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We are on a sabbatical year from our lives in Holland. Our backgrounds are IT Engineering and Film Festival Production. Rather than just be travellers in our year off we also wanted to get more involved in the communtiy and give something back. At TWIGA, so far we are giving English lessons to the Masai guards, translating documents and giving computer lessons to the children. We are here with an open mind and willing to do whatever the project needs. We are staying at TWIGA for 2 months before journying on to Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique.

Hi, my name is Johannes and I am from Germany. I am 25 years old and I have just finished my studies in Biomedical Engineering. When I left Sarakasi ya Vijana in 2010 after 8 weeks of volunteering, I promised myself to come back at least once more. Finally, I am able to return to Mto wa Mbu again for 8 weeks. I am a photographer by hobby, so my main goal will be to take pictures of the children, the staff and the project in general so they can be used on the website and other promotion material. Depending on the current needs, I will also give extra tutition to the children and staff and organize activities with them. Already I am amazed at how much the program has evolved and how many more children are included. I am looking forward to a great time with the children and the project, just like last time.

Below you can find the (Dutch) newsletters as sended in 2012:

• January
• February
• March

Dear Twiga Family and Friends,

Season’s greetings to you all. As always with the coming of December arrives an excitement for the festive period and an anxiety for the ending of yet another year. Here at Twiga we have embraced the spirit and the month has been filled with much to do.

In the first week of the month we bid farewell to Machteld who has returned home to the Netherlands and Mariët has now officially taken the reins as the project coordinator. The process of transition is a rigorous one but Mariët has taken on the responsibilities of the position with a commendable tenacity.

This whole month we were accompanied at our site by all the children from the nursery, primary and secondary schools. All of the children, and some extra kids that only come in the holiday period, came everyday to get extra tuition by a team of teachers. We truly hope and believe that an extra four and a half weeks of lessons in English (the primary kids) and all other subjects (the secondary kids) will give them a kick start in the next year in school.

On Sunday the 11th three of the Twiga children were confirmed in church and we held a party to celebrate this occasion together with them, their families and friends. The mamas arrived early to prepare the food (‘pilau’- the standard favourite) and by the time the party arrived from church, the chairs and drinks were all set out for a good afternoon of great fun with cake-eating, music and dancing.

During the week from the 10th to the 17th we were joined by Andrew from Australia, who lent his efforts volunteering as an English teacher. Andrew is also a sponsor of one of the secondary pupils and all the children enjoyed his lessons.

Before the start of the Christmas holiday break on 22 December, we had breakfast altogether with staff and all the children from the nursery, primary and secondary. Everyone will return to the centre on the 2nd of January, one week before the official start of the school term. For many of the kids their 2011 end of year reports were pleasing and we look forward to further progress from everyone next year.

Early the following morning, 23 December, we were on the road with all the staff to the snake park in Meserani. The snakes were of course impressive, as were the camels which everyone got a chance to ride but overall it was the reactions from among the staff that made the trip truly memorable.

Christmas eve and Christmas day were fairly quiet with just four volunteers on the site but we were invited to a nearby campsite where we had a nice Christmas dinner. On Boxing Day we worked frantically to prepare dinner for our special guests-the mamas. We were joined also by some of the guards and altogether we enjoyed a lovely evening.

Now in the final week of 2011 we’re looking forward to the year ahead. The site now has a library (sponsored by “vrijmetselaars”) and office thanks to the amazing work ethic (and speed) of Kasper, Anne-Louis and their team of ‘fundis’. The construction of the playground (sponsored by the Lyceum in Goes) is currently in progress and the prospects for 2012 look good. Of course, reflecting on the year past a heartfelt thank you must be extended to you all who have supported Twiga in its endeavours. We look forward to continuing and growing this spirit of cooperation.

From Mto wa Mbu, success and best wishes for the start of the new year and throughout 2012.

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Below you can find the (Dutch) newsletters as sended this year:

• January
• February
• March
• April
• May
• June
• July
• August
• September
• October
• November
• December

Hi, I’m Rumbi Wadi, I’m a South African student in the Netherlands. I’m studying a Bachelor in International Communication but my introduction to Twiga Foundation/Sarakasi ya Vijana came about because of my study minor in International Aid and Development. Within the minor we’re introduced to various aspects related to aid and development work and the study culminates in our active participation in an aid related project. While I’m here I hope to investigate areas where my study in communication can facilitate the work of Twiga and other such organizations. In addition to this I am also assisting with the English classes for the primary school. I’m here for seven weeks and now in my third week I confidently can say the experience is proving worthwhile.

Hi, I’m Andrew Partos, I’m an urban designer from Melbourne, Australia. I visited Mto wa Mbu two years ago, and discovered the Twiga Foundation through a student (John) whom I sponsor. The opportunity to spend some time at Twiga arose recently when I decided to climb Kilimanjaro (successfully!). I am spending a week at Twiga, helping with English classes and enjoying the fantastic company of the volunteers, staff and students from Twiga.

All children are in Mto again for the summer holiday. They get extra tuition in small groups and enjoy the site.

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On June the 8th, the mother of Sofia and Hassan deceased from HIV/AIDS and cancer, she had a huge tumor in her throat for a long time. Their father also deceased by HIV / AIDS last year. We all went to the funeral. (In Tanzania everyone always go to funerals, you do not even have to know the deceased person to attend. One hopes that as you dies, many people come, and some hope to receive a meal.)
During the family meeting, Sofia and Hassan heard that their uncle wanted to take them back to Kondoa. This would mean that they would live again in the country and have to herd goats. Thanks to the two older sisters, and a relief for the children, this didn’t happen. At this moment, they both wear a bracelet of rope. If this bracelet in one way or another goes off the family hopes that the children forgot their mother.