At Watoto Wa Africa Orphanage, children thrive with the essential care and support they need to unlock their full potential and achieve greatness in life.
Among the specific objectives of providing adequate food, shelter, clothing, and daily care for 125 orphaned and vulnerable children and youth residing at the Watoto Wa Africa (Children of Africa) Orphanage (WWAO) in Tanzania is to ensure that children of school age have access to quality education by providing support for school fees, transportation, and other educational costs.
And this year, thanks to the supporters of Bread and Water for Africa®, our goal is to provide eight youth attending high school, 75 primary and Jr. high school students with the opportunity to “continue their education without interruption due to financial constraints,” stated WWAO director Josephat Kirutu.
With their educational future secured, Josephat expects that the results will be “improved academic performance, school retention and successful progression to higher levels of education.”
Additionally, the long-term outcomes will be that “more children will successfully complete secondary education and progress to vocational training, college, university or employment opportunities.”
Ultimately, says Josephat, “former beneficiaries will become self-reliant, productive and responsible members of society capable of supporting themselves and their families.
“This support is crucial because high school education in Tanzania is not free, and the orphanage does not have enough resources to meet these expenses.
“Without external support, these children risk dropping out of school despite their qualifications and commitment.”
Of the eight beneficiary students, four are already attending high school, and four additional students have recently qualified to join high school. The Janeth Marwa story highlights the essential role of educational support for individuals who lack alternative resources. It shows how access to education can change lives and create opportunities where none existed before.
Janeth Marwa – Finding a Family, Building a Future
The 19-year-old Janeth Marwa is pursuing her secondary education at Rugabwa Secondary School in Tanzania’s Kagera Region.
At just 6-years-old, Janeth arrived at the WWAO “carrying the weight of unimaginable loss,” Josephat reported.
“Her father had passed away when she was only 2-years-old, and three years later, she lost her mother as well.
“Left without parents or a stable home, Janeth’s future was uncertain.”
At the WWAO, she found a safe home, loving caregivers, and people who believed in her potential.
“We became her family,” said Josephat who with his wife, Rosemary, became the parental figures she desperately needed in her life, providing not only shelter and education, but also love, guidance, and hope.
“Janeth has grown into a confident, determined young woman who understands the value of education and dreams of creating a better future for herself and others,” says Josephat.
“Her story demonstrates that when vulnerable children receive long-term care, education and unconditional love, they can overcome tragedy and build lives filled with hope and purpose.
“Today, Janeth is not simply surviving – she is preparing for a future full of opportunity.
“Every step she takes toward graduation is evidence of what compassionate care and faithful partnership can accomplish.”
And as for Janeth herself, she told us, “When I lost my parents, I thought I was alone.
“At the Watoto Wa Africa Orphanage, I found a family that never gave up on me.
“Because people believed in me, I now believe in myself.
“I want to work hard so one day I can help other children who have experienced what I did.”
While, of course, providing food, shelter, healthcare and more to the children and youth such as Janeth living at the WWAO is crucial, Josephat reported recently that, “Over the past year, our biggest accomplishment has been successfully enrolling eight orphaned and vulnerable children into high school.
“This achievement represents a significant milestone for WWAO because it ensures that children under our care have continued access to quality education – a key factor in breaking the cycle of poverty and vulnerability.”
Through the grant funding provided to WWAO last year, school fees for all students were fully paid; they received mandatory school uniforms, new shoes and school supplies, transportation to and from school – and even health insurance coverage!
“This accomplishment not only improved the lives of the children directly supported, but also reinforced the orphanage’s mission to nurture, educate and empower children to reach their full potential.”
Josephat adds:
“We are sincerely grateful to the supporters of Bread and Water for Africa® for their continued support, which has made a meaningful difference in the lives of the children under our care.
“Your investment in their education has not only provided immediate access to schooling, but has also given them hope, confidence and motivation to pursue their dreams.” At Bread and Water for Africa®, we acknowledge that every child possesses inherent potential bestowed by God to achieve their aspirations. However, in the absence of adequate opportunities, this significant potential and visionary aspirations may dissipate among those who lack access to such resources.
