Empowering Communities Through Faith and Sustainable Development
The Society of Mangalore Africa Mission is dedicated to transforming lives through faith-driven service and community development. Its key initiatives focus on spiritual growth, education, and sustainable agriculture, addressing both individual and societal needs. Through partnerships with local communities and organizations, the Society fosters empowerment, self-reliance, and lasting impact.
Transforming Lives Through Faith and Community Development
The Society of Mangalore Africa Mission runs Mary Immaculate Conception Parish - Kifaru, St. Joseph Boys' Science Secondary School, Ruppert Children's Home, St. Joseph Sustainable Organic Farm, and other community initiatives. These projects focus on spiritual growth, quality STEM education, care for vulnerable children, and promoting sustainable agriculture through training in regenerative practices for food security and environmental conservation. In collaboration with religious groups, local communities, and partners like the Furaha Women's Group, the Society also supports healthcare, vocational training, and women’s empowerment. Through these efforts, the Society uplifts communities by fostering faith, self-reliance, and sustainable development.
HEALTH-CARE MISSION
The mission currently supplies a three day government recommended medication for Malaria as well as other medications to villagers and students. Other than the various medications provided by the mission, the local population is also educated on health, hygiene and sanitation through training programs. The following are various methods in which the mission is helping the local population access health care.
Eye Care program
With the help of Lions Club Moshi and other donors, SMAM organizes annual Eye Checkup camps at St. Joseph School for villagers. They offer assistance and medical support, including treatment and eyeglasses, to those in need. SMAM's commitment extends beyond the camp, providing continued medical support to ensure villagers receive comprehensive care and maintain their eye health year-round.
Health checkup Camp
From the inception of mission it has been primary goal to meet the health needs of people around. Every year SMAM organizes health checkup programs for the people of Kifaru and surrounding 9 villages. During these camps medications are dispensed by qualified professionals to the poor villagers, after the camp Local villagers are able to access good medical facilities at good hospitals.
Health insurance drive
SMAM, along with local healthcare officers and Kifaru parish youth, surveyed 9 villages to assess health needs. They ensured everyone accessed the Govt. medical insurance via the health card scheme, enabling affordable medical assistance in both Government and private hospitals. This initiative has greatly benefited the community by providing crucial healthcare services at reasonable costs.
Medical Aid
With support from well-wishers and donors, SMAM raised funds for the medical aid program for parishioners and villagers. Each year, the SMAM Medical Aid Program helps over 20 people receive treatment at local and district hospitals. This initiative has significantly improved access to medical assistance for those in need.
Sanitary Pad distribution:
With the support of DONBOSCO Tanzania and Stockholm Diocese Sweden, SMAM launched a free reusable sanitary pads program. Over 1,000 girls from various government secondary schools in Mwanga and Same districts have benefited from this initiative, ensuring better menstrual health and hygiene.
COVID19 Awareness
In 2020, with support from Stockholm Diocese Sweden and well-wishers, SMAM conducted over 20 COVID-19 awareness programs in Mwanga. They distributed more than 10,000 face masks and over 5,000 hand sanitizer units. The campaign was highly successful, earning SMAM recognition from the District Government for their noble efforts.
SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT MISSION
The socio-economic conditions of the mission area are very poor. Most of the people are dependent on agriculture for their livelihood. However, the soil conditions in certain areas of this district are not very favorable due to high Ph level & lack of sufficient water resources for conventional cultivation. The rainfall during the monsoon season is irregular. In order to improve the livelihood of the population, the mission has undertaken several activities located below:
Chem-Chemi”
"Chem-chemi," meaning "spring" in Kiswahili, is a cooperative saving system offering loans at lower rates than banks' 18% annual interest. Members pool savings to help each other, organize group meetings to address social issues, and benefit from agricultural and livestock training. An example includes members starting a poultry farm with a 3% interest loan. Currently, there is one Self Help Group with 22 members.
Sun shine
Only 32.8% of Tanzanians are connected to the National Grid, leaving many in darkness. This affects schools, hospitals, and businesses. The mission supplies solar lights to remote villages, distributing 3,000 solar lights at a subsidized price of 20,000 Tanzanian Shillings (9 USD) each, through substation and organization leaders in different parishes of the diocese.
Houses for the poor
More than half of the population lives in poor housing conditions exposed to strong winds, rain, and sunlight. Efforts to build homes for those in uninhabitable conditions have resulted in the construction of seven houses, each valued at 7.6 million Tanzanian Shillings (USD 3,300). This initiative aims to improve the living conditions for the poor
Devine Mercy Drinking Water
In 2018, SMAM launched the Divine Mercy Drinking Water program, providing nearly 200 families near Kifaru parish and St. Joseph School with clean drinking water. Families fetch water twice daily, significantly improving their access to safe water. This successful initiative has enhanced the quality of life for the local community.
