Around the House

Over the years, the children's village in Morogoro, Tanzania, has grown steadily. The first residential building for the children was joined by a guest house, another residential building, and smaller outbuildings. While the property was initially located in the countryside, the city's rapid growth has since caught up with us. Since the 1970s, Morogoro's population has risen from 60,000 to about half a million. Today, the children's village is surrounded by houses and schools.

As the children's village grows and the buildings age, minor and major repairs are constantly needed. Last year, new beds were needed; recently, broken ceiling panels had to be replaced. In addition, pests had found their way into the pantry—repairs were needed there as well.

“A planned day can change quickly: power outages and urgent repairs are not uncommon,” explains an ACP staff member on site. “It encourages me to know that God is aware of every detail and guides us step by step.”

Despite the ongoing repairs, there is still room for new projects: The dilapidated chicken coop is currently being completely replaced. In the future, it will provide space for 120 chickens.

The eggs contribute to the children's basic needs. Surplus eggs are sold; the proceeds go back to the children's village.

Soon, a drinking water dispenser will also be added to the water treatment plant. This will allow surplus drinking water to be sold to people in the neighborhood. The revenue will be used to finance urgently needed maintenance of the water treatment plant.

At the ACP Children's Village, children and adolescents find more than just four walls and a roof over their heads: they receive a family-like home and experience a loving community. This shapes their lives and gives them hope and joy. Out of rejection and despondency, confidence and the conviction grow: “I am wanted and loved.”