ABOUT US
One of the most urgent and poignant problems in Tanzania is the abandonment of very young babies and children, either through the parent’s lack of resources or as a result of the increasing problem of HIV-AIDS and Malaria. Moved by this daunting fact and their love for children Francesca Aimone and Jutta Kassam (two Tanzanian residence) launched into voluntary work with various local orphanages.
Seeing the overwhelming need they soon hatched a plan to launch their own sheltered home. Building on their locally gained experience, Francesca and Jutta founded Malaika Children’s Home in December 2004. Malaika is located in Moshono (8km from Arusha).
It now cares for children, from a few months old onwards, neglected by their families and left to fend for themselves or worse. Malaika provides the children with schooling; medical attention and most importantly LOVE – in a stable and loving, home environment. All Malaika personnel, including ‘House Mothers,’ Nurses, Teachers and the office coordinators are hand picked locally, encouraging awareness as well as offering employment, regular training and professional development within the local community.
Malaika (meaning Angel in Swahili) currently cares for children assigned them by Tanzania’s Social Services. Malaika’s warmth and vibrancy is reflected in the faces of all the children – full of bubbling affection and newfound confidence. They simply love welcoming and interacting with visitors. Their infectious laughter and personalities will leave you with a warm glow and an unforgettable memory.
Malaika is supported in Italy by MAISHA, an NGO started in 2005, in Padua. Through our close relationship with Maisha we have started a program through which everyone can contribute to help our children have a better future.
There are many foundations helping children in Africa. But the difference is that our priority above all, IS TO LISTEN. We don’t want just to help; we want to listen, learn and contribute to an African way of life, full of its own traditions and wisdom, which is huge part of our children’s heritage.
Cultural colonialism and paternalism of “Third world aids” are unknown to us. A two-way relationship of communication and teaching/learning IS OUR FOCUS. It is extremely important to us to closely follow our children growing up, so we can learn to look though their eyes. To see the dreams and the hopes they have in their little hearts.
We too have a dream, that they can become free and independent individuals in their own right in their own country, rather than being labeled as “helped” people.
We pay great attention to how they grow up day by day, respecting their culture and their country, whilst also inspiring enthusiasm in their lives, and a newborn confidence and a smile.
What drives us is the knowledge that there is nothing more important in life than to ‘GIVE HOPE’ and above all to give love to these children – who previously only knew abandonment and desperation since their early years or first moments.
For these reasons alone please help our cause and be a part of a new free and promising world.
TALK ABOUT MALAIKA
Your voice is our pedestal. Talk about Malaika to everyone you know and ignite a chain reaction. SHARE OUR DREAM WITH OTHERS. Our biggest strength is through every visitor to our site talking ABOUT US. Your word of mouth is our strength and future. THANK YOU FOR CARING.
