MISSIONER NEWSLETTER – Advent 2024

Joanne Miya, Tanzania

Uzima Centre runs three support groups that serve a total of 68 primary school-age children. Almost all of these children are performing below grade level in school. None of their schools have libraries. Most do not even have textbooks. Uzima Centre purchased as many Swahili storybooks as it could, and each child is allowed to check out one book each month. The following month, they discuss the books they have read.

MWANZA, TANZANIA—Greetings from Uzima Centre. We hope and pray that you are well. As this year comes to an end, there is so much to be thankful for. At Uzima Centre we have added new projects and new clients, and all has been made possible by a combination of prayers, donations, a great staff, and God’s grace. There have been challenges but also a lot of joy!

I had shared with you that we were starting a project to improve the quality of life for our elderly clients living with HIV. The first installments of capital for their income-generating activities have been given out.

Saidi lives with his wife but a stroke has left him with limited mobility. Our staff worked with Saidi to draft a business plan. He was excited about having work that he can do to support himself. With $55 from Uzima Centre, he purchased a dozen chickens and ducks. People have already ordered ducks for Christmas, so he is off to a good start.

Teresa is the caregiver of her father, Yohana, who is partially paralyzed by a stroke. Together they agreed for Teresa to start a small business selling fresh fish. She is now earning $7 a day and is better able to provide for her father.

Yohana is also partially paralysed from a stroke. His daughter, Teresa, is his caregiver. Together they agreed for Teresa to start a small business selling fresh fish. She is now earning $7 a day and is better able to provide for her father.

We will be monitoring these income generating activities to ensure that the profits go towards improving the quality of life for our elderly clients. It doesn’t take much more than a few poultry or some fish to bring people a sense of hope and joy.

We run three support groups that serve a total of 68 primary school-age children. Almost all of these children are performing below grade level in school. This is often associated with poor reading skills. Without access to books, it is hard to develop a love of reading. This inspired us to start a “Book Club.”

We purchased as many Swahili storybooks as we could, and each child is allowed to check out one book each month. The following month, they discuss the books they have read. None of their schools have libraries. Most do not even have textbooks. Just having a book to read can bring so much joy. It will take time to see the impact of this program, but we are hopeful.

This year 45 secondary students were provided with English/Swahili dictionaries. Since primary school is taught in Swahili and secondary school is taught in English, language becomes a major challenge. We also have secondary school textbooks that they can checkout on a monthly basis. Textbooks at schools are limited and restricted to the classroom. The students use part of each support group meeting for study groups, lively debates, or tutoring sessions.

Recently we also started self-defense classes for two of our groups of students. They are enjoying the lessons and learning techniques that are helpful in vulnerable situations. These classes will not guarantee their safety, but we are already seeing an improvement in their self-confidence.

Last year we ran an apprenticeship program called “Learn and Earn” for our HIV-positive teens who were not in school. These teens have transitioned out of Uzima Centre and are now  productive members of society. We are now offering a similar program for unemployed teens in the neighborhood. It has been a great opportunity to connect with the community. So far, 18 teens have enrolled and are planning to start their apprenticeships in January.

On behalf of everyone served by Uzima Centre, thank you! I would like to close with a quote from St. John of the Cross, “In the twilight of life, God will not judge us on our earthly possessions and human success, but rather on how much we have loved.” All that is required of us is to never stop choosing love! Many of the clients at Uzima Centre have experienced rejection. You have shown them that they are loved. God has not abandoned them.

This Christmas let us celebrate the God of Love, the Prince of Peace, and the Spirit of Joy. I cannot wait to see what our love will accomplish in 2025!

Peace, deep breaths and gratitude,
Joanne

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