Beyond their immediate need for food, clothes and medicines, we believe that it is only through education, practical training and the generation of income that we can help these children to create a sustainable life for them. Our main focus is on the following areas:
Primary education support
Primary school is free in Tanzania, but many orphans are unable to attend school because they can't afford the necessary uniforms and therefore feel stigmatised. By just providing the basic kit they need, we are making the difference between a vital education versus ignorance and social isolation.
Secondary School support
Africa has to educate its most able students if it is to generate lasting economic development for the future. Despite many of our registered orphans being in that category, none of them can afford secondary school which costs about £45 a year. So The Mango Tree helps as many of them to cover that cost as we can afford. Those orphans who gain good A level results can go forward to secure a university or college education. The Mango Tree supports them with student loans.
Vocational training and support
At the heart of the mission statement is the idea of helping orphans to become self reliant adults, and so The Mango Tree helps support practical training on skills that then make them employable. We deliberately picked catchment areas with local economies that could sustain more tailors, carpenters, tinsmiths, masons and the like. (do look at the 2012 Annual Report for details of the exciting project involving a new vocational training centre in Tanzania) By giving them those skills, and by helping them with equipment or small loans to get them started, we are making a more lasting and profound improvement to their lives.