Despite us not having quite finished building Kesho Leo children's village, we are charging ahead with training the Tanzanian staff members that are to be working at Kesho Leo. We're setting up our core team with basic payments (not fully fledged wages just yet) to give them some financial stability over the next few months while they are in training. We hope that you, our supporters, may be interested in helping fws to create some financial security for these Tanzanians while Kesho Leo children's village is being built.

Once Kesho is built and operating, we will restructure our sponsorship options, so we please be aware that we only see the following options as viable for three more months - the months of June, July and August 2008. There will be no obligation for you to continue with the new sponsorship set-up if it doesn't suit you.

Why not read our Kesho Leo staff profiles and see if you'd like to sponsor someone?

House mama: Bibi Frank

House mama: Elizabeth Peter

House mama: Emelda Francis

Age: 26 years

Children: Glory (2 and 1/2 years)

Life story: The father of Emelda's child left her when he realised she was pregnant. Emelda believes that kindness and love are the two most important parenting skills and also believes that orphans need more kindness than, even, her own child. She can think of "nothing better" than being a mother and although Emelda could potentially have another husband, she believes that "women do not succeed with a husband".
A sassy and articulate young woman who values education, Emelda, is already studying one afternoon per week (fws plans to support her to continue to do so throughout 2008). Emelda can speak some English and has an aptitude for learning. She has good business sense, having started her own pig business, embroidery and tailoring services. Emelda is from a respected family in the community who are close neighbours and friends of fws.

Role: Currently, Emelda is in training for her role as Kesho Leo house mama.

Sponsorship contribution: Recently Emelda decided to postpone her training as a Kesho Leo house mama so that she could focus more specifically on her studies. fws supports Emelda's wish to educate herself further - and will happily train Emelda with the second influx of Kesho Leo house mamas. In the meantime, Emelda's daughter Glory attends Kesho's early-learning classes four days a week.

House mama: Ester Mmbaga

Age: 29 years

Children: Joseph (11 years, an orphan she has taken in), Gladness (3 and 1/2 years), and Grace (4 months)

Life story: Ester became pregnant at secondary school. Consequently, she didn't finish her secondary schooling, despite wanting to. Ester's partner stayed with her until her recent pregnancy but then left to marry a new girlfriend.
This situation has left Ester and her children in grim circumstances financially. In the last month, Ester has rented two different rooms in an effort to reduce her rent to an absolute bare minimum. She supports herself by selling chapattis (local flat-bread) and recently sold one of her two chickens to buy the flour to make more chapattis. Ester predicts she will need to sell her second chicken soon. Her chapattis do make a profit - but Ester says she is trying very hard to save some of the money she earns, as she wants her children to go to school.
Ester may be battling severe poverty but she is extremely serious about her children's future. When asked what good mothering involves, she responds, "M other with love and by being close to children so they feel peace". Ester already takes care of an orphan so she says the idea of taking on more is exciting for her - especially if she will be in a position to care for them well.

Role: Currently, Ester is in training for her role as Kesho Leo house mama.

Sponsorship contribution: $30 per month (for 3 months only - June 08 to Sept 08). This amount facilitates Ester to being training for her role as house mama with Kesho Leo children's village. Ester attends classes four days a week, where she is educated thoroughly in a range of topics including health, nutrition, positive parenting and team work. After 3 months has passed, we expect that Kesho Leo's sleeping bomas will be ready for our mamas and children to move into. At this time, we will offer a new sponsorship structure, Families For Families.

Progress Report (June 08): Ester barely resembles the same woman from 6 months ago and it seems her new found smile has been caught by her children. Ester was so sick with infective mastitis she could barely get out of bed but with a small loan for antibiotics and a little support from the Kesho Crew, she is now back in good health and able to work washing clothes. Just last month she came boasting to fHeather Groat, fws volunteer nurse, that two weeks after malaria education, she had been able to buy the family a new mosquito net to try and prevent her family getting malaria rather than having to find money to treat it. Joseph is now able to play soccer with the other boys instead of taking care of his little sisters while his mother was sick.

House mama: Ester Lazier

Age: 32

Children: Nestory Robart (10 years)

Life story: Ester has been brought up in a very loving family that values education. She became pregnant in her final year of secondary school but her father, in his distress at the situation, scared her boyfriend away. This man has now married and both of Ester's parents have passed away.
Ester currently shares a house with her two sisters and their children. She contributes to the house by cutting grass and selling milk but she is not the first born, so cannot expect to inherit anything.
Although shy, Ester has reasonably good English skills and has completed computer courses in Publisher, Excel and Word at Tumaini, the local vocational centre. Ester loves children and feels that we should love the "lost ones" [orphans] as much as our own. Ester's dream is to own land and establish a small business.

