The Olive Branch for Children
Huduma ya afya
TOBFC inashirikiana na serikali za mitaa na wilaya kuleta elimu bora, kwa watoto wa jamii za vijijini.
TOBFC imeanzisha Shule 30 za chekechea mfumo wa Montessori (kila moja "Darasa la Casa") na imekamilisha ujenzi wa majengo 17 ya shule ya Montessori, kwa ajili ya watoto ambao vinginevyo hawangekuwa na elimu "rasmi". Zaidi ya watoto 2,000 kwa sasa wameandikishwa katika Shule ya Chekechea ya Montessori katika shule hizi. Tunazipatia shule zetu kila mwaka nyenzo mpya kwa ajili ya Madarasa yao ya Casa na mafunzo ya kitaalam kwa Watanzania wanaofundisha katika shule hizi. Aidha, TOBFC inatekeleza mpango wa afya kwa watoto waliosajiliwa shuleni ikiwa ni pamoja na unawaji mikono, dawa za minyoo na kampeni za kuzuia mapunye.
Mpango wetu wa Montessori ni wa kipekee kwani unashirikiana na kila jamii ili kukuza uwekezaji na usaidizi wa jamii, na kuhakikisha mafanikio yake. Ili kuwa na shule iliyojengwa katika jamii yao, viongozi wa jamii lazima wafike TOBFC na kutuma ombi la mpango wa Montessori. Jamii lazima itoe muundo wa awali na/au ardhi ambapo TOBFC inaweza kujenga shule. Hilo likishaanzishwa, jamii inawajibika kuweka pamoja kamati ya shule kutoka kwa washiriki. Kamati hiyo inamchagua mwalimu na kuamua ni mchango gani wa jamii kwa ajili ya mshahara wa mwalimu (1000-3000TSH/kwa kila familia). Aidha, jamii huchangia katika ujenzi wa shule, kama vile kushiriki katika ujenzi au kufanya kazi ili kutoa vifaa vya ujenzi. TOBFC inagharamia gharama zingine zote za ziada zinazohusiana na shule, ikijumuisha posho kwa mwalimu, fanicha na vifaa vya kujifunzia vya Madarasa ya Casa.
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community beekeeping groups​​
Groups that approach TOBFC to receive support through the Sustainable Beekeeping program fit into three different categories. These include:
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vulnerable women, disabled and older adults and some youth,
all with no beekeeping experience -
beekeepers with some experience using traditional local practices
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experienced beekeepers that require minimal support
The program support is tiered to match the level of assistance each group requires.
Examples of people in the first category include single mothers, older women caring for their grandchildren, women with no farmland, and youth with no farmland who have not finished secondary school. These groups receive the most training and support from our TOBFC staff apiarist. Each group receives a complete beekeeping kit that includes a bee suit, large protective boots, gloves, cleaning and opening tools for the hives, and a smoker. They are also provided with beehives. They learn how to care for bees and harvest honey and wax from the beehives.
Groups that follow local practices usually require some beekeeping supplies but not a full kit. Our TOBFC apiarist assists groups in this second category, including formally registering with the government as an income-generating group as required by law.
Beekeeping groups in the third category usually have most of the equipment they require but TOBFC will supplement any missing elements. These beekeepers have formally registered with the government in most cases.
education, support, and connections
All beekeeping groups learn about marketing, environmental issues, basic financial literacy, efficient business techniques, and savings and household financial management. This ensures that all participants receive the necessary skills training to support their success.
Our staff apiarist provides ongoing support to the participating groups. This includes assistance to harvest all of the beehives. TOBFC also helps the groups connect to markets to sell their honey. TOBFC is hoping to purchase equipment in 2025 to grade the honey produced through this program, which will enhance the value of the production. Currently, TOBFC is working with the District Bee Specialist on establishing a beekeepers’ association.
By joining our Sustainable Beekeeping program, groups interested in or already practising beekeeping receive formalized expert assistance in ethical beekeeping practises that support long-term success. They also connect with a thriving community where they benefit from shared experiences and an active support network.
As a key part of our Climate Care initiatives, our Sustainable Beekeeping program provides targeted climate action while addressing gender equity, support for vulnerable women, and income security.
