www.GoMADNOW.org
TANZANIA, AFRICA
Four Make A
Difference
Students:
Omega, Neema,
Revo and Deo
graduating from
primary to
secondary school
in Himo, Tanzania
Make A Difference - Tanzania, Africa
investing in quality education
By Theresa Grant
Make A Difference (MAD) is a
certified 501(c)3 non-profit
organization supporting
educational opportunities for
orphaned and vulnerable
youth in developing nations.
minimum through utilizing
volunteers and green,
sustainable practices.
Education is a gift that can
never be taken away. It is an
investment that can be shared
and carried on for generations
to come.
Together we are sending 22
children from an orphanage in
Africa to the best schools in the Please visit our Web site so that
We fund educations through
Kilimanjaro area of Tanzania. you may join us in our
university level while offering
endeavor to make a difference
job skill training and career
We are providing them with
long-term:
advancement opportunities
school tuition fees, books,
within our organization.
uniforms, health education,
www.GoMADNow.org
medicine, tutors, educational
We strive to maintain local ties school trips, job skill training
to children’s remaining families and nutritional food programs.
and villages while keeping
administrative costs to a
Far left:
Peter before he came to the orphanage at
the age of six. He was starving and had not
eaten a meal in close to two weeks.
Below:
Peter at the orphanage in Himo, Tanzania
being enrolled into the Make A Difference
program.
Peter Carilo
raising himself at the age of 6 ...
Peter is one of our youngest boys. His parents have both Birthday: Sometime in 2002 (we don’t know date)
died. They are buried in his grandparents front yard. His
grandparents used to beat him and never let him go to
Favorite Subject: Kiswahili
school. After much abuse, Peter ran away from home and
decided to raise himself.
Favorite Color: Red
At the age of 6 years-old, Peter used to search for food
during the day and sleep alone at night in a banana field.
After the encouragement of his older brother Joseph, and
the financial support of a college student from Canada,
MAD enrolled Peter into school for the first time in 2008.
He lives at the orphanage with his brother Joseph. Peter
is one of the most loving children you meet and one of
the first to greet you at the orphanage with a hug.
Favorite Food: Ugali and chicken
Favorite Animal: Pig
Favorite Sport: Football (USA Soccer)
Wants to Be: A milkman
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ASPIRING DOCTOR
Deo takes his
studies very
seriously. He is
at the top of his
class and goes to
a demanding
boys school near
Arusha, Tanzania.
Deogratius Gilbert Riwa
at the top of his class
Both of Deo's parents died
when he was 5 years old.
Before he arrived at the
orphanage, Deo was living
with his grandparents in Moshi
but they were unable to
properly care for him
He was number 1 last semester Date of Birth:
out of 160 students in his class. June 20th 1994
Deo loves math, reading,
playing football and is a very
talented artist and writer.
Favorite Subject:
Social Studies
Favorite Color:
Deo wants to finish school and Red
make a difference in other
Deo was not given the
Favorite Book: ‘Growing Up
opportunity to receive a proper peoples’ lives as a doctor. He
in Colonial Times’
education and often struggled also wants to open an
orphanage
of
his
own
one
day!
to get enough food and clean
Favorite Animal:
water to survive.
Simba (Lion)
Now Deo is going to one of
Favorite Food: Bananas
the best secondary schools for
boys in Tanzania.
“Jonasi is extremely compassionate. When
I asked him if he had any worries while at
the orphanage he mentioned that he would
like to help his brother, Innocent (Inno).
IInnocent is now living at the orphanage.”
Executive Director of Make A Difference, Theresa Grant
Jonasi Festo Tesha
wanting to save his brother
Jonasi parents have both died. His father died during
Christmas. He is not sure of year, but he remembers it
was during Christmas. He doesn’t remember when his
mother died. He lived with his auntie when his parents
died. She was unable to care for him so she dropped him
off at his grandfather’s house. His grandfather had TB
and died. He has a brother named Innocent who he
asked MAD to help. Innocent now lives at the orphanage.
