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Heshima in Tanzania
Once it became apparent that Alison and Steve could not re-settle in
Kisumu for the time being, they settled in Kisongo, a rural village
14km outside Arusha. This village largely serves the Maasai
Community, who quickly became friends with the family. They found
out about the work Steve and Alison had been doing in Kenya and
asked that they start a similar centre here.
Maasai children are often ‘left behind’ in terms of education. They
asked for a centre where their children could learn English through
play, learn to read and have access to books and learn to use IT.
Unfortunately by the time many of these children reach secondary
age, they are unable to continue with their education as others are
more confident in speaking English and using IT and as a result they
are disadvantaged. This means that many in the Maasai community have
less opportunities open to them and are ill equipped to compete in
the 21st Century. As a result they are marginalized and many remain
in poverty.
Supporters across the world helped Heshima to buy a small plot in
this area. Like the rest of the land, it was completely barren and
bare. Kisongo does not get much rain and so the plot was dry and
dusty. However, having worked at such a magical site in Kenya, Steve
and Alison knew that trees and flowers can make a real difference.
Since November, the rains have arrived and so trees have been bought
for the plot and local people have helped to plant them. A plan has
been drawn up for the finished site and this includes: a paddling
pool; a play ground; workshop areas; a volley ball pitch; a role
play area; a library; a store room; a kitchen and toilets.
When the rains finish we hope to start building … so watch this
space to follow our developments. We will begin with one workshop
area, the toilets and a water storage tank. We hope to get quotes
for this work at the beginning of next year.
Before the end of 2010, we hope to be in a position to be able to
offer a variety of workshops and activities to children in our local
community. In the meantime, we continue to build up links with
children in our local community and near-by orphanages by offering
regular activities, stories and games.
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