0016 Henri Deusi

His father died with AIDS in 2005. His mother just died last month (July 2007) with AIDS. Henri may also be infected, but he's not been tested yet. He lives with Mama Mrina. His mother brought him to the project when she was very sick, and gave him to her like a gift. Mama Mrina is like his godmother.

Teacher Jeni's Prayer: 'That he will love God; and that he can get help with his education.'

0026 Siya Jasper Massawe

Both of her parents died with AIDS. She was living with her grandmother for a few years, but that woman was very old and couldn't take good care of her granddaughter. So Siya came to live at the project. She has an older sister that has no education and can't help out. The family lives in abject poverty.

Teacher Jeni's Prayer: 'That God will help put it into the hearts of her neighbors to help her after Mama Mrina has brought her up.'

0042 Joshua Festo

His father is a vagrant from Dodoma in central Tanzania. He was a houseboy and got married while he was still working as a houseboy. He has no land and is very poor, but he is healthy and does not have HIV.

Teacher Jeni's Prayer: 'That God opens doors to this child's education.'

0050 Queen Kiwoli

Her parents started sending her to the nursery at the project three years ago. They are poor, but not infected. Queen is the last of six children. All are living at home with their parents. Some have already finished primary school. She is a cousin of Diana Kiwoli, who is also in the nursery program.

Prayer: 'Just that God bless her and watch over her life.'

0052 Diana Kiwoli

She's a cousin of Queen Kiwoli. The family and extended family are very poor and unable to help much. Diana is the last of three children and she started coming to Mama Mrina on the same day as her cousin Queen.

Prayer: 'That God continues to help in her life; and that she may get more help in her future.'

0054 Jackline Kweji

She is an only child. Her father died with AIDS in Shinyanga in western Tanzania. Her mama was a teacher there, but left when her HIV made her too sick. She came back home to Mwika with Jackline. She died in Mwika when Jackline was age 3. Jackline then went to live with her grandparents, who are not too old to take care of her. She has HIV.

Teacher Jeni's Prayer: 'Total healing. And for much help in the future because she needs almost everything.'

0058 Samuel Shayo

His parents are alive and healthy, but very poor. They afford only one meal per day, and sometimes they go hungry. They have no jobs or income, but they have a small garden that feeds them. Samueli lives with his parents and his little brother.

Teacher Jeni's Prayer: 'That God makes a way for them so that they can overcome their situation.'

0061 Derick Shayo

He is an only child. His father died a few years ago. His mother remarried, so she gave Derick to her mother to take care of. That grandmother is a widow and is very poor. Sometimes Derick has to forego nursery school to help his grandmother look for food.

Teacher Jeni's Prayer: 'God can make a way for him to live and have a better life than he currently does.'

0063 Angela Chao

Her mother died after giving birth to Angela. Her father is also dead. Angela lives with her grandmother and an aunt farther up Mt. Kilimanjaro. They are subsistence farmers and live in total poverty, but Angela is healthy. She is an only child.

Teacher Jeni's Prayer: 'That God would touch someone somewhere to help her attain education and live a good life.'

0065 Honest Chao

His parents are both alive and healthy, but they are poor subsistence farmers. He has one younger brother.

Teacher Jeni's Prayer: 'That God could make a way for him so that he gets an education because his parents have no source of income.'

0067 Prosper Shayo

He comes from a polygamous family. His father had two wives, each with five children, and other secret wives. Prosper's mother was the oldest of the wives and was abandoned by her husband. His money and support for the children was pulled away at that time. Prosper is in nursery school and lives with Mama Mrina, but the other children live with the mother.

Mama Mrina's prayer: 'Give Prosper the ability to learn and go through school, and give his mother strength.'

0069 Elia Lyimo

His parents are alive, but he lives with his two old grandmothers. One is blind, and Elia helps her find her way to church and other places. They live in total poverty. They couldn't get enough food and when the situation became critical, the blind grandmother came to Mama Mrina for help. Mama Mrina could not take him in because there's not enough room, but she feeds him. Elia has two younger brothers who stay with his mother, who is also very poor. Elia is healthy and loves going to school.

Mama Mrina's Prayer: 'That God would really help him to be a good and important boy and to help himhave money for his stories.'

0044 Tuzo Saria

Her father died with AIDS. Tuzo lives with her mother, who has HIV. Tuzo is also infected. She has one brother who is healthy. They live in total poverty. Her mother sometimes finds odd jobs to earn money – even enough to buy salt.

Mama Mrina's Prayer: 'For God to heal her mother and get capital to start a small business and to provide for her children; and for Tuzo to be healed.'