He also has one sister named Magdelaina who was born
in 1990. She lives with their grandmother. Jonasi had
two other siblings. One died of hunger and the other
from AIDS.
Jonasi would like to be a pilot when he grows up!
Birthday: Sometime in 1999
Favorite Subject: English
Favorite Color: Blue
Favorite Book: ‘Harry Potter’
Favorite Animal: Simba (Lion)
Favorite Food: Ugali with beans
Favorite Activity: Reading
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Innocent Festo
wants to be an engineer
Innocent is our one child who is HIV +. We
“No child, especially one by the name of
told him that he was HIV+ when he turned 15 Innocent should have to endure such a
years-old. He was often sick and tired and many challenging life.”
of the other children at the orphanage worried
MAD Board Member, Valerie Thiel
about him. He is now on ARV's and doing
much better.
Innocent had one brother who died of AIDS as Favorite Subjects: English, Math, Civics and
well as another sibling who died of hunger. He Geography
has faced constant challenges in his life and his
Favorite Colors: Blue, Green and Yellow
grandfather just died of TB.
Favorite Book: ‘The Big Book of Transport’
Innocent is happy he is at the orphanage
because he is able to attend school full-time and
Favorite Animal: Elephant, dog, cow and cat.
not worry about where to get his next meal.
Favorite Food: Chapati and popcorn
Inno is an amazing artist. He is very creative
and loves making jewelry as well as drawing. He
enjoys building and fixing things. When he
Favorite Activity: Reading and playing
grows up he wants to be an engineer! Shoe Size:
8.5
Inno is an
amazing
artist. He is
very creative
and loves
making
jewelry as
well as
drawing.
TOP OF HIS CLASS
“MAD has helped
me by giving me
everything that I
need.”
Shabani Azizi
Shabani Azizi
wants to be a police officer
Shabani was born in
Kilototoni near Kilimanjaro
(Africa’s highest mountain). He
is Muslim. His younger brother
Juma lives at the orphanage
with him as well as his cousin
Subira.
mother left Shabani’s
grandparents to take care of
the children. She couldn’t care
for him. She moved to the
village of Kitobo where she
still lives.
Mother’s name was Zainab
When Shabani grows up he
wants to be a policeman!
Father’s name was Azizi
Mashauri
He is a great student and a top
performer in his class!
Shabani is a single orphan. He
only has one parent who is
living. Shabani’s father is dead.
After his father died, his
Birthday: Sometime in 1999
Favorite Subject: Civics
Favorite Color: Green
Favorite Book: ‘Ralph the
Mouse’
Favorite Animal: Cheetah
Favorite Food: Chips
Favorite Sport: Football
(USA - Soccer)
Favorite Sport: Football
GoMADNow.org
Christopher Richard
full of joy!
Christopher was born in the village of
“I feel loved. MAD is helping me go to
Machame, Tanzania in 2001. Before coming to school, get medicine and eat good food
like eggs, milk and chicken!”
the orphanage he lived a poor life. He slept on
rugs and there was a scarcity of basic supplies
Christopher
like soap and food.
His father who was named Richard worked
Birthday:
as a carpenter before passing away. He used to
2001 exact month and day unknown.
struggle to find work . His father had many eye
problems before he died. and lived with
Favorite Subject: Math
Christopher’s grandparents.
His mother is still alive. Her name is Angel.
Favorite Color: Black
Christopher has two brothers. Deus who
was born in 1997 and still lives in Machame.
Favorite Book: ‘Spider Spins’
Benard was born in 2000 and lives at the
orphanage with Christopher.
Favorite Animal: Simba (Lion)
Christopher would like to be the president
of Tanzania.
Favorite Food: Wali (Rice)
Favorite Sport: Football (USA Soccer)
Christopher
is full of
energy and
giggles. He
loves to act
in drama
skits, dance
and play
outside. He
exemplifies
joy!
