Although only 1 hour by car or dalla dalla bus from Moshi centre, the Village of Msitu wa Tembo (Forest of Elephants) provides little more than a harsh existence in a barren and arid environment to the many villagers who live there.
Although bare and dusty, school yards are filled with the laughter of children spurred with hope and optimism.
Community engagement in the village is inspiring with reinforcement from active NGO’s in the area and the growth of programs geared at lifestyle improvements for all is prevalent.
While visiting the village last year, I met Beatrice. A warm, non assuming village resident. Beautiful, but wearied by the everyday hardship of Tanzanian village life, Beatrice captured my heart despite our inability to communicate.
A member of the village “Women Together” program, Beatrice quickly identified the local community Bike Hire program was losing much needed money to greedy mechanics eager to fleece the assisting NGO for bike repairs a consequence of the rock covered terrain.
Beatrice put her hand up to learn the skill required to repair bikes and soon took over as village head bike mechanic. Gutsy and so admirable, but brought little financial relief to Beatrice personally.
Four years ago, Beatrice became responsible for the education of her teenage nephew, orphaned at age 2, and left in the care of his grandmother, Beatrice’s mother, an all too regular occurrence here in Tanzania. Already struggling to educate her own children, Beatrice is determined to give them all a better future.
Through our guide Jackson Moshi, Beatrice mentioned her plight in the hope I may be able to find some way to help with her nephew’s education. A very hard ask. One I receive often here and one I usually avoid to prevent local animosity.
Today however, 6 months on, Jackson and I are back to Msitu wa Tembo disscussing the prospect of a brighter future for a family deserving of so much better than this life has dealt them.
Stanslaus is a bright, 16 year old boy who so far has advanced through primary education to the mandatory standard 7 exams, the pass required to continue to secondary level here.
Fail and you’re done!
Currently in form 4, the final year of standard secondary requiring a good pass to continue to forms five and six, advanced secondary. (Years 11 and 12 in Australia).
Although not too far from the village and Beatrice’s meagre home, Stanslaus stays over at the school – boarding – although a dismally, unhomely environment, it provides the guarantee of daily food and peer social interaction…..a huge comfort in Beatrice’s heart.
Stanslaus understanding of English is good, but not advanced, a common situation in children from remote tribal areas where although some English is taught in the government schools, it is not deemed a priority. Contact with English speaking people is rare.
Stanslaus is keen to learn and find a way to support his family, knowing his presence adds burden to their already unsustainable existence.
Like many young adults here, he believes he will leave school secure some basic labouring work for which he will receive financial renumeration.
A total myth in this fragile economy where hard nosed, unscrupulous “bosses” watch every day for naive youth to exploit and profit from.
Encouraging Stanslaus to believe in education and the hope it brings is paramount to bringing him a better life outcome.
Our Plan so Far
An immediate donation of 200,000 (Tsh) – To offset outstanding debt associated with the commencement of the school year.
Provide medical support for Bibi (grandmother) suffering from advanced osteoporosis and spontaneous bone fracture.
Purchase of nutritional food supplies depleted from the family diet.
To pay outstanding electricity and water bills…..oooops, I forgot, they have no electricity or running water ☹
Encourage and support Stanslaus to complete this academic year.
Establish English tuition to strengthen Stanslaus examination (all conducted in English) ability.
An assessment of his academic ability and potential going forward.
February 2025 – reassess after examination results.
Research study options – trade school/advanced secondary.
Stanslaus situation is genuine – without our help he will almost certainly end up on the street, probably caught up in the rising youth (even at primary school) substance abuse in this country. definitely without hope or a future. #nochildaskstobeborn
I Need your Help!
Please help bring a little joy and a lot of hope to this family – any financial donation is worthwhile. A life changed is a life saved here.
Please email cheriesmirl@bigpond.com to chat more, or simply donate today Cherie Smirl Bendigo Bank 633000 164976474
Cherie Smirl
