An update on the foster homes, the SCU project, and other news from Tanzania.
KISEDET continues its work through various projects, and 2025 promises to be a significant year filled with activities, new initiatives, and improvements to the infrastructure of our foster homes.
At Chigongwe, renovation work on the offices has begun. The first small house, originally built thanks to a donation from the Maria Centro Donna association in Gorgonzola, is being refurbished. Initially used as a dormitory for girls, it was later converted into office space for KISEDET and the SCU (Universal Civil Service) program. A major improvement is the creation of a small library within the house, designed for both KISEDET’s children and the students from the local primary and secondary schools. Soon, we will also begin renovations at the short-term foster home “Shukurani” in Dodoma, where the boys’ dormitory, the drop-in center, and the office spaces will be upgraded to provide a more comfortable and inspiring environment for both staff and children.
These renovations are possible through a donation in memory of Donato. Donato and his wife Sabrina visited Tanzania in 2023 through our responsible tourism project. After returning to Italy, they became members of Gruppo Tanzania. Donato’s generosity and spirit will always be with us in Chigongwe and Dodoma thanks to Sabrina’s kindness.
If you would like to know more about making a donation in memory of a loved one, please, contact us.
Another very important update is the completion of a wood-fired oven at the “Elena Fontana” resthouse. The oven will allow us to bake fresh bread and other goods for the entire community while also providing yummy baked products for all our guests. The resthouse remains a wonderful retreat, open to both international and local tourists, offering a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the capital city. If you’re interested in staying with us, feel free to reach out!
Since the start of the year, five children have been relocated from our “Shukurani” center in Dodoma to the long-term foster home at Chigongwe. These transfers happen when family reunification is not possible due to various circumstances. The Chigongwe home is much larger than the shelter home in the city, and offers children a close connection with nature due to the huge space that surrounds their dormitories. The short-term foster home in Dodoma, on the other hand, is specifically designed to support children and young people coming from the streets or those who have suffered abuse. The number of children staying at this center fluctuates based on immediate needs. This center also serves as a key resource for government social workers who often turn to KISEDET when they need to find a safe place for a child, even just for one night. We are also incredibly grateful to the people of Dodoma, who continue to support us by donating food, educational materials, and other essential supplies.
At both Chigongwe and Dodoma, structured activities continue with the support of the UCS (Universal Civil Service) volunteers always under the supervision of the local staff. These activities range from art therapy and sports, to English lessons and yoga sessions. There are numerous opportunities for cultural exchange between staff, children, and the Italian civil service volunteers, enriching the Chigongwe Family with diversity and meaningful connections.Additionally, SCU volunteers assist with farming activities, nursery work, grant research, and social media updates, always ensuring they respect local culture and work alongside KISEDET staff rather than replacing them.
The Universal Civil Service program remains active, with current volunteers deeply engaged in their activities. Every year, KISEDET hosts young Italians who come to Tanzania for an 11-month exchange experience. Today, February 27, marks the deadline for Italian applicants to submit their applications for the next SCU project. The new program is set to begin around September when the current volunteers—Simona, Luca, and Andrea—will return to Italy. There are five available spots in the upcoming program, and we look forward to welcoming new volunteers who are eager to learn and engage in meaningful exchange, especially those who approach this experience with humility and an open mind.
With the start of 2025, the “WISE” project, funded by the 8×1000 contribution of the Waldensian Church, has concluded. The project aimed to support minors on the streets or victims of exploitation through psychological assistance. Through this project, we also had the opportunity to raise awareness and assist families to prevent the separation of children and promote family reintegration through economic support, school materials, and health coverage.
However, the following projects remain active: “EDEN – Education and Engagement,” thanks to the financial support of Ipsos; “Mchezo Oyee – Viva lo sport,” carried out thanks to the 8×1000 funds from the Waldensian Church, which includes the ongoing construction of a soccer field for the children of KISEDET, as well as local soccer teams; “CAPABLE” on child protection in Dodoma, also funded by the 8×1000 of the Waldensian Church; and “CWD” (Children with Disabilities), which has been running since 2021 through collaboration with Agata Smeralda, aiming to reduce and eliminate the stigma that still unfortunately exists regarding disabilities.
Our fair-trade shop, Afric’AMA Collection, is operating as usual. The products are crafted using high-quality Tanzanian fabrics such as kitenge wax, khanga, and Maasai textiles. All proceeds from these handcrafted items go towards supporting KISEDET’s projects and our trusted tailors, Bena, Shammy, and Mama Asha, who work diligently to create beautiful pieces that are always loved by our supporters. Every purchase supports KISEDET’s cause while also being a stylish choice for customers.
Since the beginning of 2025, we have successfully facilitated two family reunifications, with a third scheduled for March. One particularly moving case is that of M., an 18-year-old girl from Chato, a region near Lake Victoria known for its mining industry. Like many others, M. was misled with false promises of a well-payed job, only to find herself working as an unpaid servant. After spending some time with this family she was kicked out onto the streets in the middle of the night in an unfamiliar city. Fortunately, a kind-hearted person found her and took her to government social services, who then referred her to KISEDET. During her stay with us, we worked on “family tracing” to locate her real family. Thankfully, her relatives were receptive and grateful to KISEDET, they had also been misled by false promises and genuenly thought that the young girl was being looked after. In addition, KISEDET helped secure a tailoring apprenticeship for M., covering her training costs so she could learn a skill and build an independent future. KISEDET’s mission is not just to provide immediate aid but also to ensure long-term stability for the children we support, through education and vocational training.
Through our social media pages, we continue to share inspiring stories of transformation at KISEDET. Recently, we highlighted the journey of Issa, a former boy who lived on the street whose dream was to become a specialized farmer. Thanks to his dedication, hard work, and the opportunities provided by KISEDET, Issa now works with us, applying the skills he has acquired over the years. Like Issa, many other children and young people have been given opportunities that have changed the course of their lives. We are thrilled to witness their personal and professional growth.
Stay updated on all our ongoing projects and latest news, follow us on social media and visit our website!