Juma Azizi
top of his class
Juma was born in Kilototoni. His mother’s name is
Zainab and his father’s name is Azizi Mashauri. Juma is
related to Subira and Shabani from the orphanage.
Subira is his cousin and Shabani is his older brother.
Juma is related to Subira from his father’s side of the
family.
Birthday: Sometime in 1999
Favorite Subject: Swahili
Favorite Color: Blue
Favorite Book: ‘The X-Ray’
Juma is a single orphan. Only one of his parents is
still living. Juma’s father is dead, but his mother is alive,
but unable to care for him.
Favorite Animal: Simba (Lion)
Favorite Food: Wali (Rice)
Juma would like to be a pilot when he grows up!
Favorite Sport: Football (USA Soccer)
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Christina Bernard
wants to be the police woman
Christina is one of our toughest girls. She loves
all sports. She is an amazing card shark and
speaks up for what she feels is right. She could
be a politician, but currently says she wants to
be a police woman which would be a perfect fit
as well!
“Make A Difference has given me
everything I want and need. They help
with my education, food, medicine and
shelter.”
Christina Bernad
She was born in Watina Tom, Kenya (Near
Nairobi). She is one of our vulnerable children.
She has both a mother and father, but they are
Birthday:
struggling to support her so we are helping.
Born sometime in1999
Her mother’s name is Catherine and her
Place of Birth:
father’s name is Bernad. She has two brothers
Watina Tom (Near Nairobi), Kenya
and three sisters who are all older than her. Her
siblings live in Arusha and Dar Es Salaam.
Favorite Subject:
Civics
Her mother lives in Makuyuni and can barely
support herself. She works as a hair dresser.
Favorite Color:
Her father lives in Morogoro.
Yellow
As we were not aware that her father was alive
and have just recently found out, we are
encouraging both her mother and father to help
support her by occasionally by dropping off
food.
“I want to be a
leader when I
grow up. I also
want to make
sure everyone
has equal rights
and be treated
fairly.”
- Christina
Favorite Animal:
Lion
Favorite Activity:
Reading books
GOMAD
“I love sponsoring Subira. It’s been amazing
seeing where she comes from and help her
in her journey ahead.”
Sponsor, Leslie
Subira Twalibu
wants to be a lawyer
Subira’s mother died when she was very young and
her father died before she was even born. Living at her
home village was very difficult. Four people would share a
bed with Subira and she normally had only one meal a
day. In order to get water she would have to walk to the
river or wait for rain. She had no shoes and little clothing.
Birthday: June 24th 1996
Place of Birth: Kilototoni
Favorite Color: Red
Favorite Book: ‘My Album of Vegetables’
Subira is now a happy young lady full of smiles and
laughter. She loves to lead singing and dancing with all of
the other children at the orphanage. She loves drawing,
playing tag-ball, and reading.. One day Subira would like
to be a lawyer.
Favorite Food: Chicken and chips
Favorite Sport: Net Ball
Favorite Subject: Math
When we do home village visits with
Upendo she is always nervous that her
grandparents will be gone. They are
squatters whom have claimed shelter in a
building that hasn't been finished. Once the
owner is able to finish the building, they will
be homeless.
(Below is one of the rooms in the house).
Upendo Elliabu
Upendo = Love in Swahili
Upendo is Swahili for the word love, and there could not
be a better name for her.
Both of Upendo's parents died when she was very young.
She lived with her aunty and grandparents always
sleeping on a dirt floor.
Birthday: Sometime in 2000
Place of Birth: Moshi
Favorite Subject: English
Favorite Color: Black
Upendo now brightens up a room with her broad smile,
framed by two adorable dimples. She loves to draw and
put puzzles together, as well as read and play outdoors.
