U.S. Ambassador Presents Grants to Community-based Organizations

United States Ambassador Mark B. Childress addressing members of different community-based organizations at a ceremony held at the U.S. Embassy in Dar es Salaam, where he awarded grants to 14 organizations working to improve the lives of Tanzanians. The grants awarded will directly benefit more than 5,000 people in 12 regions across the country and will improve services and opportunities in water and sanitation, health, education and economic development.

United States Ambassador Mark B. Childress (in front) in a group photo with members of different community-based organizations at a ceremony held at the U.S. Embassy in Dar es Salaam, where he awarded grants to 14 organizations working to improve the lives of Tanzanians. The grants awarded will directly benefit more than 5,000 people in 12 regions across the country and will improve services and opportunities in water and sanitation, health, education and economic development. (Photo: U.S. Embassy).

On August 24, 2015 at a ceremony at the U.S. Embassy in Dar es Salaam, United States Ambassador Mark B. Childress awarded community grants to 14 organizations working to improve the lives of Tanzanians.  The grants awarded today will directly benefit more than 5,000 people in 12 regions across the country and will improve services and opportunities in water and sanitation, health, education and economic development.

These grants were awarded under the U. S. Embassy’s Community Grants Program, which provides direct assistance to small, community-based, improvement projects through the “Ambassador's Special Self-Help Fund” and the “Ambassador's Fund for HIV/AIDS Relief.”  

The Self-Help Fund provides direct assistance grants to Tanzanian community organizations for projects designed to benefit villages and urban communities, and the Fund for HIV/AIDS Relief provides assistance specifically for communities heavily impacted or vulnerable to HIV/AIDS.  

The Ambassador's Special Self-Help Fund was established during Mwalimu Julius Nyerere's first presidential term. For 50 years, these grants have helped community-based organizations in every region of Tanzania to improve the lives of local Tanzanians by building schools, providing access to clean water, utilizing solar energy and starting new commercial initiatives. The Ambassador's Fund for HIV/AIDS Relief started in 2009 and has provided grants to 69 community-groups in Tanzania. Both programs continue the strong tradition of U.S.-Tanzania citizen partnership.

Ambassador's Self-Help Fund Awards 2015:

Chama Cha Wazazi Wenye Watoto Walemavu Tabora (CHAWAWAWATA) will provide 5 ground nuts machines for 5 women's groups in Tabora region. 

Congregation of the Mission will build latrines for two primary schools in Ruvuma region.

Iyunga Centre for Disabled in Mbeya region will provide 23 sewing machines to train youth and persons living with disabilities. 

Jumuiya ya Maendeleo Jimbo la Ziwani (JUMAJZI) will use funds to finish the library and science lab of Kwale Mini Secondary School in Pemba.

Kangagani Secondary School in Pemba will use funds to complete the roof for 6 classrooms and two offices.

Karakana ya Walemavu Dodoma (KAWADO) will provide equipment and metal work materials for training 50 persons with disabilities in making wheel chairs in Dodoma region.

Mary Mother of God Perpetual Help Center will provide bunk beds, mattresses, sheets, pillows and linens for persons living with albinism and disabilities in Simiyu region.

Tumaini la Maisha Tanzania of Muhimbili Pediatric Oncology Ward, Dar es Salaam, will provide services of translating Parent/Caregiver hand book, maintenance and repairs to fire extinguishers and water filters, school books as well as a DVD player, computer and financial program for their finance department.

Sangananu Ukombozi Women Group in Usa River region, will purchase 3 sewing machines and supplies.

Shirika la Kujenga Uwezo kwa Jamii Mkoa wa Njombe (SHIKUJANJO) will provide laboratory equipment to Mabatini Secondary School in Njombe region.

Veyula Community Skills Development Organization will purchase tools and supplies to provide vocational skills to 100 youth in Dodoma region.

The Ambassador's Fund for HIV/AIDS Relief awards:

Jipe Moyo - Hunyari Positive will purchase 17 goats and build pens to improve access to healthy diet for PLWHA in Mara region.

Rural Women Development Initiative (RUWODI) will purchase 17 sewing machines, furnishings and supplies to provide PLWHA and OVC affected by HIV/AIDS to learn sewing trade in Coast region.

Evangelical Lutheran Church of Tanzania Bega kwa Bega (ELCT) and Saint Paul Partners Tz will provide solar power pump and two SIM tanks to the Lukani Dispensary in Iringa region.

The Ambassador’s Special Self-Help Fund and The Ambassador's Fund for HIV/AIDS Relief are part of the U.S. Embassy’s Community Grants Program. To learn more about the Community Grants Program, please visit the grants page on our U.S. Embassy website or contact the U.S. Embassy’s Community Grants Office at selfhelpd@state.gov or by mail at U.S. Embassy Dar es Salaam, P.O. Box 9123, Dar es Salaam.