swiwsco childrens village

Small World Initiative for Women's Security and Children's Orphanage (SWIWSCO) began in 2006 when Tamimu C. Mayyutta (Collins) took 2 three year old boys found wandering alone on the streets of Moshi into his home. After finding several more children in desperate need of food and shelter, he rented a three bedroom home to accommodate them.

Later that year, the Tanzanian government granted SWIWSCO a license to operate as a non-governmental organization (NGO). By late 2009, 18 children lived at the residence and all were enrolled in school. An additional 10 children remained at home with a parent or other caregiver and received educational support from SWIWSCO.

In November 2009, SWIWSCO moved to a much larger house. This was considered the beginning of the "Children's Village" concept. With the increased space came another children's, bringing the total to 29 in the home. The size of the property allowed for several sustainable food projects. These presently include a vegetable garden, fruit trees, 15 pigs and 4 goats. By June 2010, all 29 children including those in our at home project (26 children) were enrolled in school. For more information.
In the early days, SWIWSCO also assisted extremely poor and marginalized women, several of whom had children in the orphanage. Two Board members took food and medicine to them, and provided social support and education. 5 of the 12 women had HIV/AIDS and experienced social isolation due to their disease.

As the number of children increased, the amount of resources for adults diminished. While the women are still considered part of the program, they currently receive no financially based support.

Over the years, SWIWSCO has benefited enormously from a large influx of volunteers from such countries as Britain, Netherlands, New Zea-land, Germany, Australia and the United States. The presence of these people has enriched the lives of the children in measurably. Many of the volunteers have also contributed materially in many ways, allowing SWIWSCO to expand and enhance it's services and programs. Read more