Arusha, TANZANIA – School children in a remote village in Northern Tanzania had a “wonderful” Christmas thanks to an effort of a former Cornwall area resident.
Close to 50 children received special care food packages.
Alison Fraser, a former Cornwall area resident, said food packages were delivered to children’s families.
Food basics included flour, sugar, rice, soap, cooking oil and other items.
“If we get a deal, we try to include beans in care packages,” added Fraser. “The supply lasts an average family one to two months.
Fraser, an environmental toxicologist, now living in Cambridge, On, is the founder and director of Mom2Momafrica, the not for profit organization supporting education of children and young women in Tanzania.
Food is purchased at a local market and then hand delivered.
“We have been doing this for a long time.”
What started as a small project sending three children to school in Arusha just a few years ago is now a fully fledged Canadian organization which has nearly 100 students in primary schools, one in secondary school and two in a college.
“Tanzanians may not have as much as we do financially, but their spirit and sense of community puts Canadians to shame.”
Fraser’s first trip to Arusha was in 2013.
This is when the Christmas food package project was started.
This year, Mom2Mom collected $1,750 through various fundraising projects.
Children in Tanzania are always on a survival mood, Fraser said, adding many Tanzanians live below poverty level.
She said people of all religions celebrate Christmas together.
”This was a perfect Christmas story of celebrations, community and the tradition of giving.”
Fraser tries to visit the projects at regular intervals.
Arusha was chosen because they had local persons on the ground willing to participate.
“We are a real grassroots organization.”
Mom2Mom also pays for uniforms, books and medical emergencies.
The African project has been growing rapidly.
“We are careful to remain a grassroots organization.”
