Amazing Grace empowers widows, vulnerable children and girls in Monduli
MONDULI: WIDOWS, orphans and girls living in vulnerable circumstances in Monduli District, Arusha Region, are benefiting from programmes aimed at empowering them economically, providing access to education and protecting them against abuse.
Through the programmes, widows are empowered to become self-reliant through savings and lending groups (VICOBA), entrepreneurship training and income-generating activities. Children are supported with school requirements, while girls receive education on their rights and protection against child marriage, female genital mutilation (FGM) and gender-based violence.
The initiatives are implemented by the non-governmental organisation Amazing Grace Widows and Orphans Tanzania (AGWOT), whose founder, Winny Kefas, said the organisation had reached 540 widows, 133 children and more than 330 girls through various programmes.
Ms Kefas said the organisation started its activities in 2022 by supporting 10 widows in collaboration with a church and volunteers before expanding its services. It was officially registered in 2024.
She said the idea of establishing the organisation was inspired by the challenges she experienced after losing her husband.
She said widows receive entrepreneurship training and support to establish activities such as beadwork, bread baking and small businesses, others are provided with maize and bean seeds, food, clothing and blankets depending on their needs.
In the health sector, she said AGWOT collaborates with partners, including Tanzania Better Health, to link widows, orphans, vulnerable children and girls under its care, as well as people living with HIV, to health services to improve their wellbeing.
On education, 133 children have benefited from support that enables them to access school uniforms, shoes, bags and learning materials. The organisation also monitors their school progress in collaboration with parents, guardians and relevant authorities.
She added that more than 330 girls have received training since 2023 on entrepreneurship, nutrition, children’s rights and protection against gender-based violence.The organisation also works with social welfare officers, schools and local government authorities to identify and protect girls at risk of child marriage and FGM.
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She said future plans include establishing a safe centre in Sinoni Ngarash, Engutoto Ward, for girls at risk of abuse, the centre will provide protection, counselling, health services, education and life skills training.
She explained that other plans include expanding VICOBA groups, increasing education sponsorship and improving access to clean water through well drilling and rainwater harvesting.
“I would like to thank volunteers, donors, community leaders and everyone who continues to support the organisation,their cooperation has been important in helping widows, children and girls living in vulnerable circumstances,” she said.
She called on the government, private sector and development partners to collaborate with the organisation by providing financial support, materials and expertise to expand services to the groups.
