Bukoba, Tanzania, East Africa

Group Photo, September 2009

“Overcoming poverty is not a gesture of charity. It is the protection of a fundamental human right, the right to dignity and a decent life.”
– Nelson Mandela

Photo of Kim and Emily

Brighten our Future: The Gerladina Orphanage and Education Centre in Bukoba, Tanzania, is about keeping hope alive for orphaned and vulnerable children. It is also a means, for the rest of us, to give back to our global community, thus brightening everyone’s future!

In 2005, we travelled to Tanzania and were deeply inspired by the spirit of the people throughout the country. They are so happy to be alive, so proud of what they can do and of their children, most especially, which is why the children’s education is so important to them. Their children are the future and are ultimately the promise for Africa’s place in our world of tomorrow. We were fortunate to meet a truly inspiring man, Thadeus, (now) Director of The Gerladina Orphanage, who had a dream; one day, he wanted to give back to his impoverished community by opening a home and education centre for orphaned and vulnerable children. Two years later, after much personal sacrifice, hard work and determination, Thadeus brought that dream into reality and opened The Gerladina Orphanage and Education Centre (GOEC). Today, GOEC is home to 18 orphaned and vulnerable children and Thadeus has been able to extend his outreach into his local community, assisting local school children with associated school fees, enabling them to earn their own brighter future through an opportunity for education.

Thadeus teaches geography at a local village school to cover his (and his wife’s) living expenses while the operations at GOEC rely solely on the generosity of others. Through child sponsorship and generous donations, the children at the centre are living much happier lives. But Thadeus has a broader vision; he wants to expand the centre to include living space for many more children, classrooms, a church, a medical facility and enough space for children to play and embrace their childhood - something so many children in Africa never experience. Thadeus also desperately wants to continue to assist other children in his community with their education. For this dream to become a reality, we need your help.

Thadeus recently lost his father and, with no surviving parents of his own, said that he has “a renewed pain for the suffering of these children…I am working to see their way through…please pray for us”. As a teacher by profession and a lifelong resident of Tanzania, Thadeus understands the importance of education for all children in his community and, as a compassionate individual, he understands their need for a loving and nurturing home.

Thadeus is a local village man, trying to give back to his community. We are a global community, able to keep his dream alive! Please help Thadeus to give these children a much deserved brighter future through providing them with a loving home and a continued education.

Thank you for your time and compassion.

– Emily Mallett and Kim Lalonde
International Fundraising Directors, Gerladina Orphanage and Education Centre