The Small Things Tanzania

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The Small Things Tanzania

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We believe kids belong in families whenever it is possible,and when it's not an option, kids deserve loving, family-style homes.

The Small Things works to support children and families, through sustainable and participatory care plans focused on child development and community empowerment in Tanzania. The Small Things (TST) is a non-profit, non-government organization providing support to vulnerable children and families in the Meru district of Tanzania through residential care, education, medical services, and business support. The children who come into our care are most often from neglect/abuse situations or when the mother has passed away. Our first priority is keeping families together and to aid this goal, we provide business training, microfinance, and other support through our family preservation program. However, in some cases long term care is a necessity. In those cases, we aim to build real homes with healthy attachments to loving local caregivers. The Small Things recognizes local problems require local leadership and solutions, and listen to the community and families we work with in order to create sustainable, participatory and evolving care plans for the children's future. When children can't be reunited with family or adopted, we work with the community to create long term, family-style homes at Happy Family Children's Village. The kids grow up embedded in their community, where they belong, supported by a network of sponsors from across Tanzania and the world.

10/19/2026

It's a gloomy, chilly Monday morning in Nkoaranga, but you would never know it from these faces. The daycare and preschool kids always show up with big smiles, warm hugs, and enough energy to brighten the whole day.

Then again, not every kid is feeling it!

10/16/2026

Good nutrition is the foundation of a child’s growth, learning, and happiness.

We understand how important a healthy diet is for a child’s development. That is why we offer a balanced, nutritious diet at our daycare and preschool, so every child is well fed and has the energy to play, explore, and learn.

It is one more thing that parents and families do not have to worry about when they send their child to our preschool.

We take care of the small things, so families can have peace of mind.

10/15/2026

Throwback Thursday: let’s go back to 2021, when a very special little boy joined our family.

Milan came into our care as a newborn, after his mother tragically passed away during childbirth. With no suitable long-term care available within his family, he needed a place to call home. Happy Family Children’s Village became that place: the stable, nurturing home he deserves.

Today, Milan attends our pre-school and is thriving. Every new word, song, and friendship is a step forward.

Our team continues to plan thoughtfully for his future, with his wellbeing at the heart of every decision.

10/13/2026

One of the perks of being surrounded by lush green here at TST? We have the most adorable lawn crew.

Our sheep keep the grass nice and short, so there’s no need for a lawnmower. They get a full day of grazing, and we get a tidy, peaceful space for the children to play.

It’s a small thing, but it’s a big part of what makes life here feel so special: letting nature lend a hand.

Who needs a lawnmower when you have sheep?

10/12/2026

Last week we had the joy of hosting a wonderful group from the US for a coffee tour here at The Small Things.

They walked through the farm, learned how coffee goes from bean to cup, and shared plenty of laughs (and a few full cups) along the way. It was a joy to welcome them and share a little of our home.

But here is the part we love most: every cultural tour we offer helps care for the children at The Small Things. The proceeds go directly toward the daily needs of our kids, from education to meals to a safe, loving place to grow.

So a big asante sana to everyone who traveled so far to be with us. Every sip, every visit, and every smile makes a real difference.

10/08/2026

to our sweet, shy Vicky, a little girl with a big personality! She can be silly, she loves to have fun, and she always brings joy.

Thanks to the Family Preservation program through your support, Vicky and her older sister Queen are back home with their father, who works at TST as a security guard. Today, both girls attend Makumira Secondary School and spend their holidays at home with family.

Looking back, it's so special to see how far she's come.

10/07/2026

For many families, especially single mothers, finding affordable childcare can mean the difference between earning an income and falling into poverty. The David Center, our daycare and preschool, gives children from 6 months old until school age a safe, caring place to learn and grow, so their parents can go to work with peace of mind. Since 2019, we have welcomed nearly 100 children, with more than 20 on full or partial scholarships. Our sliding scale of fees means every family in the community has a place here.

10/06/2026

Every year, US-based non-profit Lift the Lid hosts friendly writing competitions at each of their sponsored centers in Kenya and Tanzania. We pick a topic and walk the students through the whole process, from first brainstorm to final draft. It's a chance for them to share stories about their lives and who they are, and to grow into more confident writers along the way.

This year, we got to celebrate the young writers from the competition, and what a joy it was! The winners each picked out books of their own choice, and the excitement was the kind that spreads to everyone around.

For us and the wonderful folks at Lift the Lid, it's never really about who wins. It's about kids finding their voice, falling in love with reading, and knowing their ideas and stories matter.

Here's to more stories, more books, and more young writers finding their words!

10/05/2026

You may remember Johnny, Joakim, Isaac, Olivia, and Prisilla recently graduated from primary school.

Before they begin secondary school in January, they're making the most of the break. Every morning, you'll find them at the TST library, getting a head start on the secondary school curriculum so they can hit the ground running and not have to play catch-up.

Afternoons, however, are reserved for play!

10/01/2026

Today's belongs to Agape!

Agape is a bright and caring girl who first came into care as a baby, when her family was not able to keep her safe. We were overjoyed when she was able to return home to her mother in 2016. After finishing primary school at the end of 2022, Agape now attends boarding school, and she goes home to her family during the school breaks.

Recently, she played Titania in a production of A Midsummer Night's Dream. We are so proud of the young woman she is growing into!

Address

Branford, CT
06405

Website

https://linktr.ee/thesmallthings

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