Role: Currently, Ester is in training for her role as Kesho Leo house mama.

Sponsorship contribution: $ 30 per month (for 3 months only - June 08 to Sept 08). This amount facilitates Ester to being training for her role as house mama with Kesho Leo children's village. Ester attends classes four days a week, where she is educated thoroughly in a range of topics including health, nutrition, positive parenting and team work. After 3 months has passed, we expect that Kesho Leo's sleeping bomas will be ready for our mamas and children to move into. At this time, we will offer a new sponsorship structure, Families For Families.

House mama: Gladness William

Age: 27 years

Children: Rashidi (7 years), and Mariam (5 years)

Life story: Gladness, known locally as "Gladdy" is a vibrant young mother, with a gleeful, warm voice and giggle than can be heard for miles. She lives with her parents and brothers on their shamba [farming plot] behind the fws volunteer village. Gladness' own father is very supportive of her finding a job and is overjoyed by her employment with fws.
Gladness is well-liked among the neighbours and described by others as a loving mama, good friend and hard-working woman.
Gladness didn't marry the father of her children, who left five years ago, after Mariam was born. Gladness is very aware of her facial scarring and believes that she will not find a husband (but she's quick to add that she doesn't particularly want one either!) Gladness is very affectionate towards children - her own and other's and will bring to Kesho Leo children's village, her warm-hearted mothering skills, positive nature and happy disposition.

Role: Currently, Gladness is in training for her role as Kesho Leo house mama.

Sponsorship contribution: $30 per month (for 3 months only - June 08 to Sept 08). This amount facilitates Gladness to being training for her role as house mama with Kesho Leo children's village. Gladness attends classes four days a week, where she is educated thoroughly in a range of topics including health, nutrition, positive parenting and team work. After 3 months has passed, we expect that Kesho Leo's sleeping bomas will be ready for our mamas and children to move into. At this time, we will offer a new sponsorship structure, Families For Families.

Progress Report (June 08): Following the budgeting lessons Gladness now puts a little money away every week and with some extra money she has made working in the gardens at the fws volunteer site has been able to save $60!  Also, armed with her new English skills Gladdy proudly approached some visitors at Kesho Leo and introduced herself in English! A very big achievement for the shy mama who as a result of her facial scars from a burn as a child is so self conscious that she can barely look you in the eye.

House mama: Helena  Laizer

Age: 37 years

Children: John  (17 years - staying with his grandmother so he can complete Form 4) and Lilian (14 years)

Life story: Helena’s husband left her when she was pregnant with Lilian, her second child. Helena now lives in a happy Maasai boma [traditional round mud and thatch hut] where she sells vegetables and dreams of helping her own children through school.
She is a vibrant character who enjoys Maasai beading and believes she could teach the other house mamas to make jewellery. She calls herself an artist. Helena also boasts skills in gardening and cooking - and has, in fact, held a cooking job for a local school.
Helena follows Lutheran practice and is interested in teaching the children in the Lutheran Sunday School next to Kesho Leo children's village.
She is also extremely interested in learning about health and is excited about working collaboratively with the other house mamas.

Role: Currently, Helena is in training for her role as Kesho Leo house mama.

Sponsorship contribution: $30 per month (for 3 months only - June 08 to Sept 08). This amount facilitates Helena to being training for her role as house mama with Kesho Leo children's village. Helena attends classes four days a week, where she is educated thoroughly in a range of topics including health, nutrition, positive parenting and team work. After 3 months has passed, we expect that Kesho Leo's sleeping bomas will be ready for our mamas and children to move into. At this time, we will offer a new sponsorship structure, Families For Families.

House mama: Mary Masuki

Age: 26 years

Children: Norah (6 years)

Life story: Mary is a determined mother who has bravely faced many challenges in life. Mary fell pregnant when quite young, only to have the father refuse the baby and try to force her to have an abortion. Consequently, Mary ran away and gave birth, alone, under difficult circumstances. Mary says she has experienced violence in her life so hopes for a better life for her daughter, Norah, 6.
Norah has ear problems and her health is Mary's priority. Mary believes that being close to children is the best way to show love and says she would like to help orphans in case, one day, her own daughter becomes an orphan. Mary once worked as a house-mother for an Arabian family and loves to care for children.
Until recently, Mary and her daughter lived with Mary's brother-in-law. Mary and Norah now rent a room from an elderly man but look forward to moving into a new home at Kesho Leo children's village. fws has been employing Mary to work in the volunteer village's vegie garden, so that she earns some extra income and is able to pay her new landlord without compromising herself. Despite Mary's difficult life, she shows an admirable determination not to give up and to keep trying to provide Norah with a better life.

