Charmed in Tanzania ….. A Journey of Hope, Love, and Transformation
- cheriesmirl
- Nov 23, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Aug 27
Africa really does get under your skin and into your heart...
As founder of OneLoveTanzania.com, I certainly learned that, first-hand, 14 years ago when I casually set off on a 4-week volunteer adventure to Tanzania to “get to know” the locals.
Volunteering, it seemed, offering a great opportunity to experience traditional life there and immerse myself in the exciting culture that is Africa.
Equipped with a bundle of children’s activities and a head full of how I could help these people learn to do things better, I ventured off at 58, a member of the Projects Abroad team in Arusha where I was placed at the Amani For Africa Children’s Village on the edge of Arusha.
A family-operated centre where 27 children were given a second chance at a family life after their own world had collapsed around them for any one of a number heart breaking reasons. A meagre home filled with happiness, family values, and love.
Mostly under age 10 years mischievous children, shy, wide eyed, with unconditional love for their Bibi (Grandmother) Cherie, irresistible, even to the wary, crept on in and stole my heart. While, all along, I was trying to win theirs!
An unexpectedly moving time in my usually well-guarded life.
Having taken that initial bold step, I was pretty impressed I had survived in a developing county, and, I thought, had brought some hope where it was needed – totally unaware, I had let my guard down. I’d been charmed!
That mighty feeling of achievement lasted about 5 minutes on retuning to my home in rural Australia. Unsettled, I found myself unravelled – my world was upside down!
I certainly didn’t expect to be longing to hear those cheeky giggles at my bedroom widow each morning, and I certainly did not expect to miss the desperately poor country in which I’d heard them.
Somehow, at some time, I had found a deep and profound love for people I had absolutely no duty of commitment to.
The seed of “how can I help”, was bursting within me.
Support for their home, Amani for Africa, was urgently needed…infrastructure, food, clothing education, medicine and guidance. The need for money gnawing at me every day.
Innocent in its beginning, I began decluttering my own home…….if it wasn’t tied down, I sold it. Cash in hand, I bolted straight back to Tanzania. At last, I could “help”.
This revisit nurtured a whole new bond between myself and the children. I had come back. They knew I cared and they trusted me. Their stories unfolded before me, profoundly tragic stories leaving deep scars only compassion and love could heal.
How does a 7 year old boy recover from discovering his mother’s body, hanging dead, unable to continue when abandoned by her husband with two small children to support. What hope does a baby have when born to a child mother, not even aware of what was going on in her own body.
Why are 2 year old twin girls left in the care of a grandmother with leprosy, where they become the carers?
A whole new clarity dawned. A whole new urgency. These kids needed more. I was desperate to find a better path for them. A path which brought hope, and the right of every child, a good education.
Not just an education which pays lip service to the 3R’s, and only recognises academic achievements, but an education system which puts kids first, which identifies individuality and fosters personal development.
In short, out of the government system and into a non-government school. A school where all classes are taught in English.
As much as I wanted this change and could so clearly see its potential, changing attitudes in Tanzania was a challenge I had not anticipated. Orphanage children simply do not attend English Medium schools in this country! Tribal people walk in the footsteps of the past, never daring to stray from that path. Ever wary of change.
Back in Australia I continued the battle to enrol two children to a non-government school where I believed they had a better opportunity to reach their full potential.……a battle which took 5 months to win.
Finally, two children from Amani for Africa Centre began a whole new chapter of education at Amani which would eventually see all their siblings sponsored to quality, non-government English Medium education.
From that moment on, their lives were transformed. They had real dreams and the opportunity to bring those dreams to fruition. Fundraising became my new focus. The future of my two sponsored students, my goal. And now, the many other students, the financial responsibility of OneLoveTanzania.com
As tertiary studies proudly become a reality, a whole new level of self-belief is emerging, a new level of hope. Confidence is growing, and so is the need for funds.
We are in desperate need of financial support to see our kid’s dreams come true. Dreams of studying Nutrition to offer dietary guidance to the multitudes of sufferers of intergenerational, cultural health conditions here.
Dreams of studying Economics when clearly the financial management of this country needs stronger leaders.
Dreams of becoming doctors – Medical professionals who really do care.
This journey is far from over.
The need for funds to support continued better education, personal development, creative learning, and leadership programs is urgent.
Every dollar gifted brings dreams closer to reality
This mission isn’t just mine - it’s for anyone who believes in giving children the best start in life. Together, we can inspire them to reach their full potential. We can realise dreams and change lives.
Join me in this journey to influence change: OneLoveTanzania.com
Help me remind these children they are worthy of love, opportunity, and a much better life.
Cherie Smirl OneLoveTanzania.com
Education is Key
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