Already among the poorest countries in the world, Tanzania also struggles with one of the highest rates of AIDS in the world. This affliction impacts perhaps no group of Tanzanians more adversely than it does the nation’s children. Orphaned and abandoned children currently number well over one million and, according to UN figures, that number will exceed two million by the end of 2005. This figure represents six percent of the total population of Tanzania. Without direct intervention, many of these children will die of starvation, disease, or violence.
India Howell, an American citizen, has taken action on behalf of the country’s orphaned children. She began by sponsoring the education of those orphans whom her co-workers and friends felt showed promise. The children flourished. From that point on, India felt that she had found her life’s work: helping Tanzania’s children in need.
With the help of donors and volunteers, India moved to Gyetighi in 2003 to start an orphanage. She began by taking in seven children – ages ten months to thirteen years old – most of whom had lost one or both of their parents to AIDS. By taking in the orphans and abandoned, who often come to the orphanage malnourished, anemic, and disaffected, India has transformed their lives. The children now see themselves as part of a family. Once forlorn, these boys and girls run, play, and sing as healthy children do everywhere. But much work remains. India seeks to help many more of Tanzania’s lost children. She has formulated a long-range plan to build a home for 108 orphans on seven acres, donated to her by the people of Kiran Village.
India and her colleagues have diligently planned, designed, and raised funds toward this next stage: The Rift Valley Children’s Village. The project will serve as a home, health, and educational center for orphans. India has drawn upon local support and talent to see her vision realized, and she has reached out globally as well. In 2003, nineteen volunteers from the U.S. came to help in the orphanage and teach at the local primary school. India recognized early on the importance of drawing upon the talent and commitment of local Tanzanians. She collaborates with regional leaders on every facet of Rift Valley, from raising funds and determining the status of families and children in need to securing well-trained Tanzanians to manage the facility’s care and health services. The collaboration helps shape the activities and educational goals of the orphanage and Rift Valley, emphasizing academic achievement as well as knowledge of and respect for traditional ways.
India Howell has dedicated herself to making a difference for the better in her adopted country, Tanzania. She has provided a home to those least able to fend for themselves: the orphans of AIDS and other dispossessed children. With Rift Valley, she has united local leaders, volunteers, and donors with those from halfway around the world. India’s mission is helping to build a community of care and compassion, linking her village in Tanzania to the greater world beyond. For more information about India Howell’s orphanage and the Rift Valley Children’s Village, please visit http://www.tanzanianchildrensfund.org.
Read More Hero Stories >
