A future for disadvantaged children and young people in Tanzania

Project Number: 186.1509

Orphans are among the weakest members of Tanzanian society. Due to the consequences of HIV and AIDS, an estimated one million children grow up without their parents. They are often marginalized and rarely able to attend secondary schools. Mission 21's Tanzanian partner churches, the Southern Province and the Southwest Province of the Moravian Church in Tanzania, are working to ensure that the basic needs of orphans are met and that they have access to education and medical care. In this way, they can find a way out of poverty and dependency.

Background information

HIV and AIDS are widespread in Tanzania. Around 4.6 percent of adults are living with HIV. 72,000 people are newly infected nationwide every year and 24,000 people die each year as a result of HIV. In this context, an estimated one million Tanzanian children grow up without their parents. In the Mbeya project region, the number of infections is roughly twice as high as the national average.

The children often find themselves in a precarious situation and experience stigmatization and discrimination. They are mostly cared for by relatives. The foster families are often overburdened and can hardly care for the children, who often suffer from malnutrition. Orphans are often denied schooling. Many are traumatized, some are HIV positive themselves.

Mission 21's partner churches in Tanzania support orphans in the city of Mbeya and in the rural areas of Rungwe and Isoko. In addition to psychosocial support, the children and young people receive access to medical care and school or vocational training. The foster families are sensitized to the special needs of the orphans. They also learn how to increase their income through agricultural projects.

Project goals

The orphans receive access to education and medical care.
After completing their education, the orphans are able to lead a self-determined and independent life.
Orphans grow up in trained foster families.
The foster families and village communities are sensitized to the special psychosocial needs of orphans.

Target groups

Around 400 particularly vulnerable children and young people in south-western Tanzania (Mbeya, Rungwe) and their foster families

Activities

The following activities are currently planned:

Psychosocial support for orphans and foster families
Inclusion of children with disabilities in project activities,
Conclusion of health insurance and regular medical check-ups of the orphans
Procurement of school uniforms and school materials for orphans in primary and secondary schools
Assumption of school fees for secondary and vocational schools
Training for income-generating measures,
Exchange and networking meetings with national and international actors
HIV/AIDS prevention training

Project progress

The work with orphans in Tanzania has expanded considerably regionally. The work in Rungwe and Mbeya has been established for many years. Projects in Chunya and Ilindi have been added. This has made it possible to establish reliable structures in very remote districts in order to support and promote children without parents in the long term. In 2025, over 400 particularly vulnerable children were given access to school education or were able to complete vocational training.

The results are very pleasing. Many children without parents in secondary schools have above-average grades, some have been able to start or complete university studies and many are now working independently in skilled trades thanks to vocational training. All of this helps the children and young adults to improve their lives in the long term. Support for the foster families and school staff plays a major role. Psychosocial support for the children and their caregivers is important so that the children can learn in a safe environment.

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