Since we became involved in this community in 2005, we have completed a sports and conference centre, an 8 class room resource centre and now with the near completion of this clinic, an unbelievable difference has been made to the lives of people living there.  We raised in excess of €25k on the Diamond Night, we also received a substantial donation from another individual which meant that the entire building and project could be completed much earlier than expected.

The following are the specific elements of the project.
 
1.             Construction of Centre

 The construction process will have a special focus on employment provision, capacity building and skills development for local people.

It is envisaged that local people will be employed and that apprenticeship training in will be provided for a number of young local people. This will increase the possibilities for these young people of future employment and security of living.

2.             Mother and Child Health Care:

 This will be a community based programme which aims to equip mothers with basic health care information, knowledge and skills to protect their health and that of their children. The programme will aim to increase their understanding of sexual and reproductive health. HIV prevention and education will be a major part of this programme. We have a sister who is a qualified nurse/midwife in place to oversee and implement this programme. In recent meeting with the Regional Medical Officer, who is responsible for delivery of health care in the greater Arusha Region, he expressed support for this initiative which he recognises will benefit the community and will support the efforts for better health care and information dissemination.

 The centre will aim to provide services for up to 150 women and children.

 3.             Facility for people with disabilities:

Clinics made available through partner organisations to provide for initial assessment and treatment of people living with disabilities.

Provision of information on services available in Arusha will be a priority as our research indicates that people are unaware of what is available to them and any entitlements they may have. Setting up of a local support group is a priority so that disabled people and their families do not feel marginalised and are not overwhelmed by their situation. Living in a society where disability is still a taboo.

 This programme will aim to reach up to 150 people and their families.

 4.             Women’s development and entrepreneurship

In supporting women’s education and development this programme will aim to improve the quality of life for them and their families. To empower women by equipping them with knowledge, skills and finance for business start up. IGA (income generating activity) are already in operation in the programme however, there is a need that it is extended to concentrate on women who are the main providers and carers for families.

 Activities under this heading will aim to reach 100 women.

5.             Kindergarten

At present, we are running year 1 of kindergarten education programme at our existing facility, parish resource/training centre. The kindergarten is managed by missionary sisters who live and work in the parish and there are 35-40 children attending this year.  The resource/training centre has accommodated this first year but does not have the room capacity to provide for the necessary 3 year programme which requires 3 rooms for ages 3-6year olds and office space, which is currently not available. We have a waiting list for admission since Jan 2009.

 The kindergarten will provide for 150 young children aged 3–6 years.

 Community Involvement

 Given the critical importance of community involvement in initiatives to address poverty and in the implementation of HIV/AIDS prevention, partnership with the community is a core feature of this project. The parish baseline study completed in 2006 highlighted the extent of the community’s concern that health and support services, as well as education at all levels from kindergarten upwards, should be provided in the area. 

 In light of the limited economic resources of the community, its contribution will be primarily in terms of local knowledge and networking. Measures have been taken to ensure that the community will be involved at all stages of the project including the planning and building of the Centre and in the subsequent provision of educational, health and training activities.

 Partnership with other health care service providers will be an integral part of the project. Outreach services to be provided in regard to MCHC and treatment/therapy for people with disabilities.