0071 Princess Shayo

Both her parents have died with AIDS. She lives with her grandmother, who is very old and poor. She was supposed to live with Mama Mrina, but there was not enough room for her. Her grandmother is occasionally supported by her neighbors. Princess lives in abject poverty.

Mama Mrina's Prayer: 'That God would protect her and take care of her; to help her live a happy life; and to help her attain education.'

0073 Margaret Shayo

Her mother is dead. Her father is alive, but is too busy to take care of his two children. So they live with their grandmother. That grandmother is old and in no shape to take care of them. They come to Mama Mrina for food. Margret is healthy and loves school.

Prayer: 'That God provides help for them either through adoption or a donor.'

0076 Loveness Makundi

Loveness and her mother both have asthma. She is an only child and lives with both of her parents. They are subsistence farmers and have no source of income.

Prayer: 'That God should heal Loveness and her mother and give them joy.'

0078 Vincent Chao

Both of his parents have died. He lives with his uncle with his brother and sister. His uncle is very poor and finds work digging in people's gardens to make a little money for survival. Vincent is a healthy child.

Prayer: 'That God should help his uncle find enough money to help those children.'

0080 Emmanuel Malewo

His mother has already died. Emmanuel lives with his father and his grandmother, who is a widow. His father is a peasant kibarua, someone who finds occasional odd jobs for pay. He's able to provide a just enough for the family to survive. Emmanuel is an only child. He has a learning disability that gives him memory loss.

Prayer: 'That God would help them because they live in total poverty, and that he open financial doors for them.'

0082 Mary Shayo

Her parents are alive, but she stays with her grandparents because she was being neglected at her parents house. They have no source of income. Her grandparents are also peasants and have no jobs. Mary loves going to school. She is being helperd

Prayer: 'That God would touch her parent's hearts and they return home to help their daughter.'

0084 Naomi Mlay

She stays with both of her parents. They are very poor and can't afford to take her to school. She is an only child, she's healthy, and she loves God.

Prayer: 'That God would help Naomi and her parents because they are living in a poor situation.'

0086 Furaha Mlay

Furaha and her little brother are healthy. Their parents are street beggars. They have mental illness and are unable to make constructive ideas to help their family. The children get a little support from relatives and neighbors.

Prayer: 'That God should heal her parents and provide Furaha with an education.'

0088 Gift Kimei

Her father died with AIDS. Her mother is a housegirl who does not make enough money to send her daughter to school. Gift is an only child.

Prayer: 'That God provide for the needs of her mother, and for Gift's future.'

0090 Conista Ngowi

Conista and her brother Vincent are healthy twins. They were neglected by their biological father. Her mother remarried, but they are abused by their stepfather. He doesn't want them to live with him, but they have nowhere to go. Their grandparents are all dead. There's no room for them to stay at Mama Mrina's. Born: 30 June 2003.

Mama Mrina's prayer: 'That God would help me get enough provisions to help them.'

0092 Vincent Ngowi

Vincent and his sister Conista are healthy twins. They were neglected by their biological father. Her mother remarried, but they were abused by their stepfather. He doesn't want them to live with him, but they have nowhere to go. Their grandparents are all dead. There's no room for them to stay at Mama Mrina's. Born: 30 June 2003.

Mama Mrina's prayer: 'That God would help me get enough provisions to help them.'

0099 Arnold Ngowi

He lives with both parents and he is healthy. His father is a kibarua, a casual worker who begs for small jobs for pay. He does not get enough money to send Arnold to school. He is a brother to twins Vincent and Conista.

Mama Mrina's prayer: 'That God help his parents to get enough finances to take care of them.'

0100 Brian Kiwoli

He is an only child, whose parents have no source of income. He is healthy, but his family is very poor.

Mama Mrina's prayer: 'That God should touch someone to help him attain his education and have a bright future.'

0243 Dorcas Vincent Shayo

Both of her parents are alive, but are too poor to provide for Dorcas and her little brother. They chose to place them away from home so they can have better living conditions. Dorcas has asthma and respiratory problems. She is not in good health. Born: 18 October 2002.

Mama Mrina's prayer: 'That God gives her good health and provides for her family so that they can take care of her.'

0171 Justa Mlay

Her parents are both alive. Justa is weak child because her parents had her when they were very old. She has two older brothers and two older sisters. Born: 2002.

Mama Mrina's prayer: 'That God would make her strong and that they would provide for her parents so they can take care of her.'

0207 Given Chao

He lives with his parents. Both of them are infected with HIV and are jobless. His father is a retired porter who wanders around with nothing to do. Given is healthy. He has a brother and two sisters. Born: 2002.

Mama Mrina's prayer: 'That God help his father to settle down and take care of the family.'

