Promote Good Forest Governance at Community levels in Siha and Kisarawe Districts

Provision of Income, health food and medicine to HIV/AIDS Orphans and Vulnarable Children in Siha District-Kilimanjaro Region, Tanzania (2013)

2013

ENVIROCARE implemented a two-year project in Siha District, Kilimanjaro Region, aimed at improving the well-being and livelihoods of 300 HIV/AIDS orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) and supporting vulnerable families through access to nutritious food, health support, and sustainable income-generating opportunities.

The project combined immediate support for children with practical livelihood and agricultural activities designed to strengthen food security, health, skills, and

long-term community resilience.

What We Did

The project supported 300 OVCs across 10 primary schools, as well as 24 members of the Kyekima group, through a range of community-based initiatives.

Key interventions included:

Provision of nutritious food to vulnerable children
and families.

Distribution of chickens to 300 children, together
with basic poultry management skills.

Community awareness and engagement on the
needs and protection of orphans and vulnerable
children.

Establishment and support of vegetable gardens in 10
primary schools to improve access to nutritious food.

Support to Kyekima group members with
beekeeping and income-generating opportunities.

Collaboration with schools, local government authorities, teachers, community leaders, and other stakeholders to strengthen support for OVCs.

Introduction and management of stingless beekeeping for health, environmental conservation, and income generation.

Project Impact

The project contributed to improved access to nutritious food, health support, livelihood skills, and income opportunities for vulnerable children and families.

Approximately 2,592 kg of nutritional flour was distributed to 300 OVCs and 24 Kyekima group members. School vegetable gardens also produced approximately 4,800 kg of vegetables, helping improve children’s access to fresh food while reducing food-related costs for participating schools.

The beekeeping component generated both health and economic benefits. Honey was used for medicinal purposes and surplus honey was sold to support children’s school fees, uniforms, and other educational needs. The initiative also introduced children and communities to practical beekeeping and environmental conservation skills.

Each of the 300 participating children received two chickens, providing them with an opportunity to develop poultry-keeping skills and establish a small household livelihood activity.

The project also strengthened community commitment to supporting vulnerable children. Its public launch brought together approximately 500 participants, including government leaders, teachers, health professionals, religious leaders, community representatives, children, and other stakeholders, creating greater visibility and collective support for the needs of OVCs in Siha.

Lasting Contribution

Beyond providing immediate assistance, the project promoted skills, food security, environmental conservation, and household-level income generation, helping communities develop practical approaches to supporting vulnerable children beyond the project period.