ABOUT US
Collins and His Silly Face-Painted Kids
Small World Initiative for Women's Security and Children Orphaned (SWIWSCO) began in 2006 when Tamimu C. Mayyutta (Collins) took 2 three year old boys found wandering alone on the streets of Moshi into his home. After finding several more children in desperate need of food and shelter, he rented a three bedroom home to accomodate them.
Later that year, the Tanzanian government granted SWIWSCO a license to operate as a non-governmental organization (NGO). By late 2009, 18 children lived at the residence (referred to as an "orphanage") and all were enrolled in school. An additional 10 children remained at home with a parent or other caregiver and received educational support from SWIWSCO.
In November 2009, SWIWSCO moved to a much larger house. This was considered the beginning of the "Children's Village" concept. With the increased space came another 17 children, bringing the total to 35 in the home. The sizeable exterior property allowed for several sustainable food projects. These presently include a vegetable garden, fruit trees, 150 chickens, a few rabbits and, guinea pigs. By June 2010, all the children, including those at home were enrolled in school.
In the early days, SWIWSCO also assisted extremely poor and marginalized women, several of whom had children in the orphanage. Two Board members took food and medicine to them, and provided social support and education. 5 of the 12 women had HIV/AIDS and experienced social isolation due to their disease.
As the number of children increased, the amount of resources for adults diminished. While the women are still considered part of the program, they currently receive no financially based support.
Over the years, SWIWSCO has benefited enormously from a large influx of volunteers from such countries as Britain, Netherlands, New Zealand, Germany, Australia and United States. The presence of these people has enriched the lives of the children inmeasurably. Many of the volunteers have also contributed materially in many ways, allowing SWIWSCO to expand and enhance it's services and programs.
One of the 2009 volunteers was so impressed by the SWIWSCO Board's determination to fulfill it's mission and, by the health, intelligence and vivaciousness of the children, she created a non-profit organization in the United States to support SWIWSCO. That organization is Children Growing, the Watoto Project of Northern Tanzania (www.childrengrowing.org).
Later that year, the Tanzanian government granted SWIWSCO a license to operate as a non-governmental organization (NGO). By late 2009, 18 children lived at the residence (referred to as an "orphanage") and all were enrolled in school. An additional 10 children remained at home with a parent or other caregiver and received educational support from SWIWSCO.
In November 2009, SWIWSCO moved to a much larger house. This was considered the beginning of the "Children's Village" concept. With the increased space came another 17 children, bringing the total to 35 in the home. The sizeable exterior property allowed for several sustainable food projects. These presently include a vegetable garden, fruit trees, 150 chickens, a few rabbits and, guinea pigs. By June 2010, all the children, including those at home were enrolled in school.
In the early days, SWIWSCO also assisted extremely poor and marginalized women, several of whom had children in the orphanage. Two Board members took food and medicine to them, and provided social support and education. 5 of the 12 women had HIV/AIDS and experienced social isolation due to their disease.
As the number of children increased, the amount of resources for adults diminished. While the women are still considered part of the program, they currently receive no financially based support.
Over the years, SWIWSCO has benefited enormously from a large influx of volunteers from such countries as Britain, Netherlands, New Zealand, Germany, Australia and United States. The presence of these people has enriched the lives of the children inmeasurably. Many of the volunteers have also contributed materially in many ways, allowing SWIWSCO to expand and enhance it's services and programs.
One of the 2009 volunteers was so impressed by the SWIWSCO Board's determination to fulfill it's mission and, by the health, intelligence and vivaciousness of the children, she created a non-profit organization in the United States to support SWIWSCO. That organization is Children Growing, the Watoto Project of Northern Tanzania (www.childrengrowing.org).
SWIWSCO Board of Directors
Pamela and Some Children
Tamimu C. Mayyutta, Chairman
Pamela Kimario, Treasurer
Merry Stella Antipass, Secretary
Pamela Kimario, Treasurer
Merry Stella Antipass, Secretary