Urgent Needs

About Orphanage Halima Selengiya

Orphanage Halima Selengiya is a registered Non-Government Organization (NGO) providing charity to orphans and homeless children. The orphanage was named after Halima Selengiya, a freedom fighter and founder of the Tanganyika African National Union (TANU) in Moshi municipal Branch in 1954.

Our History

Mwalimu Julius Nyerere, the founding father of modern Tanzania, resided at Halima Selengiya's home during his visits to Kilimanjaro region. She provided free shelter to homeless and orphaned children. After her death, community members continued her legacy, leading to the establishment of Orphanage Halima Selengiya.

Current Situation

On April 11, 2023, following a dispute between the heirs of Halima Selengiya, the premises occupied by the orphanage were repossessed by court order without notification. Twenty-six children returned from school to find their home bolted shut and their possessions being thrown away.

Thanks to the help of good Samaritans, we secured temporary shelter and are now settled in a rented house at Bomambuzi street, Kalimani Pasua ward. The orphanage is fully registered with the government (Reg.no;000688 of 17/08/2023) and can currently accommodate 25 children aged 0-17 years.

Our Aims

• Rescue and provide emergency shelter for up to 100 children aged 0-17 years who have been orphaned, abandoned or subject to neglect or abuse
• Meet both immediate and long-term physical, mental, emotional and social needs of vulnerable children including healthcare, quality schooling and recreational activities
• Support family reunification where possible to avoid institutionalizing children long-term
• Train foster parents to provide community-based placements for children without family
• Develop neighborly support networks that enrich children's lives and create stable families

Challenges We Face

• No permanent residence for the orphanage
• Lack of professional staff due to limited funds for salaries
• No permanent donors - relying only on local donations
• No outdoor playing ground for sports and games
• No sustainable source of income for the orphanage
• Inadequate dormitories for children aged 13-17 years

Project Details

Objectives

The project targets orphans and homeless children through education and spiritual formation. The overall objective is to enhance resilience and adaptive capacity while reducing vulnerability of communities in Moshi District.

Our Values

• Child First Approach: Prioritizing children's needs and involving them in decisions affecting their futures
• Community Based Care: Restricting institutional care to emergencies and short-term interventions
• Culturally Sensitive: Reflecting Tanzanian traditions of community cooperation
• Holistic Community Development: Making long-term investments in families and communities

Facilities Plan

• Male and Female Dormitories (capacity for 100 children)
• Staff & Volunteer Accommodation
• Offices, Boardroom & Consultation Rooms
• Classrooms and Computer Room
• Library and Play Zone
• Kitchen and Dining Facilities
• Prayer Room and Outdoor Playground
• Roadside Kiosks for Income Generation

Community-Based Care Services

For children transferred to long-term community care, we will provide:

• School fees and education costs
• Monthly care package of food and toiletries
• Medical insurance
• Clothing and personal items
• Access to extracurricular activities
• Child savings accounts accessible at age 17

Safeguarding

Protecting children from abuse and neglect is our top priority. All staff and foster parents must:

• Undergo criminal record checks
• Complete safeguarding training
• Report any welfare concerns

Children will receive age-appropriate safeguarding training and have 24/7 access to a Social Worker.

Project Costs

Your donation can make a difference in the lives of orphaned children. We rely on generosity to provide support, care, and services to those who have been abandoned or are in vulnerable situations.