1,500.00USD per year, up to three years
These grants are offered annually to JOS students who are currently enrolled in a government university. Monies supplement additional expenses like housing costs, food, non-school clothing, field placements, medical needs at FAME and local dispensaries, school supplies and a small monthly allowance and are deposited directly into student bank accounts on a monthly basis.
