THE CAPITAL CITY OF TANZANIA HAS BEEN HARD HIT BY HIV/AIDS.

Children who have lost parents or who themselves are infected by the disease are among the most vulnerable. To Grace and Healing Ministry of Dodoma (GHMD), these are not anonymous victims of their circumstances – they are young lives, loved by God and with a tremendous capacity to thrive in their community.

 The living situation of each child is unique; some live with immediate or extended family, while others have been taken in by “Good Samaritan” neighbors in the absence of biological parents.

 Whatever the case, faithful staff, volunteers and social workers walk miles of Dodoma’s dusty roads each week to personally visit the children in the sponsorship program. Are they receiving good care at home? What are they learning in school? Do they need additional grain or milk in order for drug therapies to be effective? Every child also receives spiritual discipleship and regular counseling.

 The role of sponsors is critical here. From school fees and uniforms to essential nutrition or a mattress for a child who’s been sleeping on the floor, sponsorship funds provide emotional and tangible hope for children who might otherwise be neglected.

It’s Friday. The school week is done and the grounds around GHMD are bustling with kids arriving for the weekly program. Here they participate in tutoring, choirs, games, and art projects made possible by the connection between sponsors and the children. Boys and girls are eager to tell travelers and sponsors about their favorite games and activities, and their plans to be president of Tanzania one day.

To find out more about sponsoring a child, click here.

TAKE A VISIT TO GRACE & HEALING MINISTRY THROUGH VIDEO:

Portrait of Life – Dodoma, Tanzania from Nate Grubbs on Vimeo.

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