ABOUT THE TUNAHAKI CENTRE FOR CHILD DEVELOPMENT

The TunaHAKI Centre for Child Development, located at the foot of Mt. Kilimanjaro in Moshi, Tanzania, was founded in 1998 by former cultural affairs officer David Ryatula and his wife Mary (“Mama Baraka”).

David, who had trained in dance and acrobatics in college, began teaching some of the local orphans and street kids acrobatics, and ended up providing a safe haven for them in their home. He and Mary have spent the last decade dedicating themselves to providing a better future for dozens of children whose lives have been devastated by poverty, AIDS, abuse and abandonment. The Centre has no religious, political or racial affiliation – its sole aim is to improve the welfare of vulnerable children, whatever their background. TunaHAKI provides housing, food, school fees and basic medical care, and so much more.

Perhaps the most dynamic and unique feature of the Centre is its focus on the performing arts, including aerials, acrobatics, gymnastics and drumming. The self-esteem, confidence, cooperation skills, and sense of family garnered from working together empower these abandoned children and give them a sense of home.

Although the children at TunaHAKI have remarkable talent and spirit, they make do with few material goods and are currently living in very sparse conditions – multiple children sleep in shared beds or mattresses on the floor; cooking is done over an open fire pit; there is limited space to play.

But in an exciting new development, TunaHAKI is currently in the process of designing and building Africa’s first eco-friendly and sustainable living facility. The new centre, designed by the esteemed global group Architects for Humanity, will be much more than an orphanage; it will include improved living quarters, kitchen facilities, a self-sustaining garden, a theatre and housing for volunteers.

You can make a difference. Help these children help themselves by donating here.

ABOUT THE TUNAHAKI CANADA FOUNDATION

The TunaHAKI Canada Foundation is a non-profit collective giving fund administered by the Tides Canada Foundation, a Canadian charitable foundation which provides donor services for small grassroots charities.

All of the funds donated to TunaHAKI Canada go to the TunaHAKI Centre for Child Development in Tanzania, and are eligible for tax receipts through Tides Canada.

Our Story

In December 2007, Toronto couple Rob and Leora and their two teenaged daughters traveled to Tanzania on a family trip to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro. As part of their journey, they were determined to “give back” in a meaningful way.

They learned about TunaHAKI through word of mouth and decided that this small but unique centre in Moshi was the perfect place to spend five days volunteering.

Before arriving, they raised money and clothing, school supplies and toys.

They were nervous about how they would be perceived – was this just a “feel good” project for privileged North Americans? But they were greeted by David and the children with open arms and welcoming smiles. Rob, a dentist, gave the children their first ever dental checkups, and taught them basic dental hygiene. Leora read stories and played charades. Jaime and Lauren played guitar, sang and danced and led arts and crafts activities.

They returned from Tanzania inspired by the warmth and spirit of the TunaHAKI kids, and determined to continue to make a difference. They joined together with five friends to create the TunaHAKI Canada Foundation.

We do not receive salaries for our efforts in support of the TunaHAKI Canada Foundation. All monies directed to TunaHAKI Canada are forwarded to the TunaHAKI Centre for Child Development in Tanzania, or used to cover the costs related to staging fundraising events such as the TunaHAKI Beach Volleyball Party. Our goal is to raise funds and awareness to help support this remarkable Centre.

If you would like to learn more about the TunaHAKI Canada Foundation, please feel free to contact us.