Tanzania’s orphaned and street children populations have seen a steady increase since the early 1990s. Across the country, residential care centers continue to take in children, who often take to the streets after being physically abused or emotionally disturbed. Many of the children in these homes do not regularly attend public schooling, so one YES alumna decided to bring education to them.

Anna Michael (YES Alumna 2013-2014, Tanzania, hosted in Des Moines, IA by IRIS) organized a one day event for children and young adults in the Umra Orphanage Center in Magomeni, Dar es Salaam to talk about gender issues and healthy relationships. The project was created after Anna realized the children at Umra Orphanage weren’t getting exposure to these topics.

“At the center, teenagers are not attending any formal type of education, so they lack structure and guidance from adults,” Anna said. “This project was created to help teen’s open their eyes to who they are and what they need in relationships at their age.”

There were five objectives for those in attendance, which included self-awareness, problem solving, decision making, friendships and goal setting. With more than 55 million orphaned and homeless children in sub-Saharan Africa, many do not have exposure to a social support system or stable living conditions. This event was created to give the children that support they need.

Anna pulled from her own experiences as a YES student to educate the children on how they can help make change happen in there communities.

“I was a shy teenager. If there was ever a need for something to be done, I wouldn’t stand up to help,” Anna said. “When I was in the United States I learned what it meant to take risks, but also what it meant to be responsible and a leader in my community. Now, I want to be the change rather than the person waiting for it.”

The project allowed children to ask questions and helped inform them on what to do in bad situations such as arguments or physical altercations. Some of those in attendance felt comfortable enough to share what they’ve learned from more personal experiences, such as substance abuse or unsafe sex.

Anna said the day was a success and she plans on doing more projects in other care centers. Some topics she wants to cover next are personal hygiene and the importance of handwashing.

“I plan to also visit primary schools because I see a need for more awareness on handwashing,” Anna said. “If an epidemic were to break out, students would be a large population of those affected, and I want them to be ready.”