83 Children, 6 Houses, 38 Permanent Employees
The Mbigili children’s village in Tanzania stands for the fundamental right of every child to a safe home and a holistic support.
For this purpose, the children in our project have been brought up, without fear and full of respect, by close caregivers since 2008, and have been supported by education and training until they manage to lead an independent life of their own. We put particular emphasis on supporting the children according to their individual talents and skills and on accompanying them into working life.
In addition to meeting basic needs, we focus on the children’s psychosocial health. We help them process their often traumatic past experiences, giving them new self-confidence and assurance.
Additional investments in education and health prevention in the area surrounding Mbigili are intended to reduce poverty and hardship permanently.
EDUCATION
We consider quality education to be the key to the independent future of the children. The 83 children we care for are offered free access to school education, training or universities, as well as individual support in the children’s village.
FARM
With our in-house farm, consisting of animal breeding and vegetable growing, we guarantee a rich and balanced diet with only fresh products. The children’s health is our top priority.
HOME BASED CARE
We additionally support about 120 other children and 60 families in Mbigili’s surrounding villages. We cover the education costs of the children. We support their medical care and are active in health prevention.
Our Goals
- Protection of vulnerable children from exploitation, abuse, and disadvantage
- Construction and operation of care facilities and programs
- Warranty of a healthy development through a wholesome diet, health care and positive living environment
- Ensuring adequate pedagogical care, education and training
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1. Family life
The Mbigili Children’s Village follows the concept of small “family” units. Around twelve children of different ages live together in a house under the care of a housemother and an assistant, forming a family-like structure. Each family is responsible for managing their own household, with all members contributing to daily tasks. Together, they organize their routines and share responsibilities to master everyday life as a team.
In addition to the six family houses, the village includes communal facilities such as a large meeting hall, a health care unit for the children, and guest accommodations.
2. Pedagogy
We follow a modern, entirely non-violent educational approach to raise the children in our care to become responsible and independent individuals. Various elements are part of this multifaceted work: from workshop offerings and individual support for schoolchildren to structured task plans and recreational activities.
In line with our core principle of “reward instead of punishment,” we have developed a token system designed to boost the children’s motivation. By completing daily communal tasks, the children can collect points, which earn them recognition and are rewarded through leisure activities.
3. Health
The well-being of the children is continuously supported through a mix of a healthy living environment, attentive care provided by the house mothers, sports programs, and a balanced diet. A large portion of the food at the Mbigili Children’s Village comes from our own farm — it is 100% fresh and organically grown. The children living in the village receive regular medical checkups. To further promote health, our staff members are also trained in key health topics and hygiene practices.
4. Self-Sufficiency
The goal of the Mbigili Children’s Village is to generate its own income and thus keep maintenance costs low. To achieve this, various economic enterprises are connected to the village — including fruit and vegetable cultivation, mushroom farming, livestock, and agriculture — in order to produce goods for internal use and to generate profit. The children are involved in the work of these different areas according to their age and interests, allowing them to gain a broad understanding of sustainable business and responsible action.
