Tarakea 2017 Visit

In 2017, Hope of Tarakea sponsored 20 orphans aged between 14 and 22. During our most recent trip to Tarakea, we were fortunate enough to meet with 17 of the 20 orphans. We wanted to speak with each one individually about what they would like to do with their future and how we could assist.  It was a great opportunity to meet with the parish volunteers who visit the orphans, and Fr Msafiri who administers the accounts for their education. We had several meetings to discuss how to best meet the needs of each child. It was also reassuring to see that records are kept for each, and Fr Msafiri receives their school reports to keep up with how they’re going at school and will meet with them to discuss if he feels it’s necessary.

To the right of screen there is a page titled 2017, this page has photos and details of the young people we met. The following is a breakdown of what the children are currently doing:

·         12   Secondary School              

·            6    Technical College/ TAFE     
                       1 - Tailoring 
                       1 - Mechanical
                                  4 - Electrical Installation          

·          1   University – Teaching        

·          1   Establishing his own business    

The Holy Family Parish, Albany sewing and craft group were extremely generous with their time and skills, and made school bags for the orphans. 

Helen - Holy Family Parish Sewing and Craft Group

Starting the day at the St Pius X parish office; the school bags and stationery that we’d brought with us were given.

We were again welcomed at St Pius X Catholic Primary School library.  It was great to see  that a classroom next to the library, which can be used for study, has finished being built. Each class visits the library for one period a week during which time they can browse and exchange their books.

An invitation was accepted to join the year 5 computer class, in which the children were learning how to copy and paste using Microsoft Word. It was wonderful to see that all the second hand computers that were sent from Australia in 2011 are still in good working order.

Grace and Judith - Parish Volunteers

Before Class

Next stop was the staff room for morning tea where the principal asked us to pass on their thanks to everyone who has supported the school. As a special thank you, Steve and I were given the gift of traditional Tanzanian clothing.