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Relatives Support Programme

In Tanzanian culture, family ties are much stronger than in many western countries. Income and possessions of the family are often shared with the wider family so that everyone can survive. It’s always been the custom that children, who have lost their parents, are cared for by the family. Usually by uncles and aunts, but also by grandparents. Nowadays many more children have to fend for themselves on the street. This happens because they have lost all living relatives, or the family is scared the children are infected with HIV/Aids or sometimes because they cannot cope financially.

The Policy of Malaika Kids

We are convinced that growing up within the wider family offers the best future for an orphan in Tanzania. That’s why it’s the policy of Malaika Kids to place as many children as possible with their relatives. This also fits in best with the longstanding culture of the country. In order to provide a structured support service we have started the Relatives Support Programme.

View the movie about the Relatives Support Program

Growing up within the family is also in line with the Millennium objectives and the principles of UNICEF.

In practice

In Tanzania, a government organisation is responsible for registering and placing orphaned children. As soon as a child is placed in our care, we spend up to two years looking for relatives of the child. If we succeed, the family situation is assessed. Hopefully, with the help of Malaika Kids, the child can grow up within this wider family. We will provide long term material help if necessary. A mediator will regularly visit the child and the family to check on the situation.

Results

Not only is it important that the child can grow up within its own family, but the costs per child are approximately half the costs of taking them into care. In this way we can help more children.