0235 Judith Chao

She lives with both parents who are healthy. She is one of 10 children. None of them has finished secondary school but one sister is in Form One. She wants to finish secondary but she is unable to pay. Her parents are subsistence farmers with no source of income. Born: 2004.

Mama Mrina's prayer: 'God helps her progress in a hard life.'

0280 Thomas Chao

He is a brother to Judith above. He is the 8 th of 10 children. He lives with both parents but in total poverty with no source of income at all. Thomas's life is very hard because they are very many children. Born: 2001.

Prayer: 'That God helps relieve their lives.'

z0089 Dorcas Soi

Dorcas is one of six children. Both of her parents are alive and healthy, but they are poor subsistence farmers. Born: 2003.

Mama Mrina's prayer: 'That her parents may get a job and be able to take good care of the children and the family's needs.'

0274 Dorcas Mghase

She lives with both parents. They don't have a reliable source of income and they live in total poverty. Dorcas is healthy and has two brothers. Born: 2004.

Mama Mrina's prayer: 'That God may make a way for this family so that they meet their needs.'

0278 Faith Shayo

Faith's parents are drunkards who do not take care of their children's needs. She is mostly raised by her older sister, who is 13-years-old. Faith is small for her age. She has a brother and two sisters, all of whom are healthy. They live in total poverty. They love going to school, but it is often difficult with their home situation. Born: 2004.

Mama Mrina's prayer: 'That God would touch their parents to stop drinking and take care of their children's needs; and give Faith strength and healing.'

x0046 Gift Shayo

Both of her parents are alive. They are peasants with no income. Gift is the last-born. She has an older brother and two sisters, and she is healthy.

Mama Mrina's prayer: 'That God would provide for her parents and give them a reliable source of income so they can take care of their children's needs.'

x0005 Anderson Urio

His mother ran away and left Anderson and 5 siblings with her husband. The family has much hardship. The father doesn't work and stays with these six kids. They have no outside help. Anderson is undernourished. His neighbors brought him to Hope Foundation hoping that he could go to nursery there. Born: 15 August 2002.

Mama Mrina's prayer: 'That God would raise up support for the education of this child, and that he would give his father the means to feed his children.'

x0007 Emmanuel Urio

His mother ran away and left Emmanuel and his five siblings with her husband. The family has much hardship. The father doesn't work and stays with these six kids. They have no outside help. His neighbors brought him to Hope Foundation hoping that he could go to nursery there. Born: 26 October 2003.

Mama Mrina's prayer: 'That one day Emmanuel might support his whole family.'

x0009 Agnes Urio

Agnes' family lives in very poor condition. She wants to attend school, but it will be difficult with her family situation. Born: 01 June 2004.

Mama Mrina's prayer: 'That this child of God will be given the support she needs to attain her education.'

x0013 Norin Chao

Her parents are separated and she lives with her mother. Norin is undernourished and small for her age. She is showing symptoms of HIV, but has not been tested yet. Her mother is also symptomatic. They live with Norin's maternal grandparents, both of whom are infected with HIV. She also lives with some cousins, including Allen Makunde. Norin's father has remarried and doesn't help at all. Norin is usually sad and cries a lot. Born: 12 May 2003.

Mama Mrina's prayer: 'We pray for God to help her and fill her heart with His love so that she may come out of these bad feelings.'

x0015 Allen Makunde

Allen's father is an alcoholic. He has many children by many different women. Allen lives with his grandparents, both of whom are infected with HIV. He also lives with cousins, including Norin Chao. Many in his home are infected. He's very charming, smiles a lot, and likes being around people. Born: 27 April 2004.

Mama Mrina's prayer: 'Let God help him to become a quick learner to compliment his loving character; and help him rise above his father's history.'

x0004 Anna Matemba

Her mother was a housegirl who came to Mwika, delivered her baby, and left. Her location is unknown to her family. No one knows who the father is. Anna lives with her maternal grandparents, who are beggars. She is an inquisitive and curious child. She likes doing little experiments on things. Born: 14 October 2001.

Mama Mrina's prayer: 'She is bright, so let God help her do well in school; and help her learn about His word.'

x0019 Bright Chao

Bright lives with her parents. They found out two weeks ago (in August 2007) that they are both infected with HIV. Her father drinks. Her parents don't work, but sometimes they go to find some money and leave Bright and her two siblings at their grandparents' house. Bright is the second-born. The last-born has HIV, but Bright is okay. Her older sister is in primary school and Bright likes to study with her when she's doing homework. Bright is already good in math and reading. Born: 29 June 2003.

