Tanzania Ministry
Churches from across the Diocese enjoy mission partnerships with the Diocese of Central Tanganyika in Tanzania.
Carpenter's Kids
The Carpenter’s Kids program is the vision of Bishop Mdimi Mhogolo of the Diocese of Central Tangan
yika (DCT). The goal of the Carpenter’s Kids is to link each of the 200 parishes in DCT with another parish or other committed group in the United States and around the world to provide basic educational support for the 50 most vulnerable children in each village. By providing care for the most vulnerable in each village, the Carpenter’s Kids helps the whole parish.
The Need
- The Anglican Diocese of Central Tanganyika (DCT) is based in the town of Dodoma in the central region of Tanzania, East Africa. There are about 550,000 Anglicans in the diocese spread across 200 parishes.
- There are 40,000 or more orphans and other extremely vulnerable children in the diocese. Many children are orphaned by losing one or both parents to HIV/AIDS or other illnesses or because they have been abandoned by their parents. This problem extends throughout Tanzania, where the total number of HIV/AIDS orphans is estimated at 1.2 million.
- There are at least 200 orphans and other vulnerable children in a typical parish in DCT.
- There are no orphanages; instead the children are taken in by extended family and neighbors, adding to the economic hardship of their new family.
- Without parental support, these children are unable to afford the uniforms and supplies necessary to attend school. They may be ostracized by their peers. Without help, their chances for a bright future are slim.
What We Do
In Tanzania primary school (through grade 7) is tuition free. To attend school, however, students need a school uniform, a pair of shoes, and basic school supplies (notebooks, pens and pencils). Each child in The Carpenter’s Kids receives those necessities annually. To improve their meager nutrition and give them energy to learn, the children are also given a hypernutritional porridge breakfast each school day.
Each Carpenter’s Kid receives two large treated mosquito nets for their family. Carpenter’s Kids also have access to a healthcare fund that covers emergencies and relatively large expenses such as surgery. Through a separate fund, Carpenter’s Kids who pass the national exam at the end of grade 7 have the opportunity to continue with secondary education.When a DCT parish becomes linked, a local committee identifies the most vulnerable children in the village after interviews and screening. The selection process is supervised by representatives from the DCT office in Dodoma.
The Carpenter’s Kids goal is to establish links for all 200 parishes in DCT. At the end of 2010 there were about 90 parishes in DCT still needing links; at least 4500 children are waiting for support to help them go to school.
To link, the Carpenter’s Kids asks for a five year, “good faith” commitment to provide the support for the 50 most vulnerable children in the parish to enable them to attend school. Linked parishes exchange occasional email messages and are encouraged to pray regularly for each other. A number of Virginians have visited their linked parishes.
In the Diocese of Virginia, there are a variety of ways to link with a DCT parish:
- An individual church or several churches working together; DOV churches small, medium and large have all linked;
- A family or group of families;
- A school (Virginia Theological Seminary and St. Christopher’s School have each linked with a village);
- A group of friends;
- An individual.
What Does it Cost?
A commitment of $4000 a year supports the 50 most vulnerable children in a particular village that becomes your special partner parish. Your support enables 50 children to go to school, have basic school supplies, better nutrition, and access to health care. (Only $80 a child per year!) Carpenter’s Kids asks for a five-year commitment of support.
There are children now who need your help.
Msalato Theological College
Situated in the capital city of Dodoma, students come to Msalato to study theology, prayer and spirituality alongside courses in AIDS education and awareness. The parishioners of St. John's, West Point help support a preschool on the grounds of Msalato.
Want to learn more about Tanzania or the Carpenter's Kids? Contact Suzanne Johnson.