Favorite Book: ‘Cuddle You’
Favorite Animal: Elephant
Favorite Food: Ugali (corn porridge) with (chicken)
“I know that I am fortunate to be able to go
to school. Make A Difference is making my
dreams a reality. I want to finish my studies
and make a difference in the world because
I know I can.”
Revo
Revogatus Apulnary Tesha
Class president and number one in class
Revo is the youngest of ten siblings. His father died in
2003. Revo's mother is still alive but is sick with HIV and
unable to care for him. Before he moved to the
orphanage, Revo had very little food and slept on the
floor.
Revo is an exceptional young man. Despite all that he
has gone through he is the number one student in his
class, the president of the entire student body, and was
voted best English speaker of his school. He was accepted
into some of the best secondary schools in Tanzania.
Revo is a natural born leader and is a role model for all of
the other children at the orphanage. One day Revo hopes
to be a lawyer.
Born on: July 28th 1992
Place of Birth: Uru, Tanzania
Favorite Color: Yellow
Favorite Subject: Science
Favorite Food: Banana Stew
Favorite Sport: Football (USA Soccer)
MakeADifferenceNow.org
OMEGA
“I know I am
being given a
great opportunity
and I am thankful
to be able to
learn.” Omega
Omega Elisa Urassa
wants to be a secretary
Omega has 17 brothers and
Now Omega leads a happy life.
sisters who live in various
She is in secondary school and
locations throughout Tanzania. is doing very well. Omega is a
beautiful, loving, and gentle
When Omega was ten yearsyoung lady. She loves making
old both of her parents were
jewelry, playing net ball,
murdered and left in the yard. reading, and drawing. After
This is where Omega found
she graduates from school,
them. Omega is still very
Omega would like to be a
affected by the experience.
secretary.
After this tragic event,
Omega's brother attempted to
care for her, but struggled in
doing so. Her siblings had very
little money and could not
provide her with food,
clothing, or bedding.
Birthday: February 7th 1994
Favorite Subject: Math
Favorite Color: Green
Favorite Book: ‘Cinderella’
Favorite Food: Chicken
Favorite Sport: Net Ball
Favorite Animal: Zebra
MakeADifferenceNow.org
NEEMA
“I am so proud of
where I am right
now. I see an end
to poverty
ahead.”
-Neema
Neema Antony
dreams of being an accountant
When Neema was seven
months, old her father passed
away, and a year later, so did
her mother. As a result, her
and her two older brothers
were raised by their
grandparents. She led a very
tough life growing up. She was
only fed at night before bed
and was often very hungry.
They lived in a hut covered
only by grass and slept on the
skin of a cow without sheets or
blankets. Drinking water was
only available from a nearby
river, which is also where they
would bathe.
Since moving to the
orphanage, Neema is much
healthier and happier. Food is
no longer a worry for her. She
can now concentrate on the
things in life that she loves to
do! She enjoys singing and
loves to paint. When Neema
grows up she wants to be an
accountant. She is currently
going to secondary school and
is at the top of her class!
Birthday:
January 14th 1994
Favorite Color:
Red
Favorite Book:
‘The Wonders of Science’
Favorite Food: Chicken
Favorite Subject: Math
Favorite Sport: Net Ball
Favorite Animal: Zebra
“MAD has helped me go to school. I
love the people who sponsor me so
much and I will continue to send them
letters. God will bless them all.”
Exuper Frank
Exuper Frank
would like to be a prime minister
Exuper was born in Clema, Tanzania in 1998. His
mother’s name was Flora and his father’s name is Frank.
He has two brothers (Manuel and George). All of his
siblings are older than him. Exuper is a single orphan
(only one of his parents is alive). His mother died and his
father is still alive in Clema, but unable to take care of
him due to illness.
Birthday: Unknown (sometime in 1998)
His life before moving to the orphanage was difficult
because his father used to beat him with a stick.
