Children in the orphanage

The Boona-Baana Center for Children’s Rights is a small, grass-roots organization located in Dar es Salaam Tanzania. Our aim is to create a series of local, sustainable projects which will assist vulnerable children.

This page shows the children in "The Green Door Home"

		Jackson (1993) Nov 2008 update: Jackson has completed primary school and moved in with extended family. Jackson is an orphan---his mother and father died several years ago of unknown causes but it is likely that their deaths were HIV/AIDS related. Jackson has since lived with various relatives who have, because of poverty and lack of education, neglected him. Jackson's family approached us and asked to admit him to the Green Door Home because they were unable to care for him. When he was 10 years old, Jackson was only in kindergarten where he was learning basic tasks such as ABC's and how to tie his shoes. Despite his developmental delays, Jackson is cheerful, honest and intelligent. Today Jackson is in class 7 and preparing to write his Tanzanian National examinations later this year. View al pictures with Jackson
		Linus (1993) Linus is an orphan who was raised by his uncle following the death of his parents. At age 10, he made the decision to leave an unsafe home situation and come to Dar es Salaam. He has been a resident of the Green Door Home since October 2003. Linus is a very ambitious child who is active in the music community. He has become outspoken about current issues facing Tanzanian teens. His leadership skills and strong work ethic are also evident at school. Later this year, he will write the Tanzanian National examinations in preparation for his high school placement. He is a strong student and it is likely that his education will continue to a post-secondary level. View all pictures with linus
		Issac (1995) Following the death of his parents, Issac was taken in by his aunt, but the family was very poor and domestic violence was common. In December 2003, he moved to the Green Door Home. Although his relatives live in the same city, they rarely have contact with him. Issac has adjusted to living in the children's home and is friends with the other residents. Schoolwork continues to be a struggle for him, as it takes him a long time to finish his work and he has difficulty retaining information. Issac persists at trying new things and he has artistic talent in colouring and drawing. View all pictures with Issac
		Amina (1996) Amina is an orphan without any identifiable family members. She joined the Green Door Home in 2004 after living in the Kurasini Orphanage, which houses over 100 children. Her strong character and concern with fairness can sometimes result in conflict with others. Over the past year her interpersonal skills have improved. She is getting along better with the other children and assisting with chores and childcare. Her fun and creative side comes through when she is dancing, painting, or storytelling. View all pictures with Amina
		Issackwisa (1996) Issackwisa is an orphan without any identifiable family members. Prior to moving to the Green Door Home in 2004, he lived at the Kurasini Orphanage with 100+ children. A series of untreated ear infections resulted in profound hearing loss. As a result, it was difficult for him to fully communicate in Swahili and to learn English. In December 2006, Issackwisa returned from successful ear surgery in India; his hearing having been restored to 90% in one ear and 40% in the other. This has greatly improved his quality of life. In addition to his improved communication in both languages, he can join the other children in swimming activities while wearing special earplugs. During his free time you may find Issackwisa playing football, sharing his latest dance moves, or creating artwork. View all pictures with issackwisa
		Erick (1997) One of the most pressing dilemmas facing Tanzanian families today is affordable access to quality health care. The Akida family faced such a situation when their seven-year-old son, Erick, was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2004. With no money to pay for a life saving operation and facing an inadequate medical system, the family was forced to seek private assistance in raising funds to send Erick abroad for emergency treatment. In response, the Boona-Baana Center established a medical trust fund for Erick and donated US$1,500 towards his medical expenses. Today Erick is a healthy boy attending community school. Although he requires extra help to keep up with his schoolwork, he is a very social and creative child who participates well in school activities. Erick is not an orphan, however he lives at the Green Door Home with the other children, as he is the son of our housemother, Jenifa. View all pictures with Erick
		Mandara (1997) Mandara has been a resident of the Green Door Home since May 2004. Following the death of his parents, he lived in Musoma with his grandmother and sisters. However, there were too many children in the household to be adequately cared for and as a result he came to the Green Door Home with his younger sister, Eliza. Mandara often needs encouragement to complete tasks that he thinks are too hard, whether it is schoolwork or art projects. Over time, his confidence is growing. Like all the boys in the house, he enjoys playing football or card games. View all pictures with Mandara
		Samwel (1998) After being abandoned as a toddler, Samwel lived in the Kurasini Orphanage until January 2004 when he became a resident of the Green Door Home. Currently in class 3, he needs extra help at school to keep up with his work. Samwel's gentle nature and playful spirit make him a joy to be around. He is eager to try new things and enjoys playing football, reading, playing board games or cards, and doing artwork. Quiet moments may be spent cuddling the house cats. View all pictures with Samwel
		Malinga (1999) Nov 2008 update: Malinga is now living in Canada. At age 6, Malinga was abandoned at a local bus depot by a relative and eventually taken to the social welfare office. It was a lucky coincidence that Brooke stopped by the office the same day; his future has been forever changed and rather than going to a large institution he became a resident of the Green Door Home. His transition to the home was challenging and he often fought with the other children. Today he is an amusing and playful little boy. His love for football is evident; he is often seen wearing only one shoe, on his kicking foot, when involved in a football match. He is also fearless when it comes to playing in the ocean. View all pictures with Malinga
		Eliza (2001) Eliza used to live in Musoma, in northern Tanzania, with her grandmother and older sisters following the death of her parents; her mother having died when Eliza was only 2 months old. She and her older brother, Mandara, joined the Green Door Home in May 2004. Eliza is a charming child who often becomes a leader amongst her peers. Whether it's imaginary play, dancing, drama, or artwork, she will be an active participant. View all pictures with Eliza
		Shabani (2004) Shabani arrived at the Green Door Home in August 2008. His mother was only 14 years old when he was born.  As she is an orphan, her aunt was raising her.  A few months ago, the aunt threw her and Shabani out of the house for reasons unknown.  Shabani's mother simply could not cope with him and took him to the man that she claims is his biological father.  The boy was left with him and the mother ran away..  This man claims that he is not Shabani's father and that he has no money to care for Shabani. As a result, Shabani was brought to the Green Door Home.  Although we have a family who would love to adopt him, the adoption cannot proceed until we find his mother and ascertain what her intentions are and whether or not she agrees to him being adopted. View all pictures with shebani