The Salama Center, Better Future´s family care program in Tanzania, opened in January 2009 and currently serves 26 orphaned children and their households - approximately 145 people. This community center is based in Majengo Village in the Moshi region of Tanzania and maintains family structure for the orphaned children through the following services:
Provision of Basic Needs:
The Salama Center supplements the resources of each enrolled family by distributing nutritious food and covering health care costs. A comprehensive health care program includes routine medical exams according to age and development; all vaccinations; treatment when needed; prevention tools such as mosquito nets; and health education.
Access to Education:
The Salama Center pays school fees and provides uniforms for each enrolled orphaned child and supplements public education for all children of the enrolled families. At the Salama Center the children, caregivers and their families have access to:
- After-school Math, Science, English, Kiswahili and computer classes for children in primary school (grades one through seven).
- Day care, Monday through Friday mornings, for those children not old enough to attend government schools.
- Vocational training, in areas such as tailoring and computer training, for children in secondary school and other family members interested in continuing education.
The Salama Center is equipped with a computer lab and a library, which are accessible by all participating families and members of the surrounding community.
Caregiver Support:
Caregivers benefit from support groups and educational workshops on topics such as health, parenting skills, and other relevant themes. In addition, staff link caregivers to other community resources (such as career training and job placement services) and empower them to identify and address their own needs and the needs of their families.
Home Visits:
Home visits are an opportunity for caregivers to receive additional support and a means for staff to ensure that the children are properly cared for and that caregivers are meeting all expectations.
Upon acceptance into the program, the Program Director conducts an initial Family Needs Assessment, explains program goals and regulations, and refers family members to needed services. Staff provide written documentation of monthly home visits to record the child´s progress at home, as well as evidence that the caretakers are following guidelines and that referrals were followed through on. In addition, program staff regularly meet with each child´s teachers to monitor and document behavior and progress in school.
Staff
The Salama Center employees 6 full time staff members: Program Director, Assistant Program Director, Case Manager, Nursery School Teacher, Housekeeper, Security Guard. A Better Future International volunteer serves as a Tanzania Officer to collect data, report progress and ensure compliance with the standards of Better Future International.