Up and Coming Projects
KICHIJO
Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
Kichijo is a home for orphaned and abandoned children of all ages. The children are provided with food, clothing, education and a loving home. It was founded in July 2004 and is operated by Mamma Lucy Lema, who has been raising children in this way for over 23 years. Kichijo is home to Mamma Lucy, her daughter Dee and over 100 children ranging from 8 months to 20years and the family continues to grow.
Due to the ever increasing number of babies being dropped at the door of the home the number of children is rapidly rising and the facilities are not up to a standard. There are up to six infants to a bed, the kitchen facilities are no longer there and the sanitary conditions are poor.
Our Funding
Kichijo is currently supported by funds from two main sources; their farm in Machame and donations. At the moment, the farm provides some food and no money, which means donations are the primary source of supporting the children. The farm is located in Machame, on the slopes of Kilimanjaro; it was set up to act as a source of income and temporary home for the older boys, where they can learn valuable skills about caring for animals and working the land.
Education
The younger children at Kichijo are educated in the classrooms located on the property. School fees are the orphanages greatest expense and unfortunately Kichijo is not always able to provide the school fees required for the older children to attend primary and secondary school. Recently, some of the kids have been sent home from school and will not be able to return until their fees are paid.
Our Aim
Our aim is to build a new home suitable for over 100 children, with dormitories, bathrooms, a kitchen and dining area, play area and farmland. We also plan on digging a well and fitting solar panels to keep running costs low. www.kichijo.org
