Dar es Salaam, May 10, 2025 — There are days in life that leave a mark. For over 200 children from 10 registered children's homes across Temeke, this past Saturday was one of those days.

Together with Ustawi wa Jamii Temeke and Marzia Golden Manor, children, caretakers, ustawi officers, and guests gathered for a joyful, educational outing to the Dar es Salaam Zoo in Kigamboni — a day titled:

"Furaha ya Watoto ni Jukumu Letu"
(The Happiness of Children is Our Responsibility)

It was more than a field trip. It was a message to every child: You are seen. You belong. And you matter.

The Journey Begins

The day started early at the Temeke Municipal Director's Office, where children from each home gathered in excitement, holding hands, smiling wide. With the generous support of Tanzania Road Haulage (TRH), buses arrived to take everyone to the zoo.

Learning Through Wonder

At the Dar es Salaam Zoo, the children were welcomed warmly and taken through a guided tour. They saw majestic lions, beautiful tigers, huge crocodiles, colorful birds, monkeys, snakes, and many other animals they had only seen in pictures or heard about.

Zoo educators spoke in simple Swahili, explaining how animals live, what they eat, how they protect themselves, and how Tanzania's natural ecosystems work. The learning was alive. And it was fun.

Play, Laughter, and Juice

After the tour, the children had time to play freely — rides, swings, and laughter echoed through the zoo. They were served fresh juice, relaxed in shaded areas, and bonded with children from other homes. For some, this was their first ever group outing.

A Shared Meal, A Shared Moment

Lunch was a generous serving of pilau, served to all 300 attendees. The mood was light, warm, and filled with gratitude.

A Gift for Every Child

Each child received a beautifully packed stationery gift bag, including notebooks, pens, coloring items, and other school supplies. This incredible donation was made by Freedom Traders, thanks to the generosity of the Khaki family. For many of these children, it was their first personal stationery pack.

Words of Recognition and Encouragement

"When children smile, when they learn, when they feel loved — we are fulfilling our responsibility as a society." — Mama Mariam Mtemvu
"Kulea mtoto si kumpa chakula tu. It's to raise them with love, purpose, and dignity. Hawa si watoto wa makao — hawa ni watoto wa taifa." — Ali M Dewji
"Taking children out of institutional walls into new environments opens their minds, boosts their confidence, and reminds them they are not forgotten." — Dr. Lulandala

Thank You to Our Partners

  • Ustawi wa Jamii Temeke – for their leadership and coordination
  • TRH (Tanzania Road Haulage) – for sponsoring transport
  • Freedom Traders (Khaki family) – for the generous donation of gift bags
  • All caretakers, home representatives, and the Marzia team
  • And above all — the children — who brought life to the entire day

This was just one day. But it planted memories that will last a lifetime.

Mtoto Kwanza. Kazi Iendelee.