Favorite Book: ‘The X-Ray’
Place of Birth: Clema
Favorite Subject: Math
Favorite Color: Yellow
Favorite Animal: Simba (Lion)
Exuper would like to be a prime minister when he
grows up!
Favorite Food: Likes Anything!
MakeADifferenceNow.org
GIFT
“MAD has helped
me go to school,
takes me to the
hospital and
gives me a place
to rest.”
- Gift
Gift John George
dreams of being a doctor
Gift was born in Marangu
near Kilimanjaro (Africa’s
highest mountain) in Tanzania.
He was taken to the orphanage
in 2006 because his mother
was unable to care for him.
She had trouble with providing
him with food and a place to
sleep.
Gifts’s father’s name was
John Mark. He is deceased. He
doesn’t remember him, but
heard that he was jobless and
struggled to find work.
His mother Mary worked
selling local brew at home. She
sells local brew to bars in the
Marangu area to survive.
Gift has a brother named
Mark who lives in Marangu.
He is older than Gift and is
working as a porter. He also
has a sister who is married and
lives in Arusha.
Birthday:
Day Unknown (1998)
Favorite Color:
Yellow
Favorite Book:
‘The Circus’
Favorite Food:
Wali (Rice)
Favorite Sport:
Football (USA Soccer)
“MAD has helped me find my creative
side. I love to dance and draw. MAD has
brought in people to help me learn more
about expressing this side of myself.”
Mwenda
Mwenda Lawrence Kessy
wants to be the president of Tanzania
Mwenda was born in Nairobi, Kenya. His father died
of AIDS when Mwenda was 5 years old. His mother died
shortly after. Mwenda was present when his mother
passed away. When Mwenda moved in with his
grandmother he was only able to have one meal a day
and rarely had clean water.
Mwenda now goes to a private school and receives
clean water and three meals a day. Mwenda is the leader
of our Jewelry Making Program and has a gift for making
creative beaded necklaces and bracelets. Mwenda loves
reading and playing football with his friends. When he
grows up he wants to be the president of Tanzania!!
Name: Mwenda Lawrence Case
Birthday: Sometime in 1997
Place of Birth: Nairobi, Kenya
Favorite Subject: Science
Favorite Color: Blue
Favorite Book: ‘Harry Potter’
Favorite Food: Rice
Favorite Activity: Reading
“ MAD ensuring that I get a good
education, food, shelter, clothes and be
healthy. We also get tutors when we
need extra help. It also helps us get
sponsors.”
Maria
Mary/Maria Happy Ernesti
Wants to Make A Difference in her Village
Maria was four years-old when her mother and father
died. They both are buried near her grandparents house.
Maria used to sleep on a bed frame with no mattress, just
clothing covering it. In her bedroom her parents brewed
banana beer as an income generator and a way to escape
their worries.
Maria loves being at the orphanage. She loves having
volunteers around! Maria says, “Our volunteers are a gift
from God. They bring us clothing and shoes, teach us
English and make us laugh. I love them!”
Birthday: 1997
Favorite Color: Red
Favorite Book: ‘Garden Grow’
Favorite Food:
Kuku (Chicken) and Chips (Fried Potatoes)
Favorite Sport: Net Ball
Favorite Subject: Science
When Maria grows up she wants to be a teacher!
Make A Difference Now
JACKLINE
“I never thought I
would be given
the chance to go
to school.”
- Jackline
Jackline Benson Mushi
wants to be a lawyer
Jackline’s mother died
when she was 9 years-old. She
doesn’t remember when her
father died.
Jackline’s mothers name
was Anna and her father’s
name was Benson. She has a
younger brother named
Pregod. He lives with her
grandmother. He is only able
to go to school occasionally
when his grandmother can
find money for books and
uniform.
Before moving to the
orphanage, Jackline lived with
her grandmother for 3 years.
Her grandmother lives in
Kilema, Tanzania and works
as a farmer.
