BCDSA

09 December 2008

OUR MISSION & GOAL

To work with the poor community in order to alleviate ignorance, poverty, poor health and enable them to control their environment socially and economically. With the philosophy that no one is created by God to suffer, BCDSA aims to improve all components which make up a person within civilized society.

OUR HISTORY

BCDSA was founded in 2004 by five men and women who were troubled by the increasing numbers of vulnerable children in our community. They began the work of BCDSA primarily to give support and assistance to the most vulnerable among us, especially orphans and street children. Knowing that a variety of community factors lead to children finding themselves in difficult situations, we have expanded our efforts to include additional community development programs. In all of our activities, we strive to prevent children from becoming vulnerable - and we provide care and support to those who already are.

PROJECTS FOR CHILDREN

Mkula Children's Center

BCDSA operates a home for 25 children in Mkula, Tanzania. Some of our children live at the center for a short time, until they are able to return to their families. Others have no where else to turn - and now call Mkula Children's Center their home. We are committed to these children, and to their continued care. Whether they live with us for one month or many years, the children receive accommodation, food, clothing, education, medical and parental care during their time with us.

School Support

To attend school in Tanzania, students are required to have a proper uniform, shoes and school materials. Many families do not have the resources to provide these supplies for their children - and, as a result, they are unable to go to school. BCDSA assists 380 of the most vulnerable children in Magu and Ilemela Districts with school support including funds for the children's school fees, uniforms, books and other necessary supplies.

PHOTOS OF PROJECTS FOR CHILDREN

PROJECTS FOR WOMEN

Microfinance Project

In 2008, BCDSA began a microfinance project for women in Mwanza. With loans at low interest, women are able to start small businesses to support their families. This project is focused primarily on widows and women living with HIV/AIDS, and has already proven to be very successful.

HIV Project

BCDSA provides essential support to women livign with HIV/AIDS through education, awareness campaigns and home-based care. The women are also invited to participate in our microfinance project, if they are able.

PHOTOS OF OUR PROJECTS FOR WOMEN

PROJECTS FOR OUR COMMUNITY

Believing that education and awareness are essential foundations for our community's development, BCDSA has community education initiatives addressing HIV/AIDS, environmental issues, health and sanitation campaigns. These education initiatives often lead to an organic community response to these important issues.

02 December 2008

HOW YOU CAN HELP

BCDSA can not do this alone. We invite you to join us in this important wrok. Email us at bsdsa2004@yahoo.com for more information about how you can participate in any of the following:

DONATE
Personal donations are teh foundation of our project funding, and are greatly appreciated at BCDSA. We are committed to using all donated funds responsibly and with integrity. To donate, stop by our office or use an electronic bank transfer to send us the funds. Email us for our bank account information.

THE COMMUNITY TABLE
BCDSA has an in-kind food donation campaign that provides essential food items for teh children at Mkula Children's Center. Campaign participants donate food items on a one-time, monthly or annual basis.

NEW CONNECTIONS
Do you know of a grant opportunity that BCDSA might be eligible for? Do you have a friend who may be interested in supporting our work? We hope you will help connect us to these invaluable resources.

THE COMMUNITY TABLE

The Community Table is a campaign to collect in-kind donations of food for the Mkula Children's Center. We are asking local businesses to share a small portion of what they have with our children. For example, a local fishery might donate some fish or a wholesale store might donate a bag of rice. Each donation cannot feed the children on its own. But, together with doantions from other members of the community, we can fill the table ... we can prepare a meal of love. Together, we can ensure that the children of Mkula Children's Center will not go hungry.

In-kind donations can be given:
- As a one time gift
- As a monthly gift
- As an annual gift

Donation Ideas:
Rice, maize, fish, porridge, beans, vegetables, fruits, meat, milk

All donors will be recognized in BCDSA's Community Table media campaign. We want everyone in Mwanza to know that you have generously donated to our project. Donors will be featured in The Community Table DVD, in a television feature about the campaign and in next year's Community Table campaign materials.

All donors will receive:
- Publicity in The Community Table media campaign
- An official letter fo thanks and a certificate
- A DVD about The Community Table campaign

WILL YOU JOIN US AT THE TABLE?
Email bsdsa2004@yahoo.com or call 0784-388120 for more information.

OUR STAFF

BCDSA is a talented and hardworking team of staff, volunteers and community partners. Together, we facilitate projects for children, women and the general welfare of our community. The leadership team at BCDSA's headquarters includes:

Mr. Mathew Shadrack
BCDSA Deputy and Finance Director

Mr. Ezekiel Mhamba
BCDSA Project Coordinator