Disrupted by lockdowns and global health concerns, Meazy was unable to make a planned 2020 trip to East Africa to connect with Changemakers in person. This past summer, Meazy finally had the opportunity to spend six weeks in Tanzania with African Road Changemakers Consoler and Eliya Wilbert, and their New Hope for Girls family.
Meazy shares her experiences and reflections from New Hope for Girls in this guest blog.
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I was lucky to spend six weeks in the home of New Hope for Girls in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Over that time, New Hope for Girls taught me a new definition of family. A family of 60+ girls and young women, who have been marginalized by society, now loved and cared for by founder and mama Consoler Wilbert and dad Eliya Wilbert.
New Hope for Girls exists as a result of Consoler’s childhood experiences, and her passion, drive, and desire to see women become empowered and independent. Together, Consoler and Eliya work to see the girls as they grow, become women who are equipped to support themselves, each other, and other women in Tanzania and beyond.
During my time with this remarkable family, I learned that love is the language spoken and laughter is the medicine used to heal all hearts. Joy is discovered in each child and they are a special and unique puzzle piece created to fit perfectly into this family. Consoler and Eliya have made it their purpose to ensure each child understands their identity, worth, purpose, passions, and potential.
It is clear that to the children of New Hope for Girls, Consoler is the most considerate human, extremely kind and forgiving. Her children describe her as a mama with a golden heart. It is Consoler’s life goal to make sure the children know and understand that anything is possible, that they have bright futures ahead of them. The children know that Consoler and Eliya will always have their backs, they are their rocks and are always cheering for them to succeed.
My experience and what I’ve learned
A few days into my time in Tanzania, I discovered that each child in the New Hope for Girls household has a role to play, and they do it with a smile on their faces and joy in their hearts. The family keeps a daily routine of early wake-up, exercise, chores, and breakfast together. When school is in session, things look a little different simply because of everyone’s schedule, due to each girl’s level of education; however, getting up early remains the same throughout the year. Some of the girls are in university, others are in boarding schools, a few are home on breaks, and a handful are learning from home with Consoler as their teacher. Consoler and Eliya also have ‘kids’ who are married and out of the house, but are always welcome to come and visit any time.
Their current home and their dream for a forever new home
On my arrival, the girls welcomed me by saying “Welcome to the house of noise” which is 100% true. I loved those six weeks of constant noise, laughter, and conversations. The family is tight-knit and they look out for one another. They share a house that has one living room, a small kitchen, three bedrooms, and two bathrooms. The living room often serves as their space for classes, dining room, guest sitting space, and a fourth bedroom. The girls have mattresses they stack up in the hallway during the day and place throughout the house during the night. About 3-4 kids share a mattress, depending on the size.
During my six weeks in the home with the girls, Consoler dreamed with me about the future. She said the biggest need for New Hope for Girls is a bigger space, a larger home. Consoler dreams about the day that her children can each have their own mattress to sleep on. She longs for a home that has enough space where the children won’t have to stack up their mattresses anymore, a house where the living room is a living room, not a kitchen, classroom, bedroom, or anything else. A place where the children have closets and space for clothes and their books. A space where her children don’t feel cramped and claustrophobic.
Even in this snug space, the home of New Hope for Girls is a place of entertainment, joy, and hope. To live with them is to laugh with them. Their home is such a safe and welcoming space. I loved watching the children interact with Consoler and Eliya. The eyes of the children light up every time they see their foster mom and dad.
When I first arrived at their home, I found a note on my bed that read “Upendo ndiyo lugha yetu” which means “love is our language,” in Swahili. This is the truth of this amazing family.
I found my forever Tanzanian family, and to say I’m grateful is an understatement.