Shalom Orphanage
About Shalom Orphanage Centre
In the fall of 2003, Mrs. Warra Nnko discovered the absence of a safe and peaceful home for abandoned and orphaned children in Karatu, Tanzania, and other neighboring villages. A few months later in the Spring of 2004, Mama Warra relocated to Karatu with one orphan and a huge vision; thus Shalom Orphanage Centre was born.
Each year, Shalom becomes home to more children, as poverty, alcoholism and HIV/AIDS are rampant in the region. Currently there are more than 50 children, aged 0-16 years, at Shalom where they are cared for by an all Tanzanian staff. Making steps towards sustainability, Shalom has vegetable gardens and livestock, including cattle, chickens, ducks, turkeys, a goat and pig.
Given that Shalom is located in Karatu and thus between the two popular game parks, Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro Crater, tour groups often stop by to make a donation of food, school books and other school supplies. Usually groups will stop by Shalom to see what is needed and then return with the items later in the afternoon or the following day.
Children under six years of age are educated at Shalom, compliments of a local school teacher who devotes time Monday-Friday to lessons and educational games. The majority of the school-aged children attend the local government school while sixteen of the eldest are currently enrolled in the Child Sponsorship Program and attend the local English-medium, Tumaini Junior School.