Role: Currently, Mary is in training for her role as Kesho Leo house mama.

Sponsorship contribution: $30 per month (for 3 months only - June 08 to Sept 08). This amount facilitates Mary to being training for her role as house mama with Kesho Leo children's village. Mary attends classes four days a week, where she is educated thoroughly in a range of topics including health, nutrition, positive parenting and team work. After 3 months has passed, we expect that Kesho Leo's sleeping bomas will be ready for our mamas and children to move into. At this time, we will offer a new sponsorship structure, Families For Families.

Progress Report (June 08): Mary says 'the pin has been taken from my pupil', which means now she can see a future. She has moved herself out of substandard accommodation where violence and theft threatened her safety. Mary has been able to afford medication and little Norah for the first time is rid of the ear infections that have troubled her for her entire life (7 years). Hearing tests still to be conducted next month to see if any permanent damage has been done but early signs are promising.

House mama: Sherida Muyengi

Age: 45 years

Children: David (13 years), Beatrice (12 years), and Denis (8 years)

Life story:  Mswai, who prefers to be called "Sherida", is a wise, gentle woman with a giving nature. She loves her community and takes great pride in teaching traditional dance.
Sherida's husband passed away eight years ago. She describes him as a good husband. She now lives with her sister whose husband has also died. She feels that her children are now partially orphans, having lost their father, and says she feels a natural love for, and understanding of orphans. When it comes to disciplining children, Sherida is quick to explain that love must always come first followed by warnings and understanding.
Sherida says she has many ideas for generating money in the children's village and currently has a business selling bananas. Sherida is excited about having the opportunity to teach business skills to, and to work with Kesho Leo's younger house mothers.

Role: Currently, Sherida is in training for her role as Kesho Leo house mama.

Sponsorship contribution: $30 per month (for 3 months only - June 08 to Sept 08). This amount facilitates Sherida to being training for her role as house mama with Kesho Leo children's village. Sherida attends classes four days a week, where she is educated thoroughly in a range of topics including health, nutrition, positive parenting and team work. After 3 months has passed, we expect that Kesho Leo's sleeping bomas will be ready for our mamas and children to move into. At this time, we will offer a new sponsorship structure, Families For Families.

House mama: Oliva Mshumba

Age: 31 years

Children: Severa (10 years), and Gemini (8 years)

Life story: Oliva has a positive, energetic nature that affects all those around her. In the two-room mud hut she shares with her grandmother, sisters and her children, laughter abounds. Oliva explains that her much-loved husband passed away five years ago. She now supports her children by cooking and selling chapattis (local flatbread), mandazis (deep-fried sweet dumplings) and chai (local tea).
Oliva loves children and believes that if you are harsh to children, they will not understand what you are teaching them. Like most mothers in Tanzania, she is determined to educate her children and secure their future. Oliva is excited about the prospect of learning new business skills while working at Kesho Leo children's village.

Role: Currently, Oliva is in training for her role as Kesho Leo house mama.

Sponsorship contribution: $30 per month (for 3 months only - June 08 to Sept 08). This amount facilitates Oliva to being training for her role as house mama with Kesho Leo children's village. Oliva attends classes four days a week, where she is educated thoroughly in a range of topics including health, nutrition, positive parenting and team work. After 3 months has passed, we expect that Kesho Leo's sleeping bomas will be ready for our mamas and children to move into. At this time, we will offer a new sponsorship structure, Families For Families.

Assistant Manager at Kesho Leo: Mudi Salim

Age: 28 years

Children: Abdul Basat (13 months)

Life story: Mudi is one of seven children and grew up as a cattle-herder in Dodoma, Tanzania. He had limited access to schooling, as he was expected to look after his family's cattle. At 19, he moved from his family home into Arusha town to make his own way in life. He began by helping lure tourists to the souvenir market for a small cut of any sales made. He eventually saved enough to purchase his own souvenir stall and help feed some of Arusha's street children with his spare money. In 2003, Rebecka of fws met Mudi and became very good friends with him over the year she spent in Tanzania. Mudi is gifted with a sharp intelligence and bears a natural compassion for his fellow Tanzanians. He has taught himself to read and write Kiswahili and to speak fluent English.

