Update on our Tanzania COVID-19 project

On a typical day in Majengo, Simba’s Community Center is buzzing with kids playing games, enjoying one of Mama Dina’s arts and crafts classes, and reading about what will happen if you give a mouse a cookie. However, over the past few weeks, we have had to make some substantial changes and respond to our community’s current needs. The magic of a truly collaborative and flexible program is our ability to adapt. When our doors temporarily closed in the effort to stop the spread of COVID-19, our team at Simba’s Community Center immediately sprung into action. They have been working tirelessly to help the community of Majengo protect themselves against this new global threat. Tanzania already has 480 confirmed or reported cases of COVID19 and this number is expected to grow in the coming weeks. 

Many people in our community have lost their jobs due to COVID19. Tourism provides jobs for about 13% of Tanzania's workforce and this industry has come to a standstill as borders are closed in order to flatten the curve. This has led to substantial food insecurity for many of our families, something that we are monitoring closely.

Additionally, on April 21st, our community experienced one of the worst flash floods we have seen in years. Many families had substantial levels of water in their homes and much of their personal property was damaged. Unfortunately, these floods also compromised some of the books in our Asali Library and equipment in the Asali Music Studio. Our first priority is the health and safety of our community and we are committed to easing the effects of these unexpected events.

Here are some of the ways that Simba’s is stepping up to support our families, increase access to CDC recommendations and creatively benefit the community.

  • Currently, we have helped to distribute 330 handmade masks, all created by graduates of the women's sewing program. Each of these women receives a salary for her hard work, which she can use to support her family during these uncertain times. We will continue to make and distribute more masks in the coming weeks. 

  • Our team has posted health advisories in Kiswahili, the most common language spoken in Majengo, around the community about COVID-19 that explains how to protect oneself and the community from the virus.  

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  • Starting this week our team will be distributing touch free water stations and soap dispensers to different parts of the community.

  • Finally, we will be putting together care packages for families in our community to help them through these unique times. These packages consist of masks, clothing, soap, and food stores.

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As we continue the fight against the COVID-19 virus here in Tanzania we will be looking into appropriate ways to support our community as a whole. These family care packages will help our families as they get back on their feet, assess the flood damage, and work together to make repairs.

If this pandemic has taught us anything, it is that our global community is hugely connected and that we are stronger together.  The Majengo community is incredibly strong, giving, and resilient. We will get through these trying times together!

Please consider donating to the fight against COVID19 in Tanzania or providing a care package to a family. We appreciate that everyone around the globe is facing the same challenges and wish you and your families health, security, and a strong community to surround you. 

Asante Sana!! (Thank you very much!!)

 



Asali