FCS and CSOs join hands to support over 220 Children

The Foundation for Civil Society (FCS) launched the #GivingTuesday campaign in Tanzania on November 19, 2019. The day was marked with giving donations to 228 children with disabilities and albinism at Matumaini Primary School in Dar es Salaam.

The momentous day took place this year on November 19th and among those who joined forces with FCS were numerous Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and members of the business community, Economic and Social Research Foundation (ESRF), Tanzania Women Lawyers Association (TAWLA), Tanzania Human Rights Defenders Coalition (THRDC), Road Safety Ambassadors (RSA), HUGO DOMINGO, Party Shop and Kids Events.

 

In addition, painters, balloons animal twisters and kids’ event organisers contributed their time, skills and materials to the school.

The contributions from so many people warmed the hearts of the children on the day of giving. The smiles of the children were a mark of appreciation that no words could express.

FCS Resource Mobilisation and Philanthropy Executive, Karin Rupia said: “In 2018, FCS celebrated #GIVINGTUESDAY by supporting children who were rescued from vulnerable conditions and presently staying at New Hope for Girls. Ms. Consoler Eliya alone has rescued over 100 girls from difficult and vulnerable conditions for over a period of 10 years. Together with her family, she lives with 38 girls aged 8-25 at her home in Kimara. This year we are at Matumaini Primary School, a boarding school for children with disabilities and albinism that has been operating since 1967. The school is located at the Salvation Army property in Temeke and is one among the largest schools of its kind in Tanzania.’’

 

The school has 228 children (133 boys, 95 girls) aged between 7 and 13, drawn from communities around Tanzania.

It has 28 staff members from the Salvation Army and 15 teachers provided by the Government. The school also provides physical therapy and operates a workshop for manufacturing and repairing walking appliances and chairs for the children. The workshop also provides specialised walking shoes as graduation gifts for the students who graduate from there each year.

 

FCS Executive Director, Francis Kiwanga had this to say: “FCS launched #GIVINGTUESDAY Tanzania as a way of promoting local philanthropy (i.e. giving to the needy). The intention was to set aside a day that was all about celebrating the generosity of giving to the less fortunate. “Giving Tuesday” is a global movement and is organised every year and celebrated worldwide by many countries, companies, businesses, schools, individuals, families and Civil Society Organisations. Our priority is to ensure we support people in need in our societies by giving back to the communities and also create awareness about the importance of giving.’’

 

Mr Kiwanga added: “Our vision is to see that we are supporting and helping each other to make the lives of others better. I am thankful to FCS Board, management, staff, CSOs, and the business community that contributed in giving back through the GivingTuesday campaign”

One of the highlights of the day was FCS’s contribution of three computers along with three UPS units to go along with the computers, whose value stood at Sh6,945,480 to the school’s computer lab. Before the contribution, the school had a computer lab that had no computers, which the children badly needed for them to make their learning a more convenient and easier process.

 

It was estimated that the value of all the items donated including the services provided by so many patrons for this day was over Sh9.5 million. This sizeable sum just goes to show that anything is possible and that people still have the heart to give.

Below are items purchased from donated funds for the GivingTuesday event:

4 WHEELCHAIRS, 12 MATRESSEESS + PILLOWS, 15 MOSQUITO NETS, 50 PIECE PAMPERS, 3 FOOTBALLS, 2 NETBALLS, 2 BASKETBALLS, 48 SPORTS JERSEYS, 106 T-SHIRTS, 103 KGS BEANS, 115 KGS RICE, 100 KGS SUGAR, 100 KGS FLOUR, 50 KGS MAIZE, 6 GALONS OF COOKING OIL, 6 DOZEN TOOTHPASTE, 16 DOZEN TOOTHBRUSHES, 4 CARTONS OF SOAP

 

Kala Jeremiah, a Dar es Salaam-based musician famous for his positive message-laden music contributed his time performing for the children and crowd. It was refreshing to see him go a step further by joining the children in some of their fun activities.

The day’s festivities were fun-filled with jumping castles for the young ones, a face painting session that had everyone looking like art pieces, see-saw area, balloon animals’ section, a coloring section for the little artists to express themselves and even a miniature train installed to give them an enjoyable ride.