Upendo Orphanage and Nursery School
Upendo Orphanage, located in Moshi and run by Catholic nuns, provides a loving home for children in need. With an average of 45 children, the orphanage cares for infants up to 7 years old.
Since 2008, Tanzania Volunteers Company has been sending interns and volunteers to support the children and staff at Upendo.
Why Children Are Brought to Upendo
Children arrive at the orphanage for many reasons, including:
– The mother passed away during childbirth, and the relatives are unable to care for the baby.
-The mother suffers from mental health problems.
-The mother abandoned the child after delivery due to mental health or other reasons.
Relatives may request to take the children back once they are over 2 years old.
Some children at Upendo are handicapped and require special care, where volunteers play an important role in providing support.
Upendo also runs a nursery school for the children
The orphanage relies almost entirely on private donations and supporters. To sustain itself, it also maintains a farm with pigs, cows, and chickens, which provides food and generates income for the children’s care.
Daily Life at Upendo
A typical day starts around 9:00 AM and ends when the children nap around 1:00 PM. Volunteers and interns can return in the afternoon once the children wake up.
Daily activities include:
– Playing with the children
– Feeding them
– Changing diapers and clothes
– Supporting nursery school lessons
Volunteer & Internship Opportunities
Upendo welcomes:
– Social work students
– Early childhood education students
– General volunteers
Volunteers help with both childcare and educational activities, making a real difference in the lives of the children.
Dress Code
Interns and volunteers may wear their own clothes, but:
– Shoulders, stomach, and knees must be covered at all times
– Skirts or trousers should extend below the knee
– T-shirts are acceptable
At Upendo, your time and care give children the love, stability, and learning opportunities they need for a brighter future.