Jackline prefers living at
the orphanage more than with
her grandmother. She had to
do a lot of chores for her
grandmother and never got to
focus on her education. Now
she is getting an international
education
Birthday:
December 20th, 1995
Favorite Subject:
Physics
Favorite Color:
Yellow
Favorite Animal:
Zebra
Favorite Sport:
Net Ball
GoMADNow.org
BENNY
Benny loves to
read and help
and learn. He is a
great gymnist.
Benny Richard
at the top of his class
Benard has two brothers. His
brother Christopher is 6 yearsold and lives at the orphanage
with him.
His brother Deus is 12 yearsold and lives in Machame. His
grandmother takes care of
Deus, but struggles.
Birthday: 2000
Benard would like to be a pilot
when he grows up!
Favorite Animal: Simba
(Lion)
Favorite Subject: Math
Favorite Color: Blue
Favorite Book: ‘Teddy Bear,
Teddy Bear’
Favorite Food: Ugali (corn
porridge) and kuku (chicken)
Favorite Sport: Football
(USA Soccer)
“I have a dream of becoming a doctor
and with the support of Make A
Difference, I know I can.”
Edward
Edward Philliph Mosha
wants to be a doctor
His mother’s name was Cristina and his father’s
name was Phillip. His parents died when he was 4 yearsold. After his parents died, his grandparents moved him
to Kirua to live with them. He had one brother who died
when he was young. He also has one brother named
Innocent who is one year younger than Edward. Innocent
is living with his auntie. She isn’t able to take care of him
on a day to day basis. He doesn’t always have food and
can’t always go to school due to lack of money.
Edward lived with his uncle, who used to beat him
after drinking. Many times they had no food. He was
hungry a lot. Life is much better for him now.
Birthday: May 1997 (doesn’t know the day)
Favorite Subject: Math
Favorite Color: Blue
Favorite Book: ‘Unhappy Troll’
Favorite Animal: Elephant
Favorite Food: Banana Stew
Favorite Sport: Football (USA Soccer)
JOSEPH
Joseph loves to
dance,. act and
sing. He is a
performer.
Joseph Carilo
an actor and dancer
Joseph was born in
Mamba. He has a brother who
is 5 years-old named Peter that
just moved into the orphanage
after a home visit. We decided
he would live a better life at
the orphanage. His brother
lived out in the banana trees
alone and was starving when
he got him.
small cot with his grandfather.
His grandmother was very
abusive and used to beat him
him. He never let him go to
school because she wanted him
to feed the animals and clean.
He never had much of an
opportunity to go to school nor
play.
Joseph would like to be a
Joseph’s mother and father pilot when he grows up!
are both dead due to AIDS.
After his mother died he lived
with his grandparents
(mother’s parents). He shared a
Birthday:
Sometime in 1999
Favorite Subject: Math
Favorite Color: Red
Favorite Book:
‘The X-Ray’
Favorite Food: Rice
Favorite Sport:
Football (USA Soccer)
“MAD has given me pride. I am proud of
what I have learned and that I can show
my relatives in my home village that I
know English, which they have not had
a chance to learn.”
Ellionah
Elliona Manase
wants to be the President of Tanzania
Elliona was born in 1999. He is quite a character. Full of
jokes, laugher and hugs. You can never be bored around
Elliona! Elliona had one older brother and sister who
both died.
Birthday: Sometime in 1999.
Favorite Color: Red
Favorite Book: ‘Do You See the Chameleon’
After Elliona’s mother and father died of AIDS, he had a
aunt that took care of him, which was his main family.
Favorite Food: Wali (Rice)
However, she later had two twin babies and could no
longer support Elliona. The only meal Elliona had was
Favorite Sport: Football (USA Soccer)
porridge for breakfast before coming to the orphanage.
He had one pair of trousers and a shirt.
Favorite Animal: Simba (lion)
Elliona loves to dance and joke around. He is full of spirit
and always smiling.