Madison Zurcher, Grants Manager and Impact Curator at African Road, joined the February working trip to East Africa. Here, she shares her experience at New Hope for Girls in Tanzania.
______________________________________________
‘Karibu’ ‘Karibu’ ‘Karibu’ (you are welcome)
Each girl offered hugs and this warm greeting as we walked toward the New Hope for Girls house. Even though it was the mid-morning on a weekday, the house was already buzzing with activity, as a few of the older girls who were home joyfully went about their tasks and preparations.
During African Road’s February working trip to East Africa, I had the opportunity to visit Tanzania for the first time. African Road Changemaker partners, Consoler and Eliya Wilbert, are two incredible humans who open their hearts to make a home for 50+ vulnerable girls. After hearing of their work for many years and meeting them in 2021, it was a privilege and joy to spend a day with the New Hope for Girls family in Dar es Salaam.
Being one of three daughters myself, I had attempted to envision what a bustling household of 50+ girls might be like. My imagination fell short. After spending a day there, I would describe New Hope for Girls as a vibrant, love-filled, and flourishing hive. The queen bee, Mama Consoler, sets the tone of love, peace, and care that is shared with each of the girls and cultivated amongst each other.
Everyone has important roles to play in the functioning of the household, and in the structure of the family. The older girls each take responsibility for some of the younger girls, making sure their laundry is done and they are clean and groomed for school. The result of this hard work, community, and teamwork is the sweet outpouring of love and belonging that the household creates and enjoys together. For girls who were once orphaned, abused, or neglected, this family is the safety needed to nurture hope and confidence in anyone who walks through the door.
Pili pili sauce production.
Checking the temperature for homemade yogurt.
Shortly after we arrived, three girls in chef hats, aprons, masks, and gloves began the production of pili pili sauce (pepper/hot sauce) at a table in the living room. The ingredients were carefully measured and combined together in a massive bowl, which was then blended in batches, and poured into plastic bottles. Next, they shifted outside for the yogurt production, taking turns monitoring a bubbling pot of milk on a charcoal fire. Pili pili sauce, as well as ‘drinking yogurt’, are businesses the family operates to produce income and develop the skills of the older girls. They have a loyal customer base that enjoys their products, and the opportunity to support their important work.
Meanwhile, we wandered around to observe the other activities humming along outside. In the outdoor kitchen, Mama Maggie ‘Eliza’, the dedicated and energetic household cook, was preparing the family dinner for the evening with the help of several girls. Multiple charcoal stoves held sizzling pots of veggies, meats, and spices. What a task to cook for so many people, and what joy Mama Maggie brings to the job!
Back in the house, there was a steady flow of girls arriving home from school. Each one found and greeted Mama Consoler, who welcomed them home and asked about their day. A group of five younger girls in elementary school came in the door in their red and yellow uniforms. After greeting Mama Consoler, who was practicing a simple melody on her
piano just inside the doorway, they gathered their heads together in a circle in the living room. With arms held tightly around each other, they whispered a message of gratitude, prayer, and affirmation, chanting, ‘You are loved. You are welcome here. Welcome home.’ They then plopped down on the floor and pulled out their homework, quietly working on their lessons. One of the older girls joined them, helping them with their work.
As the sun ducked below the neighboring houses, everyone started to congregate at the large semi-circle of chairs and tables set up outside. Music blared from the speakers and there was laughter and chatter as the family sat down together for dinner. The food that many worked hard to prepare throughout the day was a generous feast. There was a program that Consoler and some of the older girls had prepared, with a welcome message, introductions, prayer, dinner, and, of course, dancing. The small dance group was very talented and well-rehearsed, and the audience enthusiastically cheered them on. As the dancing continued, I was surprised to be called up to join them. The girls graciously taught me some moves, and soon the whole audience flooded the dance floor for a big group dance. Our working trip team stumbled along as best we could, but it was fun to laugh, dance, and be part of it all.
A highlight of my time at New Hope for Girls was connecting with some of the young women who, with African Road’s support, are enrolled in university and vocational training programs. Being close in age to some of them, it was special to meet them and hear parts of their stories.
I loved seeing their personalities shine through as they interacted with their sisters. Getting to meet Mary, who has a bold personality and knows how to make the whole family laugh, and wants a career in film production. Verdiana, who graduated from university in the fall and dreams of getting her Masters degree to be a social worker that helps kids.
Josephine, who Consoler told me did not enjoy school, finally found her skill and passion align through learning electrical installation. And Nuru, Consoler’s right-hand support, whose desire is to stay with the family and continue helping the household to function smoothly.
Consoler and Eliya generously welcome girls of all ages and circumstances into their home, family, and hearts. This ethos of belonging and care that Consoler and Eliya model, is emulated by the whole household and offered abundantly to others. We were welcomed with warm smiles and open arms, and it was a delight to feel the genuine joy and love in every interaction that overflows from the belonging and care the family creates together.
‘Karibu’ ‘Karibu’ ‘Karibu’ (you are welcome)
‘Asante Sana’ (thank you very much).