Orphans Africa

OA could not build schools, educate orphans, nor provide business opportunities for widows without our dedicated groups of on-site personnel. At this time, we have three groups of personnel, divided by geography, each group directing the continued development of a particular project. Currently, almost all on-site personnel are volunteers, working for the betterment of widows and orphans within their own country without any recompense save their hope for a better tomorrow.

MAJOHE IN THE ILALA DISTRICT OF DAR ES SALAAM

Wilfred Batakanwa, Coordinator, Tanzania

Wilfred comes to OA with a two-year advanced diploma in accountancy and an advanced diploma in Materials Management. Besides working part-time for OA, Wilfred is the headmaster at the Marilynn Primary and Nursery School in Majohe. Wilfred oversees continued construction at the Marilynn School, plus helps to coordinate OA projects with other on-site personnel in Western Tanzania. Wilfred is married, with two children. He lives on the school campus in Majohe, outside of Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania.

BUJELA, IN THE MBEYA PROVINCE

Ezekiah Mwambagi, Project Manager

Ezekia Mwambagi coordinates the construction of the Mwaji Secondary School in the remote mountain village of Bujela, Tanzania, in the Mbeya Province. Besides being the project manager, Ezekia has been tireless in his efforts to gather area orphans together, to help feed and clothe them, and to provide them with the education he never received. Ezekia also hosts OA volunteers in his own home.

Rhoda Dawd, Widows’ Advisor

Rhoda represents the widows in the community of Bujela. She is also a member of the local team responsible for the ongoing construction at the Mwaji Secondary School for orphans. Recently when Orphans Africa provided funds for the area widows, Rhoda helped to coordinate the purchasing of three pregnant sows for three widows’ groups. With the money leftover, the widows purchased desks and chairs for the orphans at the Mwaji Secondary School. Rhoda also helps coordinate the care of volunteer visitors.

John Mwakapoja, Advisor

Living in the remote, rural village of Bujela, John Mwakapoji truly represents an elder’s wisdom. He is present at all the meetings OA conducts with village leaders, providing his input and wisdom. John sincerely cares for the orphan children, wanting them to receive the best education. With John’s support, and the support of others like John, Orphans Africa is respected throughout the community.

VWAWA, IN THE MBOZI DISTRICT

Tangson Kasebele, Chairman and Project Manager

Tangson Kasebele coordinates the planning and construction of the Isandula Center in the Mbozi District of Tanzania. Caring for six orphans in his own home in Tunduma on the border of Zambia, Tangson represents the heart and soul of Orphans Africa– working for the benefit of the most vulnerable population, the orphan children. Tangson provides the visionary leadership and the skills required to coordinate a large-scale operation. Tangson earns his living by operating a stationery and secretarial service business, and received a diploma in Christian Leadership in November, 2009.

Evans Kita, Coordinator

Evans Kita is responsible for the bookkeeping and accountancy for the OA group in the Mbozi District. In addition to his accounting skills he works hand-in-hand with team members in helping to procure a master plan for the Isandula Center. Evans Kita specializes in carpentry, bricklaying, and roofing, providing labor in the construction of the new caretaker’s cottage — the first of many buildings for the Isandula Center. He has three children and lives on a farm.

Weld Nzowa, Secretary

Weld Nzowa brings practical skills to the table. Nzowa provides the secretarial services to the OA group in the Mbozi District. He also owns a carpentry shop in town, and provided the carpentry, bricklaying, and roofings skills needed to help build the caretaker’s cottage at the Isandula Center. Along with Coordinator Evans Kita, Nzowa is also working closely with Mbozi District authorities to draft a master plan of the center. And if that weren’t enough already, Nzowa can run very quickly around the 80 acre perimeter of the Isandula Center just to show visitors how BIG the property really is! Wow! Nzowa farms coffee, is married with six children, and has taken in an abandoned orphan.

Margaret Mwamlima, Widows’ Representative

Margaret’s compassion and generosity contribute greatly to the success of the OA group at Vwawa. Besides hosting OA volunteers in her home, Margaret hosts the meetings of area leaders, providing a voice of wisdom and integrity. Margaret farms for a living, raising livestock and peanuts. She weaves and knits. Her courtyard is also a classroom for area orphans of nursery school age, who gather to learn English and math skills.

Dennis Kamwela, Coordinator

Being one of the younger members of the group, Dennis provides the voice of the future, believing in gender equality and justice for all. His passion for helping those less fortunate and his skills at peaceful negotiation enable the OA group in the Mbozi District to flourish. An evangelist and pastor in his hometown in Zambia, Dennis also speaks excellent English and helps to translate whenver OA visits.

Julius Mgala, Advisor

A former employee of the Department of Agriculture, Julius Mgalla acts as an advisor to the OA group in Vwawa. Ever helpful and kind, Julius pitches in where he can. Most recently, Julius earned a certificate in coffee growing. He also speaks English and can translate when needed.