Diplomatic Golf supports education of 74 vulnerable children

ARUSHA: A two-day International Diplomatic Charitable Golf Tour held over the weekend at Kili Golf Course in Usa River, Arumeru District, Arusha Region, has raised funds to support children living in difficult circumstances.

The 8th Diplomatic Golf Charity Tournament, organised by the Songea Mississippi Foundation (SOMI) in partnership with Kili Golf, has so far benefited 74 children from different parts of the country.

The tournament brought together golfers from Tanzania and other East African countries.

Speaking during the event, Diplomatic Golf coordinator Reinafrida Rwezaura said the main objective of the tournament was to raise funds to support children living in difficult circumstances, as well as community and environmental initiatives.

She said the 74 beneficiaries included children who had completed their education, those currently in Form Four, Form Five and Form Six, as well as new beneficiaries who had started Form One.

Rwezaura said SOMI works with local government leaders to identify families with children in need of educational support before verifying their circumstances and determining how they can be assisted.

“Diplomatic Golf has become a major support for these children through the sport of golf,” she said.

One of the beneficiaries, Maka  Nyagiro, a resident of Dodoma, said the sponsorship from SOMI enabled him to continue with his education at a time when his family faced financial difficulties.

He said through the sponsorship, he completed O-Level education, proceeded to Advanced level and later studied Accountancy at college.

“I would like to thank SOMI for changing my life. Without the sponsorship, it would have been very difficult for me to continue with my education. I urge them to continue supporting others because they can change the lives of many young people,” he said.

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Meanwhile, NCBA Bank representative Solomon Frank said the bank had invested in golf because it believed the sport could bring people together, build relationships and create opportunities within communities.

He said NCBA had partnered with Diplomatic Golf in efforts to raise funds for school fees for children from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Frank added that NCBA also provides free golf training for children at Lugalo Golf Course, including golf equipment and a coach.

The tournament also produced winners in various categories, with Rashid Rashid taking the men’s title after posting 40 stable ford points, followed by Abdallah Singano with 39 stable ford points, while Claudio Kisanko finished third with 36 points after a count-back.

In the women’s category, Jazilla Daniel emerged winner with 39 points, while Vicky Elias finished second with 37 points.