Sanzawa, Tanzania

1,186 children in Sanzawa ADP are supported by Irish sponsors since 1999.

People power is something that Helena Joseph learned a lot about after attending a community meeting in Sanzawa ADP, Tanzania.

Helena is a hat maker and basket weaver who used to work independently, struggling to make ends meet. During the regular community meetings, ADP staff members always encourage small business owners and farmers to form business groups. By leveraging the power found in numbers, these groups can access loans, exchange knowledge and skills as well as selling their produce together at local markets.

Helena and four other community members formed such a group which is proving to be a massive success. “During market days we earn up to 100,000 shillings (approx €50) per day and on normal days about 15,000 shillings (approx €7.50)”. These are amounts Helena would not have been able to achieve on her own.

“Our lives have improved. Our household incomes have risen. Three children of group members are now attending secondary school in nearby Kwamtoro. The school fees can only be paid through our work as a group.”

Sponsorship donations from Irish people ensure that we can continue to encourage and support wonderful women like Helena through these business groups. And when this means their children go to secondary school and maybe beyond, we know that real change has taken place.

 So much happened in 2011 - for example...

• School enrolment rates have increased from 88% in 2010 to a whopping 100% in 2011.
• 650 textbooks were provided to three secondary schools to support children’s education.
• 40 farmers were trained in new irrigation and rainwater harvesting techniques.
• 20 health workers and health committee members were trained on malaria control and prevention. Knowledge they will now share throughout the community.
• 793 ill-nourished pregnant women and new mums received nutritious food supplements to improve their health.

2012 Challenge

Controlling disease amongst livestock is a major challenge. In 2012, we will assist farmers through training in animal husbandry techniques and disease management, as well as linking them to veterinary services and credit facilities to access vaccines and drugs. Improved breeds, like the Super Goat from our Gift Catalogue, will also be introduced to boost production.

Read more about life in Tanzania and how Kilimo Kwanza (Agriculture First) is having a big impact on farming groups.