In Mwanza, Tanzania, just a couple of years ago the Watoto Wa Africa (WWA – Children of Africa) orphanage which then housed nearly 100 orphaned and abandoned children and youth was on the verge of being forced to close by the government due to its financial difficulties, meaning they would’ve literally been put out on the streets to fend for themselves.
But that was before Bread and Water for Africa® stepped in in 2023, providing funding to make critical improvements and repairs, starting with outfitting the orphanage’s dormitory with new beds, new mattresses, linens and bedding and mosquito nets to prevent the children from contracting malaria, a life-threatening illness which results in the deaths of hundreds of children annually.
(“Malaria is a major public health problem in Tanzania, accounting for 3.1 percent of the global cases, with under-five children being particularly vulnerable,” states the National Library of Medicine in a March 2025 report, which also noted that more than half of malaria deaths in Tanzania occur among under-five children.)
In the months and years since, thanks to our supporters, we have also been able to make capital improvements to the building structure itself by painting the entire building, replacing doors, roofs and windows, adding security fencing, making significant upgrades to the kitchen, and more.
All of this is in addition to providing critical funding to support the “essential needs of the Watoto Wa Africa orphanage, ensuring the well-being of the children and staff,” reported WWA director Josephat Kirutu in March, noting that grant from Bread and Water for Africa® covered expenses related to food and provisions, medical support for the children and staff salaries.
“The Bread and Water for Africa® grant was instrumental in supporting the core activities of Watoto Wa Africa orphanage, ensuring that the children received essential care and services aligned with our overall program’s goals of providing food, shelter, healthcare, and education,” said Josephat.
Specifically, grant funding was used to purchase staple foods including maize (corn), rice, beans, vegetables, cooking oil and other grocery items to provide nutritious meals for the children, ensuring “that all 108 children received three balanced meals daily, promoting their growth, health and well-being,” supported “quality caregiving, creating a safe and nurturing environment for the children, funded the purchase of hygiene products, toiletries and cleaning supplies to maintain cleanliness and sanitation and covered water and electricity bills “ensuring an uninterrupted supply for cooking, bathing and other daily needs.”
In addition, funding from Bread and Water for Africa® was allocated to cover medical expenses, including hospital visits, medication and emergency care for children when they became ill. This funding, reported Josephat, “ensured the children received timely medical attention, preventing serious health complications.”
In sum, said Josephat, stated “This support was critical in sustaining the orphanage’s mission and ensuring a stable environment for vulnerable children.”
Josephat notes that only children with official admission letters from the Tanzanian Social Welfare Department are accepted into the WWA orphanage, ensuring that “only genuinely vulnerable children receive assistance.”
Among them is little Rehema, a 9-year-old girl who arrived at the WWA orphanage “severely malnourished.
“She had been living in extreme poverty before being placed in our care,” reported Josephat. “Upon her arrival, she was weak, underweight and often sick.”
But that was then, and this is now.
“Thanks to the support from the Bread and Water for Africa® grant, Rehema received regular nutritious meals, including protein-rich foods that helped her regain strength.
“Within three months, her health improved significantly—she gained weight, became more energetic, and started actively participating in school and play activities.
“Today, Rehema is a happy and thriving child who enjoys playing with her friends and attending school without worrying about hunger.
“Her story represents the real impact of this grant in transforming lives through proper nutrition.”
And as for Rehema herself, even at her young age, she wants the supporters of Bread and Water for Africa® to know how deeply grateful she is for their compassion and generosity, not only just for herself, but on behalf of her dozens of new “sisters” and “brothers.”
“Before coming to Watoto Wa Africa orphanage, I would go to sleep hungry most nights.
“Now, I never have to worry about food.
“I eat three meals daily and feel strong and happy.
“Thank you for helping us all.”
