It is about time that we gave you an update on developments with Upendo over recent months. We can only apologise for lack of communication prior to this, Upendo has been going through a period of significant change which has often made it difficult to know just what to communicate. We thank you for your continued, generous support. Without it, including the kind words of encouragement from those following us, we would not have been able to continue with the work we are doing in Tanzania.
Since the children were able to return to their families and relatives, the role of Upendo in their lives has evolved considerably. Our primary focus, of course, remains one of supporting the children’s continued development and we continue to facilitate access to the best possible medical care and education in just the same way as we always have. However, in terms of day-to-day care provision, the reunions have necessitated an entirely new focus on a model of care and support more removed from everyday care, which supports as far as possible the family unity as a whole, rather than our individual children. This is a model about which we are still learning a considerable amount, though rest assured that all of the children continue to live happily with their families, are as healthy as ever, and (as recent test results show) are going from strength to strength at Eden Valley School. Upendo’s main man and woman on the ground, Eric and Devotha, are spending time with the Kids, who regularly come over to the Upendo Volunteer House for extra tuition and games, and are working to provide support to the Upendo families, ensuring that all is well. They continue to act as an essential channel of communication between the Upendo team in the UK and our families out in Buswelu. No doubt you will be pleased to know that both have been making use of their time to continue with training. Devotha is furthering her computer skills and studying for additional qualifications, whilst Eric is preparing to begin English lessons (thanks in no small part to volunteer Catherine, who after working with Upendo at the start of this year is now supporting Eric).
As an organisation, we need to make use of this period of change to plan in more depth Upendo’s future direction; re-evaluating what we have achieved so far and deciding how best to apply our resources to ensure that we create the greatest possible benefit for those we are seeking to help. It is fair to say that Upendo has matured considerably as an organisation over the past 12 months, as we have sought to try-out and establish new models of family-based care. And we have become increasingly aware that there remains work to do in order to develop a working model which allows Upendo to continue developing in Tanzania with a gradually increasing role for the Buswelu community alongside a reducing level of interference in day to day running from the team in the UK.
We still have a lot to learn about the best way of working alongside families in providing care and support to the Upendo kids and we recognise the importance of not allowing ourselves to be rushed through this process. For the time being, we are comfortable that the children are as content as ever, healthy, and flourishing in school. Your support has made this possible and we thank you again for this- it is helping to ensure that the children and their families have stable lives that will ensure that they have choices in their own futures.
Best wishes,
Carly, James and Matt