So I have gotten many questions about where and how people can help. I just wanted to give you all a little back round so you knew a little more about the place I have been spending my time in Africa.
The orphanage is called Karim. It is run by a 25 year old women named Rehema. She has a 5 year old daughter and had a son who passed away a year and a half ago. He is the reason she started the orphanage. Karim was founded in May 2007 after the death of her son who passed away from a rare disease called hydrocephalus. It is abnormal fluid in the brain. She had trouble through her pregnancy but had a healthy baby boy. After a few months she noticed that his head was getting very large and that he seems uncomfortable. She was in and out of many hospitals who told her he was fine and sent her home. One Friday night he got really sick and she took him to the hospital but since it was a weekend there were no doctors around. (I didn't know people didn't get sick on the weekends) The nurses tried to take care of him and fed him over the weekend but he stomach started getting larger and larger. Finally the Dr came in on Monday and told her to take him to another hospital that could help. Well on the way to the other hospital Karim died in her arms. She has used all her money that weekend so she had to take him home on public transportation to save money.
After this experience she decided she didn't want another other mother to go through what she did. Her dream is to open a free center for women and children to go to and not worry about money. In the stepping stones to this she opened the orphanage. She houses 9 kids and travels to 30 other homes to help out. She is an amazing women with a kind heart. You don't really hear such inspiring stories very often which is why I wanted to share this one with you. I truly feel I have been sent here for a reason and have been blessed with these children.
If you are interested in find out more or donating to this specific orphanage please check the wedsite: www.orphansfoundationfund.com
This is an umbrella org that helps 33 orphanages and 3,000 orphans. It distributes the donations in reasonable quantities because otherwise the money would either be stolen or not used properly. If you want to learn more I encourage you to check it out.
Stats on Tanzania:
36% of people live below the poverty level
40 million people live in Tanzania and 20 million of them live on less than a $1 a day
44% of that population is under the age of 15
Thank you for helping me help these children! We are all so blessed!
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4 comments:
Dear Jacqueline,
What a moving story about this very courageous women who you get to walk beside for this time. I remember you said that her son's name was Karem and that is why the name of the orphanage is Karem.....is that correct? Anyway it is a very good cause and easy to send money when you know these circumstances and that she has the kids best interests at heart. Love the photos of the kiddies and you. I remember seeing photos just like that of other volunteers when you were researching the organizations. Now you are one of them. I can only imagine the heart strings that are pulled every day. Thanks for being the messenger. I love you babe and miss you more every day. Love,mom
Jac, what you're doing is so awesome. I am so beyond proud of you girl....keep doing your thing. Love, Jess Melvin
Hi Jac- Hope you're well. What a great org you're workign with down there :)
Jacuueline,
The pics broght tears to my eyes.
what an experience,you will love those little kids forever. One cannot believe that his is the way it is for these people. So proud that you took the inititive to do this. A busy weekend here at Paradise also, families coming to put a deck around the sun room.
Stay well and love you Jacqueline. Gram
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