Tanzania faces a significant orphan crisis, with an estimated one million children and youth living without one or both parents, according to the Tanzania National Census in 2022, a number that has likely only risen in the past three years, primarily due to factors including the HIV/AIDS epidemic, general poverty, and abandonment.
With no place to call home, these children are vulnerable to malnutrition, a lack of education and/or child exploitation.
In the 2024 report, UNICEF (the United Nations Children’s Fund) reported that as of 2022, nearly 18 percent of children in Tanzania were not living with a biological parent, and that more than 7 percent had lost one or both parents.
In addition, UNICEF reports that as of 2021, nearly 27 percent of boys and 23 percent of girls aged 5-17 years were engaged in child labor and that more than 25 percent of boys and 22 percent of girls aged 5-17 were engaged in what UNICEF describes as “hazardous” labor, such as mining.
The Charo, a digital media initiative based in the country delivering independent public-interest journalism, reports that the Mwanza region has the third-largest number of orphans in the country.
But there is hope for the more than 100 children living at the Watoto Wa Africa (WWA – Children of Africa) orphanage in Buswelu in Mwanza Region, not far from the shores of Lake Victoria, thanks in large part to the supporters of Bread and Water for Africa®.
Among them at the WWA orphanage today who are ensured of three healthy filling meals every day and warm bed to sleep in at night, the opportunity out of a life of poverty and self-sufficiency in adulthood through education and access to healthcare as needed are Vanessa Emmanuel, 15, a student at the Buswelu Secondary School and her brother, Issac, 13, who attends primary school.
WWA director Josephat Kirutu reported that the siblings arrived at the WWA orphanage four years ago after their mother, who had no husband, became too ill to care for them.
“Since joining the orphanage, both Vanessa and Issac have flourished,” says Josephat. “Their health has greatly improved, and they are now performing well in school.
“They have grown in confidence and hope, setting their sights on a brighter future.”
The sister and brother want the supporters of Bread and Water for Africa® know how their lives have been transformed through their compassion and generosity for others:
“We want to thank our daddy, Josephat, and mummy, Rosemary, for giving us a chance at life. My brother and I also want to thank Bread and Water for Africa® for agreeing to help us through our orphanage home.
“We now live well, eat well, and work hard in school to become better in life.”
Adds Josephat: “Your support is transforming their lives, both physically and academically.
“We thank the Lord for the favor of being connected to you.”
