Shalom Orphanage

I had no idea what to expect when I boarded the plane to Tanzania, but from the moment I arrived I had a brilliant time! I was collected from the airport by Baba Nnko (my ‘dad’ while I was over there) and spent the first night in the family home in Arusha. The next day we set out on the two hour drive to the Shalom Orphanage Centre, which is in a small town called Karatu. The orphanage was founded by Baba Nnko’s wife (Mama Nnko) and she stays there full-time looking after the kids. There are 55 children in total, although this number is ever-increasing. Three new kids arrived in the short time I was there. The children are all fantastic: they’re full of energy and they love playing games or just running around being silly. Most are aged between 5 and 14 and attend a local primary school during the day while the younger children attend a pre-school that is run by the orphanage. In the mornings I would help out at the preschool, and then when the older kids came back from school at midday I would play games with them. They enjoy going for long walks around the area, playing tag and drawing and colouring-in. I was also taken to a local primary school and a local secondary school where I was able to teach English a couple of times. I didn’t have any experience teaching, but it was fun giving it a try and the children just enjoy trying to decipher your accent! I stayed in a small house only a few minute’s walk from the orphanage. I had a really comfortable bed, running water and a warm shower. Baba Nnko also arranges safaris, and he organised a trip for me to go to the Serengeti for a few days to see the animals. The Orphanage is a wonderful place and the children LOVE having visitors. I was made to feel like part of the family while I was over there, and you become really close to all of the kids. Most of all, the orphanage really needs volunteers to come over and help. I am already planning a return trip, and I’m going to do as much as possible to find them assistance from back here in the U.K. If you’re thinking about going to Africa to volunteer for any length of time I would encourage you to go to the Shalom Orphanage Centre in Karatu. You will have a brilliant time and really be making a difference while you’re out there! Alisdair

Posted by Alisdair Jamieson June 4 2010