We now support over 200 children and young people in Songea - from preschool to adulthood. Take a look at some of their stories.
Maria, aged 5
Maria is among 7 children attending preschool who are living with HIV.
Maria says that she is happy because she gets food every day and is looked after when she is sick. She enjoys playing with the other children and feels loved by everyone at preschool. We help Maria's grandmother get access to the medicine that Maria needs.
Stella, aged 13
Stella is supported by our education support programme, and is about to finish primary school.
She is one of the best students in her year and is looking forward to attending secondary school. In the future, Stella wants to become a Lawyer so that she can help children fight for their rights.
Hamisi, aged 20
Both of Hamisi's parents died of an AIDS related illness.
This has left him the sole carer of his younger siblings. After finishing primary school he looked for work, but remained jobless for 3 years. Hamisi is now getting training in carpentry and plans to become self employed so that he can take care of his siblings.
Ally, aged 23
Ally is one of young people who has benefited from the Education Support Programme funded by Children of Songea.
Here, Ally tells us his story and how our partner organisation, Good Samaritan Mission, has helped to change his life for the better.
'My name is Ally Masaninga and I am 23 years old. My mother left me a long time ago, and my father died in 1996. After his funeral I went to Tunduru to live with my father039;s friend. I was 11 years old and was in my fourth year of primary school. I lived in Tunduru until 1999 when I finished my primary education. After waiting for my exam results, which I passed, I was among those selected to join secondary education. However, after two years of my secondary studies the person who helped with my school fees suddenly stopped paying. I was forced to leave secondary school and I decided to return to Songea to my grandmother. I lived there for three years without going to school, as there was no money to pay the school fees. This was a hard period in my life.
In 2006, I met Martin Mlata, Director of Good Samaritan Mission, who helped me to get into the local secondary school and to return to my studies. With help from GSM I managed to complete my O-level studies last year. I feel very lucky to have had the support of GSM, who helped me in with school fees as well as other basic needs like health care and food. I am very happy that GSM was able to help me, and I hope that I can finish my studies and get a good job. I want to say thanks a lot to Good Samaritan Mission and everyone in Scotland for saving my life!
NOTE: The children and young people featured here have given their full consent to appear on our website. Some names have been changes to protect confidentiality.