Her father's prayer: 'For support for her education.'

x0040 Irene Urio

Irene is an only child. She lives with her parents and her sick grandmother. Her father is a craftsman who builds furniture. Her family's main source of food is the garden. She and her parents are in good health. Irene's character is hard to tell. She cries a lot. Born: 22 July 2004.

Mama Mrina's prayer: 'For her future, that her parents can support her through her education.'

x0023 Yeremia Massawe

He is the last-born of three children. His father left the family while his mother was pregnant with Yeremia. The father's location is unknown. Yeremia, his mother, and his two siblings live in the mud house that his father left behind. The family is in good health. The mother's first child was born by cesarean section, and the wound causes pain when she does hard work in the shamba. Yeremia loves counting. Sometimes he sits on the ground and breaks sticks, then collects the pieces into groups and counts them. Born: 02 October 2003.

His mother's prayer: 'What I pray every day is for God to help me raise these kids up and for their education.'

x0024 Sensia Mremi

Her father died with AIDS in 2006. Her little sister died with AIDS three months ago (in May 2007). She lives only with her mother, who is infected. Sensia is not infected, but the social stigma around HIV/AIDS will continue to affect her. Her extended family does not like her and avoids the home for fear of ‘contamination'. When her little sister was very sick and about to die, they refused to help find medicine or help take her to the hospital. The family home is a mud-and-stick house that the father left behind when he died. Her mother is a strong woman, but shows signs of depression. Sensia likes gathering food and helping her mother cook. Born: 08 March 2003.

Her mother's prayer: 'That God can help me raise up this daughter until she's old enough to take care of herself; and that He can help me come out of these bad feelings I have about myself.'

x0029 Pie Massawe

Her father died in 2003. Her mother is paralyzed, and can only crawl. She fell from a tree around 1998. She really tries hard to help, but she can't do many things. A group from her church comes by the house occasionally and helps her family. She lives with her brother Emmanuel. Born: 20 April 2000.

Her grandmother's prayer: 'That the Lord would help these kids live a godly life and rise above their parents' drunken past.'

x0027 Emmanuel Setieli Massawe

His father died in 2003. His mother is paralyzed, and can only crawl. She fell from a tree around 1998. She really tries hard to help, but she can't do many things. A group from their church comes by the house occasionally and helps the family. He lives with his sister, Pie. Born: 17 December 2001.

His grandmother's prayer: 'That the Lord would help these kids live a godly life and rise above their parents' drunken past.'

x0031 Petro Ngowi

Petro lives only with his grandfather, who is an alcoholic, and his mother, who is mentally ill. Six people from the same house, including his father, died within 6 months of each other last year with an unknown illness. The house is in tatters and Petro's family is among the poorest of the poor. He has chiggers, a mite that enters through the feet. Its parasitic larvae live under the skin and cause him to be very itchy. Petro's only outside help is a group from their church that comes around occasionally, and a neighbor who is elderly and poor. He seems to be interested in mechanics – taking things apart and putting them back together. Born: 30 March 2001.

His neighbor's prayer: 'That I may one day help him in his situation because if his grandfather dies, the child will just be lost; and that he may grow up to know God.'

z0091 Yeremia Minja

He lives both of his parents. They are subsistence farmers without income. Yeremia is the youngest of three children. All are healthy. Yeremia has a friendly personality, loves Jesus, and likes to play games. He's in the nursery program. Born: 2002.

Teacher Jeni's prayer: 'That he can get an education and one day support his family.'

z0094 Asifiwe Mlay

Both of her parents have died with AIDS. She lives with her father's parents. Her grandfather is old and very sick. Her grandmother is a peasant farmer and struggles to provide. Asifiwe loves God and wants to learn how to read and write soon. Her name means 'He is praised' in Swahili. Born: 2002.

Teacher Jeni's prayer: 'That God helps her become educated and defeat the obstacles to her success.'

0019 Fred Kombe

His mother died with AIDS. His father is very sick with AIDS. Fred is the last-born of three children. He lives with Mama Mrina because there are too many orphans in his grandparents' family for them to take care of. Fred's family is poor. His father lives in a one-room house.

Mama Mrina's prayer: 'His last test said came back HIV-negative. I am praying for the next one to be the same.'

0021 Davis Masuki

His parents are alive, but abandoned him. He was living with his grandmother. When he came for help, he was completely malnourished with a distended belly and a head too big for his body. Born: 2002.

Mama Mrina's prayer: 'We pray for God to protect him and to bring health to him.'

0024 Queen Shayo

Her father got a headache and died very suddenly. Her mother then ran away, and has been missing since 2003. Her grandmother takes care of her. Queen does not have HIV. Born: 16 May 2003.

