Robin and Debbie Carmichael have provided some excerpts from Robin’s booklet “Who Cares”:

“The sad reality is that large numbers of homeless children struggle just to survive: they are the street children of Tanzania.

No child leaves home unless they are desperate. On the streets they are at risk of being harassed, abused and exploited, and while hunger’s terrible grip drags them to crime, the loss of parental love and security disables the soul.

The story of Amani, a Home for street children, is not a fairy tale. It is the story of real people, not cardboard saints, helping real kids, not little angels from a sentimental movie. It starts with a few children sleeping on the floor, moves through the stage of over a hundred kids in an overcrowded dormitory sleeping three to a bed in bunk beds, and on to the day when a purpose-built Home is opened by a former First Lady of Tanzania.

No child in need is ever turned away and every child is personally cared for and prepared for re-integration into Tanzanian life. This isn’t done by waving a magic wand; it is done by hard work and professionalism.

Amani was founded by Tanzanians, is run by Tanzanians and benefits Tanzanians. The staff are professional, creative and dedicated heart and soul to the task of caring for children in need – victims of the meanest misfortune imaginable, being homeless and unloved. No child should face either of these terrors, let alone both.

What, according to your faith or your beliefs, should humans do when children are in despair or in danger? The founders of Amani knew what they should do:-Rescue them. Restore hope to them. Transform their lives. “

“Who Cares?  Rescuing Children in Tanzania: The Story of Amani” was written by Dr. Robin Carmichael, one of the first trustees of Amani.  It is a booklet telling Amani’s story and that of some of the children.

It is short, very readable and lavishly illustrated. Order your copy from Robin at 2, Parklands Gate, Bramhope, Leeds 16, LS16 9AG for £5.00 postage paid.

Cathie Bartlam organized a Tanzanian Funday at her local church:

Take one new church building with two main halls, add 12 different activities based on what the children at Amani like to do, include a Tanzanian meal, a visit from a local African drumming group and you have all the ingredients for a Tanzanian Funday. You also need lots of helpers, work preparing beforehand and stamina. The aim of this event on April 5th at Christchurch, Selly Park, Birmingham was to raise awareness of what life is like in Tanzania and to see that when children have been rescued and given hope they enjoy fun, like anyone else. Although for us it was an awareness raising event, this could be a fundraiser if a fee was charged for activities and the meal. A Funday Package to help you do your own is available if you are interested.

If you would like to contact Cathie Bartlam - a.bartlam@tesco.net.

Debbie has created some lovely cards, which you can buy, the proceeds of which go towards the home. Please note that the postage costs are only within UK.

Habari Nzuri Notelets
From paintings by Debbie Carmichael

They are blank cards A6 size with envelopes

Sold in aid of Amani Children’s Home, Moshi, Tanzania

Suggested donation:
£3.00 for a complete set of 6 + p&p
Individual cards: 60 p each.
P & P First class: 5 sets: £2.50; 10 sets: £5.00 

To obtain these unique cards to help Amani,
please send a cheque made out to Friends of Amani UK, together with your name and address and the number of cards, or sets of cards, you require to:
Debbie Carmichael, 2,Parklands Gate, Bramhope, Leeds 16, LS16 9AG
www.amanikids.org