Great news from the Village!

Dear <<First Name>>

Francesca and I flew to Dar es Salaam after an uneventful flight from Nairobi. On arrival, James, the Village Manager, whisked us by van to the Children’s Village at Mkuranga, where we’ve now been for a week.

It’s the start of the rainy season, so everything is lush, hot, and humid. The roads are dotted with large puddles, and the mosquitoes are out in full force!

During the two hour drive from the airport, James shared some truly inspiring news about three of our Malaika girls—achievements that your support has helped make possible.

Great Achievements 
First, one girl has been selected as Head Girl of Mkuranga Primary, a large state school of 3,000 students where teaching is mainly in Kiswahili. We place children there when they arrive with little or no English, and once they’ve gained confidence, we usually transition them to Ujenzi.

Second, another older girl has been chosen as Head Girl of Ujenzi Primary, the English speaking school of 300 students where most of our primary‑age children study.

Third—and most impressively—a girl now in Year 5 at secondary school has placed seventh out of 14,000 students in her district exams. We are incredibly proud of all three.

These successes reflect not only the girls’ hard work but also the stability, education, and encouragement made possible through your generosity.

Inquisitive Children
Francesca and I have spent the days catching up with the staff and mothers at the Village. We sit with the children for lunch and supper, sharing local dishes—often ugali, beans, and greens—and fielding questions ranging from the simple “What’s your favourite football team?” to the more probing “Who is your President, and has he ever visited Tanzania?” The teenagers, meanwhile, ask thoughtful questions about politics and religion.

After each meal, we sing a song for our younger audience. ‘Old MacDonald Had a Farm’ remains the favourite, though ‘Ten in the Bed' is also popular. The game 'Simon Says' is always a hit, as is 'I Spy With My Little Eye'.

We have now interviewed all nine mothers, spending an hour with each. They speak perceptively about the progress of the children in their care. The mamas have an especially busy schedule at the moment, as all the children have returned home for the Easter school break. 

Enormous quantities of food must be prepared for 79 children, nine mamas, five staff members (and two visitors) at every meal.

Before we leave the Village, we will have interviewed all the children, discussing their exam results and exploring possible training courses for those approaching O levels. It remains a challenge for some to be realistic about their abilities in a country where youth unemployment stands at 50%.

Thinking Ahead
Ramadhan, our social worker from the Reception Home in Dar es Salaam, is visiting today to speak with the current O level students about their ambitions. On Wednesday, we will take the same group to Dar to meet older students who are already enrolled in college courses. The aim is to help them focus on goals that are both ambitious and achievable.

We also spent a day at Ujenzi Primary, where 28 of our children study. We were very impressed by John Bosco, the dynamic Head Teacher, who is clearly encouraging the children to think independently and grow in confidence.

We met several members of his staff and attended the end‑of‑term ceremony.

During our busy schedule, we will also spend time at the Reception Home in Dar es Salaam, checking in on the older children who are now studying vocational courses. We also hope to meet some of the 130 children currently supported through the Relatives Support Programme.

More news will follow in due course…

With very best wishes

Alan Edwards
Malaika Kids UK Chair