Mama Mrina's prayer: 'My prayer is for this child to get an education so that she can help her grandmother because that bibi has to be both a mother and a father at the same time, and because her extended family has rejected her.'

0184 Mary Kimaro

Her father died in 2003, leaving her mother with six children. Mary is the fourth child, and she likes jumping rope and playing with the other girls. Her family is very poor.

Mama Mrina's prayer: 'That God will help her with her studies so that she can help herself and her family.'

0028 Davis Anthony

His father is unknown. His mother abandoned him, leaving him with bibi (grandmother). Bibi is a widow and a beggar. He developed chronic sickness, so bibi brought him to Mama Mrina to live. When he came, he was excreting undigested food and he had intestinal parasites. The child recovered, so he was brought back to bibi. But she said, 'What can I do? You're bringing him back here to die.' So Mama Mrina kept him. His extended family is too poor to help. He is in nursery school. Born: 27 September 2002.

Mama Mrina's prayer: 'For God to touch his mother, wherever she is, that she comes back; and that he grows up with the fear of God.'

0030 Esther Wiiso

Her father died from alcohol poisoning. Her mother got sick and died suddenly. Her extended family did not want to be responsible after she was left behind. Born: 26 August 2002.

Mama Mrina's prayer: 'That she may help herself and help others; and that she may grow up fearing the Lord.'

0032 Shedrack Makupa Shayo

His father was beating the family, so his mother took him and left. She is Jeni, who volunteers her time teaching the nursery students in a shed near Mama Mrina's house. They are very poor and struggle to buy food and soap. Born: 23 January 2001.

His mother's prayer: 'I pray that God will help my child to avoid being taken by the cultural problems of his family background; that he grows in a good environment and he rises above his father's history.'

0035 Emmanuel Mollel

His father ran away after seeing that his two sons were extremely nearsighted. His mother lives with Mama Mrina. He is in the nursery program. Both he and his little brother need 2.5m /= (about $2,000 USD each) for eye surgery. They are likely to go blind without it. Born: 2002.

Mama Mrina's prayer: 'I thank God for them to be alive because their mother is so devoted to them; and I pray for them to be able to see like normal kids.'

0038 Godlove Mollel

His father ran away after seeing that his two sons were extremely nearsighted. His mother lives with Mama Mrina. He is in the nursery program. Both he and his big brother need 2.5m /= (about $2,000 USD each) for eye surgery. They are likely to go blind without it. Born: 2004.

Mama Mrina's prayer: 'I thank God for them to be alive because their mother is so devoted to them; and I pray for them to be able to see like normal kids.'

0040 Gideon Godwin Shayo

His father died in 2003 with AIDS. His mother has HIV. Gideon and his sister Elizabeth were recently tested and both were found to be infected with HIV. Their extended family abandoned them. The extended family prays for the death of Gideon's mother to come soon so they can inherit the house and small farm. Born: 18 March 2002.

Mama Mrina's prayer: 'We pray to God to give them healing, because we need them here.'

0046 Samuel Mlay

He is an 8-year-old with both parents still living, but they are very poor and can't take care of him. He lives with Mama Mrina. He has two sisters that are staying with their parents.

Mama Mrina's prayer: 'We pray that the parents can get help because when they do that, they can improve their children's lives.'

0048 Daniel Mariki

His mother moved to the city after finishing her education and came back to Mwika pregnant. When she returned her mother was also pregnant, with the same due date. Her mother's parents were poor and unable to care for two new babies. The balozi (local alderman) took Daniel to live with Mama Mrina. He is in nursery class now. Born: April 2003.

Mama Mrina's prayer: 'For God's love to surround him since his parents' love is absent.'

0056 Evans Ngowi

His mother died with AIDS soon after he was born. His father has HIV. Evans will be tested next month (September 2007), but he doesn't seem to have health problems. His father's extended family is distancing themselves as an effect of the AIDS stigma. He is in nursery school and likes rice pilau and soccer. Born: 23 January 2001.

Mama Mrina's prayer: 'The child says he wants to serve God when he grows up. I pray that he lives long enough to do that.'

0110 Faith Ngomuo

Her mother is alive. Faith is the last-born of four children. Her health, as well as the health of her siblings, isn't bad. All of them have unmet educational needs. The family is poor. Born: 31 May 2003.

Her mother's prayer: 'For my kids to prosper; and for you who might help her.'

0114 Joel Chao

Joel is the 4 th out of 5 children. His parents are vibarua, which means they have no regular job and look for odd jobs to earn a little income to feed their children. They are landless and all seven of them currently live with a family friend. Born: November 2001.

