World AIDS Day: DEFESCO's "Grand Educational Trek"

You are invited to participate in our “GRAND EDUCATIONAL TREK” On World AIDS Day, 1^st December, 2008

The purpose of this event is to raise funds for public school fees by walking 10kms, with the goal of having each kilometre sponsored with Tsh 20,000, totalling to Tsh 200,000 for each student participating. (This is about $20 US for each of 10 kilometres, totallying $200 US for each participant.)

There will be 90 orphans and students who will take part in the trek, all of whom are beneficiaries of the supplementary education programs at DEFESCO, but whom sadly lack funds to pay for public school fees. We humbly invite you to become part of the solution, joining with us in this special event either as a sponsor, or by walking alongside us. Your participation is greatly appreciated.

DEFESCO is a non-governmental organization that provides educational services to orphans in Secondary Schools and Institutions of higher learning. Our primary goal is to empower orphaned youth through striving towards academic excellence.

Each year, DEFESCO aims to raise funds to sponsor the public school fees and associated costs for its beneficiaries. While these students receive support and tutoring at our centre free of cost, the burden of public school fees and uniforms is often out of the financial reach of their families or guardians.

While there are many organizations around Mwanza, Tanzania serving the needs of young orphans of primary school age, there are very few supporting such children as they strive to complete secondary school, primarily because so few students of destitute backgrounds reach this far in their education. We believe that it is of the utmost importance to assist them in their reach for such a goal, and unfortunately the costs of public school are a large barrier along this path.

To learn how you can join the cause, please contact us:

Laban Aggrey(Director) Tel: 0754844779 Email: defescotz@yahoo.com

DEFESCO at a glance

What is DEFESCO?

Defesco is a registered Non-Governmental Organization based in Mwanza – Tanzania. In full it means (Development of Free Education services centers for Orphans) Defesco was founded by men and women who are solely teachers by profession plus other people who had the some vision, with the hope providing resolutions to Orphans and destitute children who are in secondary schools, high schools and colleges.

OUR VISION:
A Community free from illiteracy and ignorance in which orphans & destitute children’s rights are respected and uphold.

OUR COODINATOR:
The project is managed by Mr. Laban Aggrey; who is also the spokesman of the organization and the one responsible for communicating with organization and the one responsible for communicating with volunteers in putting down all the modalities in preparation for your coming to Tanzania

OUR MISSION:
Defesco in committed to Empowering orphans and destitute children through academic Excellence and vocational training so that they are able to face the challenges of life and grow into responsible, generous, loving and industrious adults. OUR GOALS AND OBJECTIVES:
- To improve the orphan’s social –economic status through counseling and life skills training.
- To teach the orphans good habits such as order, obedience sincerity and use of freedom and money.
- To eliminate gender oppression by providing equity in educational services.
- To run parenting courses for the guardians so that they are able to cope with extended families (orphans and destitute children)
- To eliminate the Extra cost of educating orphans in private coaching and tuitions.
- To take complete care of the needs of orphans
- To put up a well equipped center that will comprise conference facilitates, library, offices and hostels.
- To develop a strong alumni which will ensure that the beneficiaries of the programme help in its advancement.

OUR FOCUS:

Defesco’s major focus is to support orphans destitute children and children of the totally disabled people. (Those who are in secondary schools) currently the center supports 76 students of whom 43 are girls 33 are boys. All these students live with relatives or guardians, they come to the center every day before going to school or after school hours.

OUR NEEDS:
We need volunteers both males and female who are willing to participate in the moldings, guiding and counseling of teenagers in secondary schools. Specifically, teachers, counselors doctors, physical trainers plus any other skill that would deem fit for the students you are al welcome. Only, we require the volunteers to have open hearts and mind, be willing and desire to help, work well with other people, and dedicate their time and energy for the sake of the beneficiaries.

OUR ACTIVITIES:
- Teaching and coaching the students as per their respective syllabus, 
- Monitoring and assessing their progress and performances 
- Training and counseling the parents and guardians. 
- Formation of dramatized messages so as to sensitize orphanage care in the community. 
- Teaching of skills that lead to self-employment and self-relient
- Training workshops
- Teaching workshops
- Teaching and counseling about HIV/AIDS awareness. 
* The volunteers, will also pertake the same activities depending on your experience, profession and interest, Additionally, new ideas, skills and projects that befits the needs of the beneficiaries are all welcomed. The allocation of time will range from 4 to 5 hours of working in the morning and in the afternoon in a day; the remaining time can be utilized for preparation, sports or handwork (art & craft) 

ACCOMODATION AND COSTS. 

Defesco does not yet have premises of its own. We are operating in rented premises; therefore you will have to stay in rented apartments where you will be expected to pay USD 250-300 to cover rent, electricity, water and the night guard per month. You should also budget between USD 150-200 for food per month, plus your pocket money. 

Contacts:

Mr. Aggrey Laban-Director
P.O.BOX 10543
MWANZA, TANZANIA

E-mail: defescotz@yahoo.com
Tel: +255-744-844-779