MSAMARIA STREET KIDS CENTRE

MSAMARIA CENTER FOR STREET CHILDREN
Community Center Home – teaching and caring for children

General Information
Mission and Needs of the Partner Program
The Msamaria Center for street children is a philanthropic NGO providing support and care to street and orphaned children, families and communities. Msamaria was established by the group of scial workers in Oct 2007 and has temporary registration under the Department of Social Welfare. Msamaria has capacity to accomodate 50 children at a time, with ages ranging from 7-14 years, all males.

The objective of Msamaria is to be an outreach to run away, homeless or abandoned children, who lack abilities, resources or family support to reside in normal domestic situation. They strive to help children develop the skills needed to reintegrate into their community.

Volunteer Activities / Duties
 Working in small groups to teach English, reading, writing, math, basic hygiene and nutrition.
 Support the staff in fundraising initiatives.
 Help arrange recreational programs such as sports, drama, singing, dancing, etc
 For volunteers with significant counseling experience, there may be an opportunity to assist the local staff with family counseling.
 Organize projects and activities for the children, as well as sharing new ideas with the staff.
 Assist in daily chores and activities at the center (garden, animal projects, laundry, cooking, etc)
 Be a role model. Encourage and praise the children while also enforcing rules of good behavior.
 Spend time with the boys and give as much love as possible!

Goals of the Partner Program
Long-Term
Msamaria strives to provide food, shelter and care for vulnerable children. With the assistance of volunteers, the caretakers are able to provide more attention to each individual child.

Short-Term
Volunteers are expected to assist the caretakers in their existing daily routine, establishing a solid rapport with them as well as with the children. Fundraising is much needed, and the staff will be interested in sharing ideas.




Useful Supplies
• There are some supplies left over at the Home-Base for volunteers to use for arts and crafts activities (crayons, paints, paper, glue, etc.).
• As people will be very interested in learning about you and your life, please bring “Show and Tell” items, including photos of your family and things representative of your daily life.
• Please begin brainstorming ideas for recreational activities / games for the students.
• Special materials* are welcome, but not required. In the past, volunteers have found the following materials useful at this placement:
• Simple children’s materials (i.e. games, books, cards, board and table games, puzzles, etc.).
• Recreational materials (i.e. jump ropes, balls, Frisbees, bubbles, toys).
• Cassette tapes or CDs with basic English alphabets, word pronunciation and songs (there is a DVD player at the center)
• Magazines, brochures, and pieces of regalia in English to use as teaching tools.
• Puppets

* If you are not sure if some special materials or supplies are appropriate to bring with you in-country, please review CCS’ Gift Giving & Donations Policy (located in your Participant Handbook), or address your questions directly to your Program Manager.

Work Attire / Dress Code
• Skirts that cover your knees, loose capris (No shorts or jeans).
• Short sleeves or polo, knitted type of shirts (No thin-strapped/strapless tops).
• Sturdy sandals, tennis shoes or sneakers
• Clean clothing without stains, tears or pants that drag on the ground.
• Please be sure that most tattoos are covered.


Partner Program Staff
Name Position
Folkward Mapunda Founder


CCS Alumni who have volunteered at this placement (I encourage you to contact them with questions)



Things to Remember
• Keep a positive, open-mind.
• Interact with staff and students.
• Maintain a sense of humor.
• Be patient, flexible, friendly and respectful.
• Try to observe the routine as much as possible and refrain from taking pictures during your first week.
• Take initiative—Plan activities in advance and communicate your ideas or questions to the in-country staff.
• Remember the CCS Vision, Mission, and Values (located in your Participant Handbook and our website).