Teacher Jeni's prayer: 'We pray for a breakthrough for Joel so that he doesn't live the same tough life as his father.'

0241 Benjamin Chao

He lives with both of his parents. He is one of 10 children. His father works as a porter on Mt Kilimanjaro, and his mother begs for work. Ben likes reading, practicing writing, singing and playing. Born: 2004.

Mama Mrina's prayer: 'May God assist their parents in bringing these children up with Christian values.'

0232 Irene Jasper Massawe

Irene lives with both parents. They are vibarua, which means they look for odd jobs to get a little income. Irene is one of five children, and she likes drawing, math, and writing at school. Born: 2002.

Mama Mrina's prayer: 'We ask God to provide for the family a way to support the children and continue their education.'

0203 Upendo Ngomuo

Her father disappeared, leaving his mother with seven children. Her mother begs for work to find income to feed the children. They rely on Mama Mrina for food. Upendo means 'Love' in Swahili. She has a brother, Baraka, who comes to nursery also.

Mama Mrina's prayer: 'For Upendo to be sponsored, and to have a good education so that she is able to help herself to a better life.'

0205 Baraka Ngomuo

His father disappeared, leaving his mother with seven children. His mother begs for work to find income to feed her children. They rely on Mama Mrina for food. His name means 'Blessing' in Swahili. Baraka likes math and games at school. He has a sister, Upendo, who comes to nursery also.

Mama Mrina's prayer: 'May God provide them a house, food, and an education so that they might go on to live healthy lives.'

0194 Daniel Urio

Daniel's father abandoned the family and moved to Arusha. He left five children. The oldest is a boy in the first year of secondary school. His mother has no income, and she has been selling their livestock to pay for school fees. There's only one cow left. Born: 14 April 2003.

His mother's prayer: ‘For his education, to know that he may live to help his family.'

0117 David Chao

David is an only child. His mother died with AIDS, and his father is sick with the virus. He lives with his grandparents because his father is very poor and sometimes can't take care of him. His grandparents are also very poor.

Teacher Jeni's prayer: 'For him to be educated so that he can help himself in his life.'

0130 Irene Nyella

Nobody knows who her father is. Her mother is mentally ill, and she abandoned Irene with her parents. Irene's grandfather is paralyzed and her grandmother has a big burden of taking care of him, as well as other grandchildren. Irene's mother was one of 11 children. Irene is an only child. Born: 08 December 2003.

Teacher Jeni's prayer: 'That God help her progress, even without her parents around.'

0191 Furaha Laiza

Her father impregnated her mother and left. Her mother feels bitter and doesn't want to marry anyone. She's in sewing school. Both Furaha and her mother are healthy. They live with Furaha's maternal grandparents. Her name means 'Happy' in Swahili. Born: 29 May 2001.

Mama Mrina's prayer: 'For her to grow up with the fear of the Lord.'

0173 Yona Shao

Yona is the last of six children. His parents are both healthy and have a small shamba that feeds the family. The first-born is in the first year of secondary school now, but will be unable to finish unless they find help with school fees. Born: 20 September 2004.

Teacher Jeni's prayer: 'That God would provide this child with his needs – education and health.'

0128 Loveness Nyella

Loveness is the second of two girls. She is showing symptoms of HIV, but she hasn't been tested yet. Both parents are alive, but the family is extremely poor. Her extended family is also too poor to help. Born: 05 August 2001.

Mama Mrina's prayer: 'That she prospers, and that there is no HIV in her family.'

x0547 Fadhili Mlay

Both of his parents are alive. His parents were married, but his father later took another wife and lives with her now. Fadhili lives with his mother and grandmother, who have no source of income. Fadhili is healthy, though his mother and grandmother can't provide for his needs. He has one brother. Born: 2001.

Mama Mrina's prayer: 'That God would help him and his family by providing their needs.'

0308 Neema Mariki

Her parents are alive, but they're very poor. Her older brother is in Standard 3 and stays at home; she is 5-years-old and lives with Mama Mrina.

Mama Mrina's prayer: 'That she may help herself and help others; and that she may grow up fearing the Lord.'

0122 Loveness Mlay

Her father died in 2004 with AIDS. She lives with her mother, who has HIV. Loveness has not gone for testing. She loves God. She also likes helping her mother do chores, such as sweeping. Born 2003.

Teacher Jeni's prayer: 'Her successes in education, and that she is not infected.'

0126 Isaac Mlay

Issac lives with his mother and his young sister. His father died with AIDS in 2004. His mother is infected. Issac has not gone for testing, but has not shown symptoms of HIV. Born 2000.

Teacher Jeni's prayer: 'For his successes in education.'

