Bread and Water for Africa® is dedicated to supporting orphaned and abandoned children through its comprehensive orphan care program. This initiative encompasses educational opportunities designed to enable these children to realize their full potential. At the Watoto Wa Africa Orphanage (WWAO), more than 100 children currently benefit from access to quality education.
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 be lost to those who lack access to such resources.