Role: Mudi's role is currently to help fws building foreman to direct the 20 labourers building Kesho Leo. Mudi translates for Darren, organises and motivates these men and manages any disputes. As of January 25, 2008, Mudi will take health education classes with the house mamas so that he is up to speed. He will also be involved with the lessons we offer the house mama's children. These types of programs will help prepare Mudi for his role Kesho Leo children's assistant manager.

Sponsorship contribution: Mudi receives the standard wage received by Tanzanians in managerial roles. Currently, this amount facilitates Mudi to pay his rent, pay for the phone calls he makes and travel he undergoes while working with fws, manage the 20 labourers responsible for building Kesho Leo and support his new wife and young son. In future, the amount will facilitate Mudi to pay his rent (fws is charging nominal rent for all the housing at Kesho Leo), to manage the entire Kesho Leo staff (including our 16 house mamas, the eco-farm staff, the kitchen staff, the cleaning staff, the security staff, the teachers, the nurses, the counsellor, the visitors and the volunteers). Mudi will also be actively involved in participating in and teaching in the early-learning and community education centre. His role is focussed on caring for and supporting the women and children living at, and coming into Kesho Leo, for daily lessons. He will do this under the guidance of fws vice president, Kelsey Wilson, as of April 2008. If you would like to sponsor Mudi’s training over the next three months, please email Nick Hirst at keshosponsorship@foodwatershelter.org.au for enquiries.
 

Night guard at Kesho Leo: January

Age: 24

Children: 0

Life story: January is not from the village where we are working - and that is precisely why he has been hired to be our night guard. We were advised early on to find a night guard, that does not have friends or family living nearby, who may pressure him to "borrow building materials" for them. January grew up in a very remote area called Loliondo, where his tribe taught him to become an excellent spearman. It is rumoured that his tribe have even beaten the formidable Maasai in a dispute over cattle, many decades ago. January assures us he is "safi sana" (very good) with his spear, but he was devastated when we asked him not to take it to work with him at night when he guards the Kesho Leo site! Nonetheless, he agreed and now guards with a torch.

Role: January currently guards the Kesho Leo site from 6pm-6am, 7 nights per week. At day, he sleeps in the room he rents from our village elder, Nolasco Mkawe.

Sponsorship contribution: $60. This amount will facilitate January to pay his rent and food allowance to Nolasco. It will also enable January to save some money for himself.



To enquire about any of these sponsorship opportunities, please email Nick Hirst at keshosponsorships@foodwatershelter.org.au

Sponsorship opportunities for Tanzanian Kesho Leo staff coming up include

Eco farm manager at Kesho Leo

Role: To undergo intensive training with fws environmental engineer, Robert Cork, so as to be able to manage and maintain the entire eco-friendly farming, grey water, rainwater harvesting and permaculture systems we are putting in place at Kesho Leo children's village.
Sponsorship contribution: to be confirmed, but possibly around $400 per month.

Eco-farm hand at Kesho Leo

Role: To offer ongoing support to the Kesho Leo Eco Farm Manager, in managing and maintaining the eco-friendly operating systems fws have put in place at Kesho Leo children's village.
Sponsorship contribution: to be confirmed.

24-hour Shiftworking nurse at Kesho Leo

Role: to work in conjuction with two other shiftworking nurses to ensure there is a nurse at Kesho Leo children's village 24 hours, 7 days per week. To give relevant lessons in health to Kesho residents and the wider community.
Sponsorship contribution: to be confirmed.

24-hour Shiftworking nurse at Kesho Leo

Role: to work in conjuction with two other shiftworking nurses to ensure there is a nurse at Kesho Leo children's village 24 hours, 7 days per week. To give relevant lessons in health to Kesho residents and the wider community.
Sponsorship contribution: to be confirmed.

24-hour Shiftworking nurse at Kesho Leo

Role: to work in conjuction with two other shiftworking nurses to ensure there is a nurse at Kesho Leo children's village 24 hours, 7 days per week. To give relevant lessons in health to Kesho residents and the wider community.
Sponsorship contribution: to be confirmed.


To enquire about any of these sponsorship opportunities, please email Nick Hirst at sponsorships@foodwatershelter.org.au