Chalice has been serving children and seniors in Tanzania since 1998 in two sites in rural communities.
The average rural Tanzanian family is quite large, and parents often struggle to afford school fees for all of their children. Children are at high risk of dropping out, which increases high rates of unemployment and out-migration of men to urban mining centres. Women are left to run their smallholder farms for food and livelihood; they have no access to modern techniques and information, and yields are poor. As a result, more nutritious foods are prioritized to sell for profit and nutrient-poor foods (eg cassava) are kept for families to eat. Malnourishment and stunting is endemic among the children.
Nutrition & Agriculture - Our partners implement school feeding programs to ensure that children have a balanced and nutritious meal daily. They also work with parents so that they can become more agriculturally productive with their available local resources and improve their agri-businesses.
Skills Development & Retention - Capacity-building with youth and adults to increase the local workforce of skilled and educated workers and decrease rates of unemployment and the tide of out-migration.
Mbinga - Chalice partnered with the Vincentian Fathers from India in one of the most remote parishes of Mbinga Diocese in 1998. Fr. Binoy Puthussery oversees the sponsorship program for both children and seniors in eight locations across the southwestern region.
Neema - Chalice partnered with the Sisters of Visitation Congregation of Alleppey of India in the remote district of Songea in 1998. Sr. Mary Grace Jacob directs the child sponsorship program through the Neema Visitation Orphanage for Girls, as well as a school, healthcare centre, and maternity clinic.