0182 Anna Maiko

Anna's mother is mentally ill. Her father loves his family very much and tries to help, but he is very poor and can provide little.

Mama Mrina's prayer: 'For God to really intervene in the family because the kids don't have enough parental care.'

0175 Regina Maiko

Regina's mother is mentally ill. Her father loves his family very much and tries to help, but he is very poor and can provide little.

Mama Mrina's prayer: 'For God to really intervene in the family because the kids don't have enough parental care.'

0178 Baraka Maiko

Baraka's mother is mentally ill. One day several bornagains were praying over her when she got scared and ran away from the village and deep into the bush. She met a man while she was hiding from the Christians and that night they conceived Baraka in the wilderness. Baraka's father was a houseboy from Tanga (a city on the coast, several hours away). He loves his children and really tries to help them, but can't find enough money. Mama Mrina helps the mother get medication to treat her mental illness. Baraka's name means 'Blessing' in Swahili.

Mama Mrina's prayer: 'For God to really intervene in the family because the kids don't have enough parental care.'

y0085 Queen Shirima

She lives with both of her parents and her grandfather. All are peasants with no land and no income. She has an older brother who is 5-years-old. Queen is a healthy child.

Mama Mrina's prayer: 'That God would make a way for them, and give them a plot and income so they can take care of their children.'

y0081 Joshua Shirima

He lives with both of his parents and his grandfather. All are peasants with no land and no income. He has a younger sister, and he is a healthy child.

Mama Mrina's prayer: 'That God would make a way for them, and give them a plot and income so they can take care of their children.'

z0360 Liberati Mbando

His father abandoned the family. He is an only child and lives with his mother and grandmother. They are very poor. The grandmother is too old to work, so Liberati's mother takes a big burden. She is a casual worker who looks for odd jobs when she can. Liberati is slower thinking than other children his age. He loves God. Born 2002.

Teacher Jeni's prayer: 'Help him to know God and to grow in His love.'

z0363 Kennedy Ngowi

He lives with both of his parents. They are subsistence farmers and were not educated. The family is in fair health, but they are living in extreme poverty. They can't afford shoes and are lucky to eat one meal per day. Kennedy is the third of four children. He's a good child with good habits. Born: 2002.

Teacher Jeni's prayer: 'That God would open doors to help them progress, and that He would help them get their basic needs met.'

z0365 Judith Shayo

Judith was born at her grandparents' home. Her father left her mother with three children. Judith is the middle child. Born: 2001.

Teacher Jeni's prayer: 'For her education, that God would provide a way.'

z0369 Hans Daniel Mchau

His father was killed in a fight soon after Hans was born. Hans is one of five children, and the oldest is 11. He lives with one sibling and his mother. The other children are living with friends or relatives. The family is in good health. Hans is an active child and likes to play games and climb. Born: 19 November 2003.

His mother's prayer: 'Education is a blessing. I pray for their education.'

0201 Emmanuel Mark

Born: 11 August 2005.

Prayer: 'For support for his education.'

no picture

0000 Davis Chau

He was abandoned by his mother at the doorstep of his father. His father took him to Davis' grandparents, but they are too old and poor to look after him. Sometimes they neglect him. If they are leaving the house, they lock him inside. He is slower than most children in doing tasks. They want to leave him at Mama Mrina's, but there isn't enough room for another child there. Born: 2003.

Mama Mrina's prayer: 'That God would touch his father's heart to come back and take care of him; and that God would find someone to help him.'

no picture

0000 Hosiana Mghase

Her father died with AIDS in 2002. Hosiana lives with her mother, who is very sick with AIDS and unable to work or take care of children. Hosiana also has HIV. She has an older brother and an older sister, both of whom are healthy. Born: 2003.

Mama Mrina's prayer: 'That God would heal her and also provide for her family because her mother is so weak.'

no picture

0000 Davis Mbaga

His father left Davis at the boy's grandparents' house one day and said he was going looking for a job, but he never came back. No one has heard from him, and he might have died. Davis' HIV status is unknown. His grandparents are too old and weak to take adequate care of him, and they themselves struggle for survival. Born: 2002.

Mama Mrina's prayer: ' That God would touch his father and mother to come back home because the grandparents don't have a way to take care of the child.'

no picture

0000 Mary Lyimo

Both parents are alive. Her father has breathing problems, so her mother struggles to provide for the family and feed them. Mary is healthy and really wants to join school. She has a brother and a sister – both who struggle to meet school needs. Born: 2001.

