Mafia, malaria and Maasai warriors
The nation is a sweltering furnace. Some describe Tanzania as the hottest place on earth. They may be right, if you think of the coast on the Indian Ocean with the offshore islands of Zanzibar and Mafia, or the hot, humid climate in the metropolis of Dar es Salaam. No studies have been done as to whether the people are tormented more by the hectic traffic or the recurring malaria, but both pose a serious problem.
“Ministry marathon”
Werner and Regina Drotleff are the longest-serving AVC co-workers abroad. They have a huge heart for the people of Tanzania, as do their three children: two of them have returned there after completing their education, and the third intends to do the same once he graduates from university.
Tabea Geipel can certainly match them in this. For many young people she has become like a mother. Scores of “her boys” were well on the road to heading off the rails, finding themselves in prison or ending up in some other kind of misery. Tabea gave them hope – and their faith in Jesus Christ changed them.
Hot climate, hot projects
300 Christian churches
In cooperation with the local Pastor Meenen, around 300 Christian churches that were established in previous years are currently being overseen.
Kindergartens and vocational school
On the island of Mafia, several kindergartens are already in operation and a computer school has been launched.
Practical help for the Maasai
Years ago, it was a dangerous undertaking for white people to enter the Maasai region in the North of Tanzania. Today the workers from AVC are most welcome.
The change came about through an emergency aid project which saved many Maasai from starvation following a long period of drought.
Today more than 300 Maasai children are being taught the ABC, while their fathers are learning to detach themselves from their “power and cattle mania”, which is an act of liberation for the women, too.
A number of wells have been dug to provide drinking water and to irrigate the maize fields.
- Opportunities through schooling
- Wind power...
- ... brings water to the surface
Children’s villages
Africa has many parentless children. In Morogoro and Kemondo, children have found protection and a home. In Kemondo alone, 115 orphans are lovingly cared for. The children's village has its own school in which some 340 children are getting a school education that is far above average. Since 2003, Andrea Hartl has been taking care of financial and administrative matters relating to the children's village.
The work in Tanzania is endless and beyond human strength; sadly, AVC cannot help everywhere. But what has been started is to be continued to a high standard and expanded, whether on Mafia, in Kemondo or with the Maasai.
