CHILDRENS' VILLAGE
In 2010, SWIWSCO supports 32 children in the residence and another 10 children who remain at home with a mother or other caregiver.
The organization wants to assist many more of the region’s orphans and other vulnerable children.
The goals are not limited to increasing the number of children served. A broader Vision includes the creation of a "Childrens’ Village", a place that promotes a sense of community for children. Here, they can be if in need of a place to live or, a home-away-from home. It’s a place where children interact, play, receive psychosocial support, education and encouragement. Here, they learn new information and skills and, can be involved in sports, music, art, and other physically, emotionally and mentally challenging activities. In general, it’s a safe, comfortable, and secure haven for healthy development. The Village is an anchor that provides a foundation for wholesome growth and a successful future.
The organization wants to assist many more of the region’s orphans and other vulnerable children.
The goals are not limited to increasing the number of children served. A broader Vision includes the creation of a "Childrens’ Village", a place that promotes a sense of community for children. Here, they can be if in need of a place to live or, a home-away-from home. It’s a place where children interact, play, receive psychosocial support, education and encouragement. Here, they learn new information and skills and, can be involved in sports, music, art, and other physically, emotionally and mentally challenging activities. In general, it’s a safe, comfortable, and secure haven for healthy development. The Village is an anchor that provides a foundation for wholesome growth and a successful future.
WHAT IF...
What if…. the Village was a combination of residential home for children with little or no family support, an after school program for impoverished non-residential children and, a day care program.... The latter would allow parents to leave younger children while working, knowing they will be well cared for.
What if…. the Village was sustainable.... Situated on farm property, children would help care for animals, grow food and, learn about ecology and the benefits of renewable energy. SWIWSCO adults would also partipate in and benefit from the farm projects. Crops and animals would sustain food needs and, provide a source for income. A home for volunteers would be located on site, generating income for SWIWSCO, expertise for projects, teachers for adults and, companions to the children.
What if…. the Village was sustainable.... Situated on farm property, children would help care for animals, grow food and, learn about ecology and the benefits of renewable energy. SWIWSCO adults would also partipate in and benefit from the farm projects. Crops and animals would sustain food needs and, provide a source for income. A home for volunteers would be located on site, generating income for SWIWSCO, expertise for projects, teachers for adults and, companions to the children.
What if...the Village included a residential home for children with little or no family support and, a home-away from home after school or on weekends for other impoverished children. A community center would provide nutritious meals and include a library, playroom, computers and classrooms. Classes could be taught in health, english, computer technology, creative arts and business. A recreational playground and soccer field would be a filled with children screaming in delight.
What if...the Village provided a place for impoverished and unemployed mothers and other caregivers to come to for education and training. The community center classrooms would be used to support and prepare them for employment. Through newly gained self respect and financial independence they will be able to support their families and, raise healthy, happy and educated children.
What if....
What if...the Village provided a place for impoverished and unemployed mothers and other caregivers to come to for education and training. The community center classrooms would be used to support and prepare them for employment. Through newly gained self respect and financial independence they will be able to support their families and, raise healthy, happy and educated children.
What if....
WHERE WE ARE TODAY
SWIWSCO's New Home
The residential facility moved to a new house November 1, 2009. This larger home can accomodate up to 50 children. Several sustainable food projects have begun to include a large vegetable garden, chicken coop, and small animal pen. Bookshelves have been built to hold several books, educational games, building blocks, puzzles and other items to stimulate and challenge the children. The kids now have sports equipment and are frequently seen playing soccer (futbol) in the open field in front of the house. 6 African drums and other musical instruments are in the house, in hopes a music teacher will someday appear.
SWIWSCO will start two projects in 2010 that will initially employ a couple of the program's women and, generate income to support the operation. One will start as a sewing business in which clothing and other items will be made from the unique and colorful Tanzanian fabric. The other will involve solar fruit drying and the packaging of that, in combination with nuts and seeds found in abundance in the region. Both products will be developed for and marketed to tourists in the Kilimanjaro region.
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SWIWSCO will start two projects in 2010 that will initially employ a couple of the program's women and, generate income to support the operation. One will start as a sewing business in which clothing and other items will be made from the unique and colorful Tanzanian fabric. The other will involve solar fruit drying and the packaging of that, in combination with nuts and seeds found in abundance in the region. Both products will be developed for and marketed to tourists in the Kilimanjaro region.
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