Mama Mrina's prayer: 'That God would heal the father and give the mother strength to take care of the family and provide for all their needs.'

no picture

0000 Clinton Lyimo

He lives with his mother, who has HIV. No one has heard from his father for a long time, and he is assumed to be dead. His mother is landless and is herself an orphan. AIDS has devastated this family: All of his brothers and sisters and most of his extended family have died with AIDS. Clinton has HIV, though he is progressing well. Born: 2004.

Mama Mrina's prayer: 'That God would heal him to remain as a testimony and also to strengthen and provide for him.'

no picture

0000 Diana Ngowi

She is living with both parents and her two siblings. All are in good health, but they are very poor. The family shamba (farm) is too small to provide income. Born: 2002.

Teacher Jeni's prayer: 'That God would help them find a way that they succeed in their lives.'

no picture

0000 Getrudi Shao

Her father died last year (2006) with AIDS. He was a peasant farmer. Her mother is infected, but she is able to do work in the shamba. Getrudi has HIV, but her siblings are healthy. The oldest one is in the second year of secondary school. The family spends all of their income on her schooling, but without support she will have to drop out before graduation. Born: 2004.

Teacher Jeni's prayer: 'To provide for the family, that their investment in their daughter's education can pay off.'

no picture

0000 Emmanuel Shao

His father died last year (2006) with AIDS. He stays with his mother, who has HIV. She is weak, but struggles to do work in the shamba to feed the family. Emmanuel is healthy. He has two brothers and a sister. Born: 2001.

Mama Mrina's prayer: 'That God may keep him in his hands and provide for his needs, and above all, be his father.'

no picture

0000 Elia Ngawe

His father died in 2005 with AIDS. He now lives with his mother. Elia and his two brothers have HIV. They live in total poverty and the family struggles to get enough food. Born: 2002.

Mama Mrina's prayer: 'For God to heal him and provide for his needs.'

no picture

0000 Elisha & Benson Shayo

These identical twins live with their parents, who are subsistence farmers with no income. They are the youngest of seven children. The older siblings go to school, but have a lot of difficulty. All are healthy. Born: 2003.

Mama Mrina's prayer: 'That God would protect and provide for them and help their parents to look after them all.'

no picture

0000 Ibrahim Shayo

His father went to look for work in another part of the country but never returned. His mother is mentally ill. She remarried and had four more children. Ibrahim now stays with his grandmother who has no source of income and lives in total poverty. Ibrahim is healthy and would love to join school. Born: 2003.

Mama Mrina's prayer: 'That God may help him get someone who can help him and also provide for the family's needs.'

no picture

0000 Lightness Shayo

Her father went to look for work in another part of the country but never returned. His mother is mentally ill. She remarried and had four more children. She now stays with his grandmother who has no source of income and lives in total poverty. Lightness is in good health, and she is a big sister to Ibrahim Shayo. Born: 2001.

Mama Mrina's prayer: 'That this child would grow in the works of God.'

no picture

0000 Prosper Soi

Both of his parents are alive and he lives with his mother and two brothers. His father tried to provide for the family, but became frustrated when he could do nothing, so he left. Prosper's mother is a peasant farmer with no source of income. He is healthy. Born: 2004.

Teacher Jeni's prayer: 'I pray that God will touch his father's heart to return home and give that father a job to provide for his family; and also to give Prosper a good life.'

Strong leaders

A humble vision can change lives. When Mama Mrina recognized that, she put a plan in action to help the children of her village. Read more...

Adults’ stories

Histories of disease and abuse in their eyes, but poverty is the underlying factor in their stories. In some of these portraits is depression. In others, hope. Read more...

Aids in Tanzania

Statistics and surveys on knowledge and beliefs from Tanzania in 2006. Read more...

About Mwika Hope

Mama Mrina’s project of helping orphans and the most vulnerable children in her village began in 1996. She had no regular funding and relied on the generosity of neighbors and on food grown in the garden to feed and take care of the children. Jeni taught the youngest ones nursery class, which met in a wooden shed. In late 2007 after this website’s reporting was completed, funding from a church in Australia came and began the transformation of the project.

The Australians, via Imara Ministry Foundation in Arusha (www.missionoz.com), supported 90 of the neediest young children. They terraced a hillside plot that had been donated and started building a school, beginning with nursery class. Each year they will add a classroom until they have all of the primary school class levels. There is funding for Jeni and the other staff to have a salary. And Imara’s hiv/aids department is committed to continuing help for the infected children in the program.

After more than a decade of persisting, their prayers are being answered.

There are widows and widowers who are served by many of the same people who help the children staying at Mama Mrina’s. Some volunteers have taken a short course on hiv/aids home-based care. They bring encouragement, prayer, and basic  care to infected adults in the villages.

Mouse over the images above to read that child’s photo in the flash slideshow, or scroll down the page.