Tumaini Junior Academy

Since arriving in September, I have had the great privilege to get to know Mr. Modest Bayo - a remarkable Tanzanian, working to improve education right here in rural Karatu. Just a few years ago, Bayo left a very successful career as a safari driver and started a primary school. The school - Tumaini Junior Academy - is an English medium, private school. With the help of his wife, and an amazing staff of teachers and administrators, Bayo has created a truly exceptional institution.

In addition to creating quality education, Bayo has made a commitment to helping children in certain circumstances who wouldn't otherwise be able to attend Tumaini. Tumaini is a private school and therefore requires that parents pay tuition costs. But for certain students - often times those without one or both parents - Bayo has granted "scholarships" - basically allowing them to attend for free. Bayo has taken on this burden out of the kindness of his heart. But it is difficult for Tumaini to make ends meet with this growing number of "scholarship" students. Therefore, the African Orphan Education Fund has offered to assist when possible with the tuition for as many of these children as is possible to raise the funds for.

Here is a picture of two of the classroom buildings at Tumaini.

This is Mr. Bayo, Founder and Director.

Here are some of the shining faces you find at Tumaini!

Here is a picture of the new construction happening at Tumaini - a three story classroom/library/office complex. A virtual high-rise by Karatu standards!

More information to follow about new AOEF Scholars - currently attending Tumaini!

Scholarship Recipient Update #2

I just received a letter from Vincent Tlemu, one of AOEF's scholars! He started Form 4 in January after scoring very high on his end of term exams - he came in 5th out of 177 total students in his class at Makumira Secondary School - we couldn't be more proud!

He reported back about his Form 3 year. He loved Chemistry and Math. He thoroughly enjoyed playing on the schools soccer team. He was elected Class President and Head of the Food Department (I have no idea what that means but way to go!).

Obviously, Vincent is a born leader and is taking his education incredibly seriously!

We are so proud of Vincent and his accomplishments in the face of great adversity!

Busy Month

Dear all,

I apologize for not blogging more often. I have an entire list of topics, pictures and stories but simply haven't had the time to write and upload (you can't believe how slow the internet is!). We have been swarmed this month with visitors, volunteers, tour groups, and travels ourselves - not a whole lot of time for work on the computer.

Hoping that all is well back home! Just wanted everyone to know that things here are great - all is well!

Here is a picture from this past weekend. The kiddos have yet to grasp the concept of actually smiling at the camera. Oh well ...

Lots of love, Meredith, Addie and Coleton

more to come ...

Even more!

We had more of RVCV's new additions down at FAME for their physicals ...

Introducing ...

Lucia (age 3) - who is Natalie's older sister - Natalie, who came in September.

Maria (age 7) and her younger siblings ...

Micheal and Gabrielle (age 3) and TWINS!!!

And finally, here is pic of Musa who came in September as well, but who I haven't had a chance to photograph until now! You can believe the difference in this little guy in five short months!

They just keep pouring in! Keep them all in your thoughts as they make the difficult transition to a new life and a new family.

And then there were more!

This afternoon the next three additions to the Rift Valley Children's Village arrived at clinic for their physicals. These three were all a whole lot LESS afraid than the four kiddos yesterday. All three smiled and laughed. They came right in the clinic and gave me a big hug! But the flushing toilet was no less frightening for them than it is for every kid who comes to RVCV from a rural area.

Introducing ...

Baraka (10 yrs) ...

Hadija (7 yrs) ...

And Ali (5 yrs).

And again, other than the obvious malnutrition, these three are in great shape!

Dr. ME with Baraka during his physical.

Nurse Emma with Ali during his physical.

What amazing additions to the family!

New Additions to RVCV

Rift Valley Children's Village has completed construction of a new children's home and this week begins the intake process for new children. Four new kids - a sibling group - were picked up on Monday evening and brought to the clinic first thing on Tuesday morning for full physicals.

Introducing ...


This is Eric (9 yrs) ...

Frajah (7 yrs) ...

Elibaraka (5 yrs) ...

and last but not least, little Neema (2 1/2 yrs).



Here is Dr. Mary Ellen Shields (an American pediatrician) and her daughter Emma (a pediatric ICU nurse) who are currently volunteering with Dr. Frank. Perfect timing to help out with these new kids!


Here is Eric - so skinny!



Here is Elibaraka - all smiles and giggles the whole day - he must feel like he has hit the jackpot! He is pictured with Dr. Steve Watson (from Canada) who is currently volunteering with India and was the one to bring the kiddos down to clinic for their check ups!

Here is Farajah getting weighed!

All four kids are very malnourished and a few had funzas, but otherwise they are in good shape. Give them a couple of weeks at RVCV and you won't even recognize them!

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year to all!

May the new year bring to you and your family

the joy and health you desire!

Addison (7months) and Coleton (5months)!