Tanzania OVCs (Orphans and Vulnerable Children)
Tanzania is a fairly large country, being the 6th highest populated region in all of Africa. With over 63.5 million people, there is an estimated 3.2 million orphans and vulnerable children, or OVCs (source: U.S. Embassy in Tanzania). A ratio higher than most countries in the world. Africa Harvest of Hope aims to care for as many of these children as possible by providing housing, health care, education, a family and most importantly, the Gospel.
Children’s Homes
These homes are where the foundation of care begins. They are fixed with full kitchens, bathrooms and several bedrooms and beds for a full house of twelve children. Our ministry “adopts” orphans that are discovered by our own social workers and are given a life and family here in these homes. There is no age maximum for the children, they are allowed to live in the home as long as they wish. However when they come of age they must work to help maintain the home.
Future Pastors
There is nothing more important than spreading the Gospel and creating disciples. Just like anywhere, in Tanzania, this is best accomplished by training local, young men who have a heart for God, to become wise and biblical pastors. Most starting in their early twenties, they will spend two years in an extensive Bible College program. Once graduated, they are ordained and sent out to churches across the country. Africa Harvest of Hope invests in this commandment by financially supporting these young men in their education.
Water Supply
Consistent water supply is crucial for farming sustainable crops in Tanzania and without wells, relying only on rain dramatically hinders an entire community. Through your donations, we supply the means to build water wells in the villages that not only provides water for farming, but brings sanitation and drinking water. Typically, the children are tasked with traveling to retrieve water for their families, but with local water wells, they have more time for school and enjoying their childhood. Each water well costs $14,000 and provides a 10,000 liter holding tank with a 3 horsepower pump.
Cassava, Corn and Sunflower Cultivating
Cassava is a nutty-flavored and starchy root vegetable that is easy-to-grow and useful for different foods in developing countries. Currently, we have been buying acres of land to cultivate cassava, along with corn and sunflowers to make flour and other foods that can be sold and then reinvested into buying more acres. Our ministry does not profit from this agriculture, rather our Tanzanian staff provide a substantial income for the local workers. Our goal is that over time, harvesting these crops will provide enough jobs for the villagers of Mtakuji that it will build a strong local economy. The cost to purchase and begin cultivating each acre is about $2,500.
