FPCT Dodoma (SATF’s implementing partner in Dodoma) has supported 8 MVC with start-up toolkits, this follows after the beneficiaries had completed their tailoring course at Upendo Vocational Centre in Chamwino,Dodoma.

Some of the  MVC who benefited from the program.From left:- Stella Mpinge, Leila Rashid, Prisca Hundala, Furaha Malua and Happiness Issa.

The guest of honor, Mr. Hassan Mdaki handing- over a sewing machine to Furaha Malua during the  graduation  ceremony, that took place at FPCT- Chamwino,Dodoma. This was witnessed by FPCT Bishop Rev.  Mathayo Timo (in black suit).

SATF EDUCATION PROGRAM SUPPORTS 135 MVC IN  MWANZA.

HIV/AIDS, poverty and conflict have brought negative effect to many societies socially, economically and politically. This triple crisis has resulted to poor living condition, nutrition, education and health. The group which has been affected most is children. SATF in collaboration with her Implementing partners has been directing its efforts, resources and time through Education, Community empowerment and Child protection programs in order to minimize problems facing MVC.

SATF visited Aids Outreach NGO, one of its implementing partner in Mwanza to monitor the implementation of MVC Education program for the year 2010 where a  grant of TZS 18,477,500 had been disbursed to support Most Vulnerable Children (MVC) in Mwanza region. A total number of 125 MVC were supported in Secondary schools and 10 MVC in Vocational Training.

SATF beneficiaries supported by Aids Outreach Programme displaying their products at Mwanza Vocational Association in Mwanza.

Samwel Meseyeki captured during his practical training, he is among MVC supported by SATF in Olokii Vocational Training College in Arusha.

In 2010, SATF through its Implementing Partner UHAI Centre supported 159 MVC in Meru District. In the above photo are among MVC supported in Nduruma Secondary School MVC. They were supported with uniforms, scholastic materials and school fees.

Poor, incapable and lost sense of control in life are some of the perceptions   significant number of community members believe in when it comes to MVC issues. If they are not pitied for the hardship they face, they will only be blamed for what is regarded as social maladjustment such as poor school attendance and academic excellence, as well as failure to provide for scholastic contributions. This is the state of affairs for many MVC whose future is uncertain.

SATF in collaboration with implementing partners have been striving for social inclusion of MVC via Education support. In January, 2010, SATF visited Neema Resources Foundation (NEREFO) our implementing partner in Morogoro to monitor the implementation of first installment SATF MVC Education program for the year 2010/2011 where TZS 12.6mil has been allocated as grant to support Most Vulnerable Children (MVC) in Morogoro region. A total number of 90 MVC students from Secondary schools will be supported with school and tuition fees as well as scholastic materials such as school uniforms, leather shoes, socks and Exercise books/Counter books.
SATF educational support covered MVC from significant array of schools in Morogoro  namely Uluguru, Tushikamane, Mji mpya, Uwanja wa Taifa, Kihonda, Mgulasi, Mwembesongo, Morogoro, Sumaye, Bondwa, Kora and Kayenzi secondary schools respectively.

Testimony from the heads of schools, Our Implementing Partner and MVC revealed that SATF education support have contributed to improved academic performances, school attendances and psychological wellbeing of MVC as it brought not only a sense of equality but also boosted confidence and determination for excellence.

The smiling faces depict SATF MVC at Mgulasi Secondary School in a group picture with SATF envoy during Monitoring visit-2011

Mrs. Judith Mponji, lives in Madaba village, Songea region. She is among the community members supported by SATF through PADI. She got a loan from SATF through PADI. She utilized the loan to improve feeding for her pigs, which then sold. She has managed to renovate her house( the one behind her) and pay school fees for her daughter who is in secondary school .

Mr. Sebastian Lugongo (in yellow T-shirt) living at Madaba, Songea, explaining his future plans after selling 2 piglets. He expects to increase his farming land which will result in increased yield. Before he got the loan, he could cultivate only one acre of land,    yielding 8 bags of maize, now he is planning to buy fertilizer and cultivate 3 hectors,  which will yield 45 bags of maize.

Poverty, financial constraints, illness, family disintegrations and collapsing of social ties due to economic turmoil are some of challenges that affect MVC as much as they do to their parents/guardians in Tanzania. MVC caregivers in Mwandege District Coast Region sail in the same boat as majority live under poverty line, the burden of caring for MVC is heavy and the capacity to cope with this burden is declining. Most of house holds normally face challenges such as lack of nutrition, scholastic materials and shelter. MVC run a great risk of being malnourished and stunted than children who have parents to look after them.

With this understanding of this life realm, SATF as many other Tanzania organizations committed to the poor.  Recently, SATF awarded USHIVIMWA a total grant of Tshs 8.5m out of Tshs.20m as the first Installment for implementation of MVC Education program for the year 2010/2011. In September 2010, USHIVIMWA provided scholastic materials to 241 MVC in Coast region, 140 MVC being from 5 secondary schools namely, Tambani, Vianzi, Mwinyi, Dundani and Vikindu and the other 101 MVC where from Mlamlemi, Kipala, Kisemvule, Vianzi and Mwandege primary schools respectively. The package of support includes  school uniforms, counter books and A4 Exercise books. This support was provided to ensure MVC get access to education and relieve care givers as they struggle to cope with other economic challenges caused by poverty.

USHIVIMWA, Field Officer Mr. Mohamedi Ngapona handling scholastic materials to MVC at Mwandege primary school.

MVC from Tambani Secondary school in a pose after distribution of scholastic materials, first left is Mario Kissonga USHIVIMWA Project Coordinator.