New Developments at the Reception Home

The Reception Home in Dar es Salaam continues to be a place full of movement and growth. Over the past few months, much has happened in education, housing, and support for young people.

Currently, thirteen young adults live at the Reception Home while pursuing vocational or college courses. They grew up in the Children’s Village in Mkuranga and have now moved to the city to complete their training. Their studies range from hairdressing and electrical installation to administration, IT, and hotel management. One young man is about to finish his three-year program in Travel and Tourism - a milestone that will hopefully soon lead to employment. In addition, two new students will begin diploma programs in Social Work this November, a field that perfectly reflects Malaika Kids’ values.

Alongside these students, the Reception Home is also caring for four young children who were brought to us by the government in emergency situations. For three of them, efforts are underway to locate relatives and reunite them with family members. The fourth child, who has a severe disability, will remain in our care permanently and now attends a special needs school.

The Reception Home also plays a vital role in the Relatives Support Program, serving as the distribution center for twice-monthly food packages given to 120 children living with extended family. This ensures the team can regularly check each child’s health, school attendance, and general well-being.

Although the building is small and space is tight, we are currently able to accommodate all residents comfortably. However, planning for the future is essential: in the coming years, more young people from the Children’s Village will move to Dar es Salaam to continue their education. To prepare for this growth, we are exploring options for temporarily renting additional housing - an extra expense in both property and staffing, but also a clear sign of Malaika Kids’ ongoing commitment to investing in the future of its children.