Kusini Kwetu

By George Mwamba, Songea
Chipole Orphanage and Special Needs Center, located in Magagura Ward, Songea Rural District, Ruvuma Region, has received a donation of 1.2 million Tanzanian shillings in cash, along with food, clothing, and other essential supplies. The contribution came from the Open University of Tanzania (OUT) community, including staff, alumni, current students, and other stakeholders.
Handing over the donation yesterday at the center, OUT Assistant Lecturer Vincent Mpepo commended the caregivers for their dedication to the children’s welfare. He urged them to remain steadfast, saying their service is noble both in the eyes of people and of God.
Mpepo explained that he was personally moved after seeing photographs and video clips shared by Inspector Dominic Msangi of the Ruvuma Regional Police, who had previously served as the Ward Police Officer for Magagura village. Inspector Msangi had been appealing to institutions and well-wishers to visit the center and support the children.
“This is just the beginning. On behalf of the university and our partners, we will continue to visit and assist these children as much as we can,” said Mpepo.
He further called on the wider community to join hands in supporting vulnerable groups instead of leaving the responsibility solely to caregivers. He also expressed gratitude to the Ruvuma Regional Police for partnering with OUT to make the initiative possible.
In addition to the donation, Mpepo pledged, in collaboration with OUT management, to sponsor health insurance coverage for 50 children at the center, to ensure they can access medical care whenever health challenges arise.
For his part, Inspector Dominic Msangi noted that the initiative aligns with the Police Community Outreach Strategy, which emphasizes building partnerships with institutions and stakeholders to give back to society.
“The Tanzania Police Force works closely with educational institutions and others to strengthen social cohesion and support vulnerable groups, including children in care centers such as Chipole,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the center, Sister Maria Akwinata O.S.B of the Chipole Benedictine Sisters congregation explained that the facility cares for children of all ages—from newborns to secondary school students. She expressed heartfelt gratitude to OUT for their support, stressing that raising the children requires ongoing assistance to meet their diverse needs.
Richard Haule, representing the children, also thanked OUT and the Police for their generosity. He said the children felt encouraged and reassured that society had not forgotten them. He appealed to other institutions, both private and public, to continue extending support to help build brighter futures for the children.