Education forms the foundation of development and growth for a society. Therefore, we support and initiate significant projects in the field of education for Mikumi.
The Child Support project was initiated in 2008 to provide the children of St. Kizito Hospital employees with the opportunity for a quality education, starting from primary school up to vocational training. A good education provides prospects for employment or entrepreneurship, enabling these children to break the cycle of poverty of their parents and grandparents. We support 140 to 150 children per year.
For the country itself, this is also a way to progress. Studies show that poverty alleviation based on good education also leads to significant improvements in health, such as:
Completing primary school reduces the risk of contracting AIDS by 75%.
Good education is a crucial factor in the use of contraception, hence population growth regulation.
Each year of primary school reduces the risk of premature birth by 10%.
St. Kizito Hospital provides quality healthcare but struggles financially. This poses a problem, particularly in paying staff salaries. The average Tanzanian needs about 80% of their salary for daily necessities such as food, clothing, etc. By sponsoring children’s education, employees feel more connected to the hospital, reducing staff turnover.
Families with children are visited annually by us. We see the children, discuss their school performance, and assist in choosing further education. Children with the capacity are supported to attend good schools or university.
A sponsor can make a one-time donation or choose to “adopt” a child. This means the sponsor commits to paying the school fees for a child for a number of years. Sponsors receive an annual newsletter about the child or family being sponsored.
Sponsorship funds go entirely towards the children’s education and are handed over personally to the parent upon presentation of a school fee receipt. One can sponsor a child starting from €60 per year. A better primary school costs €300 per year, and secondary school costs between €80 and €600 per year, depending on the school’s quality and whether boarding is necessary.
We are gradually transitioning to family budgets where one or more sponsors jointly sponsor a family, promoting equal opportunities for children within a family. Some parents are even returning to secondary school. They undertake evening classes to obtain the diploma required to start a nursing education.
In recent years, St. Kizito Hospital has experienced explosive growth. Expansions of departments and improvements in the quality of care, partly realized by Friends of Mikumi, have led to an influx of patients.
While everyone was pleased with this development, it also created a challenge in attracting qualified personnel. The location of Mikumi is not very favorable, offering few opportunities in the surrounding area, and the workload at St. Kizito Hospital is high.
In recent years, St. Kizito Hospital has experienced explosive growth. Expansions of departments and improvements in the quality of care, partly realized by Friends of Mikumi, have led to an influx of patients.
While everyone was pleased with this development, it also created a challenge in attracting qualified personnel. The location of Mikumi is not very favorable, offering few opportunities in the surrounding area, and the workload at St. Kizito Hospital is high.
By starting our own training program, we offer local residents the opportunity for employment in their own community. These local employees tend to stay connected to the hospital for longer periods. Moreover, having our own training program enhances the quality of care provided by the hospital.
Construction of the school began in 2020 and has recently been completed. All permits have been obtained, and the curriculum is ready. The first students will commence their studies at the school in September 2024. Surveys indicate exceptional interest in the programs offered.
In 2025, we hope to add a physiotherapy program. The groundwork has been laid.
Multiple times per year, medical specialists, nurses, midwives, and physiotherapists travel to Mikumi to assist the medical staff of St. Kizito. Together, they create and update protocols, perform more complex treatments, and provide training. These “on the job” trainings are highly valued.
Additionally, talented employees are encouraged to pursue further education. With the support of the foundation, doctors, nurses, laboratory technicians, and administrative staff have been trained in this manner.