Young citizens and future leader of Sumbawanga and Tanzania master vowel sounds and other language skills at the St. Martin de Porres Orphanage Centre!!

Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.

                                                                                                                                                            Nelson Mandela

After numerous interviews by Sr. Helena and her board, St. Martin's Kids is pleased to introduce Mrs. Elizabeth Ngelezi and Mr. Robert Kasongo as the new kindergarten teachers at St. Martin's Orphanage!

Mrs. Ngelezi has a Certificate Level of Education in Early Childhood Education. Elizabeth is a dedicated and experienced teacher, besides being a mother figure for the children. The staff of St. Martin's describe her as very passionate and encouraging in her interaction with the children.
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Mr. Robert Kasonngo is a graduate of the University of Dar es Salaam with a Bachelor of Arts in Education majoring in Linguistics and Literature. Mr. Robert is also a member and leader of Tanzania Youth Catholic Students Organization. He plays the guitar, piano, sings and acts. In the past Mr. Robert has volunteered at the orphanage in playing his guitar and teaching the children songs.
Welcome!!

Sr. Helena has sent a final report on the biogas system that was installed at the orphanage. This will facilitate sustainability and clean energy for their cooking needs. Construction was completed by Eng. Gadson Manase.

It's Harvest Time!!
Crops have been harvested and grain purchased for the children at St. Martin's. The silo's will store the different grains and food will be be available as needed. 
The variety of grains include sunflower, ground nuts, wheat, paddy, finger millet maize, soy, and beans.

In rural Tanzania albinism is often seen as a curse that carries with it dehumanizing myths and dangerous superstitions. Some believe albino body parts are good luck charms, able to cure diseases and bless those who own them; the birth of an albino child is considered a bad omen that will bring poverty and disease to a community. Because of the health challenges they face, as well as the discrimination and structural violence to which they are subjected, albino people some of the most vulnerable in Africa.

These 2 siblings are from the Wasukuma tribe of cattle keepers.  The parents cannot keep them in their open home due to the risk of kidnapping.
Thank You Sisters for opening St. Martin's and caring for them!

Who doesn't enjoy a good night of sleep on a new mattress?? No more sagging, lumps, or tossing and turning to get comfortable. 
Now the children of St. Martin's can experience that same comfort. Here are pictures of the mattresses at delivery. They have been distributed and are now in use along with new mosquito netting. Sweet Dreams!!

An unexpected gift can be such a blessing to those it touches. Far beyond the intention of the giver. Such a gesture has provided new Easter clothes to celebrate our Risen Lord for the children at the St. Martin de Porres Orphanage. It. has also provided for the purchase of new mattresses, mosquito netting, and bedding.

There are still a few more items to take care of before the biogas system is completely finished. Among them is the renovation to the cowshed with concrete eating troughs for the cows and troughs for drinking water. It is important that the cows have enough to eat and drink in order to produce the required waste for the bio-digester. 
Also a roof over the cowshed to protect from the rains and hot summer sun.
The kitchen will have a new stove installed with which to bake bread. Yum! Who doesn't like fresh baked bread!

After much waiting and watching the construction progress along, the biogas system is finally up and running as of last Friday, March 10th!!
The mama's will be able to cook more efficiently and be spared the many respiratory problems that cooking with a wood stove entails. 

Thank You to everyone who has supported St. Martin's Kids. Your generosity and support has enabled our ministry to improve the lives of those associated with the St. Martin de Porres Orphanage Centre.