The Ilulah Orphan Programme has been providing support and education to young orphans in Ilulah Tanzania for many years now but like many organisations the Corona Virus pandemic has brought many challenges. Both on the ground in Tanzania where students and teachers have had to adjust but also here in Luxembourg where IOP Luxembourg’s fundraising ability has been severely hampered.
“Our fundraising was mainly through gatherings and events and we couldn’t do them this year, fundraising was a bit difficult and we had to get creative and do it virtually” explained Cynthia Letsch, one of the organisations seven board members.
Despite their best efforts, the organisation, which has built entire schools in the past and which aims to provide financial support for young orphans from primary through to university education, needs more support. “We would really appreciate it if people would step up and help us through this crisis.” Cynthia said.
The key activity of IOP Luxembourg is the management of the sponsor program. Families in Luxembourg agree to sponsor a child and pay €240 per year, which can also be shared between 2 or more families. IOP Luxembourg sends the entire amount to IOP Tanzania. The sponsor office in Tanzania ensures that with this money the educational and care needs of the child are fulfilled. IOP Luxembourg liaises with the IOP Tanzania sponsor office and follows up on each child. Feedback is provided by the sponsor office as well as letters from the children to the sponsoring families.
Individual donations are also always welcome and it’s also possible to get more directly involved in a number of their other projects including Farm for the Future. The mission of which is to increase the productivity of farming in Tanzania and in turn improve food security and nutrition and help reduce rural poverty.
More information is available though their website.
Hear the full interview below: