Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

​Down a bumpy dirt road tightly lined with concrete single-floor buildings roofed with rusted corrugated metal, you will find a modest orphanage that is home to 95 children.  The Vingunguti subsection of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania is a place most Westerners do not visit, but, they should.  The Mwana Orphanage is made up of a few small concrete block rooms exposed to the elements without windows, doors, or electricity but filled with children eager to smile and ambitious for change. 
 
Aviation for Humanity was honored to visit the students and staff of the Mwana Orphanage.  The center started in 2005 with five children and no financial aid. Throughout the years, residency has increased as the center has continued to care for orphaned and vulnerable children within their community.  Forty-five girls and fifty boys welcomed us with smiles and responsive engagement as we handed out backpacks, notebooks, pencils, pens, and a variety of art supplies.  The children were eager to receive the donation. Seeing the large number of children and the drastically underfunded condition of the school, I spoke with the director of the facility to discuss logistics for delivering more school supplies.  His response was both humbling and disheartening as he explained: “Thank you for the school donations, but the children are hungry.  They can not learn when they do not eat.  We need food.” 
 
Aviation for Humanity quickly donated funds to purchase a modest supply of rice and beans for all the children and staff.  But, it is not enough.  We will continue to support this orphanage and bring food directly to these children with the monetary donations made through this website. Aviation for Humanity will ensure 100% of the donation goes directly to feeding these children.  Please check back for updates on how your donation has made a difference in the lives of these children.    

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