Housing
Shelter
In the rural villages of Tanzania, many people live in thatch-roofed huts with dirt floors. Especially during the rainy season, these huts are often damaged by strong winds and beating rain. They offer no solid protection and often families with 4 or more children are squashed into one room. LFO is building houses with two rooms and a bathroom covered by a real tin roof. The bricks used for all of the walls are made by a local group of men who started this business with seed money from Smiles of Hope.
A joyful family and staff celebrates a new home constructed in 2023.
A second house has been built and the family has moved in. A dedication was held April 8, 2024. Efforts from churches and individuals in upstate New York made this house possible.
Farming and Land
Thanks to recent donation from Smiles of Hope and an anonymous donor, 3 acres of land were purchased in 2023.
LFO has purchased 3 acres of land to farm with maize and beans. The harvest is passed out to villagers and to the Emmanuel King Primary School. They hope to purchase at least one more acre to provide more food for the community and sell to generate their own income. They are able to harvest twice a year.
New Programs for Women
On November 19. 2023, Living for Others held their first meeting with a group of widows and abandoned mothers. This is a pervasive challenge in the village given the cultural traditions. Pastor Anna is hoping to provide support that will give these women the skills and resources to become strong and independent. She is leading them in learning farming and business skills. This first group of women meets weekly as well as working in the field to produce their own food.
A New Office Building for Living for Others
Smiles of Hope has helped establish LFO’s office building.
Mission Statement: To build and strengthen sustainable individual family, institutional and community initiatives for better family and community through partnership at all levels.
