Impacting Tanzania's Public Health

Since 2103, JBFC and expert facilitators from Kenya have worked together to provide sexual and reproductive health education (ASRH) to both our primary and secondary students, as well as our teachers and staff. After three-plus years, we have seen a noticeable change in the attitude and understanding of this awkward subject. Even in cultures where “Sex-Ed” is a norm, topics like puberty, contraception, STI’s and appropriate hygiene are often times uncomfortable. But, in a conservative culture where there is no such thing as “Sex-Ed”, most people just want to run for the hills. We are very proud of our teachers and students that despite the awkward conversations, they have shown great maturity in acknowledging the importance of these conversations and no longer cringe or squirm when we have our classes.

Joseph and Mary Schools' Office of Student Development team receiving training a few days prior to the seminar.

We are proud of our program and are happy to know that 400-plus people receive valuable education through this program. But JBFC is one of the few schools in the district that considers education and exposure of these subjects an important aspect in reducing the hardship of rural poverty. So we started wondering how we could make an impact to not just our students and staff, but as many people as possible. The way we saw it, if we could get teachers from other schools to see the importance of ASRH, and if they taught their students important healthy behaviors, then we could increase the amount of people exposed to healthier practices exponentially. So we reached out to our friends from Nairobi, and they happily agreed to perform a two-day seminar.

The first step in JBFC’s plan to expand the reach of Sexual Reproductive Health education is over,
and it was a great success! Last week, with the help of these two facilitators from Nairobi, Kenya, JBFC was happy to host 56 teachers from different schools and organizations throughout the Magu district, to participate in a two-day Adolescent Sexual and Reproduction Health (ASRH) seminar. This seminar covered many of the important sexual health practices as well as problems facing Tanzanian youth. Almost all of the schools invited attended the seminar and every party had a great experience, learning more than expected.

With Part I of the program complete, the aim of Part II will be to conduct multiple visits to each school so we can review and assess the successes and challenges each school is facing in installing their own ASRH program into the curriculum.

We would like to give a special thanks to Ben and Josephat, our facilitators from Nairobi, for their continued support and hard work in this process. We also want to thank the Segal Family Foundation for connecting us with several of their partner schools in the country who were also able to attend this seminar. Collaboration between like-minded organizations will only bring greater reach of ASRH education.

Guest Blogger, Travis Purser, is JBFC's US Expansion Coordinator

Inspiration Comes In All Sizes

For most of us, there will be several times throughout our lives when we are witness to something that truly moves and inspires us. And while it is easy to think about or say you are going to do something to help change the world for the better, in reality, it's often quite daunting to actually do it. Many of us think, "What sort of impact can I really have?" But the truth is - quite a lot. And that is just what two Tulsa teenagers are planning to do.

Robert and Thomas Sharpe have just completed the seventh grade at Holland Hall School in Tulsa, OK. What began several years ago as pen pal correspondences with students in Tanzania, turned into true friendships when those students, who had written letters that crossed thousands of miles, actually became classmates.

Robert and Thomas Sharpe (in blue and green) with Holland Hall classmates Paul, Danny, and Austin at Tanzanite Nights 2017.

Through their interactions with their new classmates, Robert and Thomas began to learn more and more about JBFC and its mission, and a passion for the organization was born. Inspired by their new Tanzanian classmates and what they had learned about JBFC, the ambitious twins decided to set a challenge for themselves that would ultimately benefit the organization they had come to care for so deeply. They decided first and foremost that they wanted to visit the campus they had heard so much about - to have the opportunity to meet more students and staff and learn about this community.

Then, the boys decided they wanted to raise money for JBFC. But, not just any amount would do. They decided to set their goal at $19,431. An odd number to most of us, but not to those who are familiar with Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest peak. Mount Kilimanjaro is 19,431 feet high, and after visiting JBFC this summer, Robert and Thomas intend to tackle the mountain with their parents, TomM and Jen, climbing that entire elevation themselves.

The Sharpe family at Tanzanite Nights 2017, pictured with JBFC residential girls, Leticia and Salome, and Holland Hall classmate, Paul

When asked what they were most looking forward to about their upcoming trip in July, Thomas Sharpe said, "I'm most looking forward to reaching the summit of Kilimanjaro after months of training and preparation. Knowing that we will have raised needed funds for JBFC will make the accomplishment unforgettable. I'm excited to get to the JBFC campus and experience it firsthand."

Twin brother Robert said, "I can't wait to to see the JBFC campus and meet all of the children. It will be fun to see where my Tanzanian friends grew up! I am passionate about JBFC because I know the impact it has on the lives of children there. I am also looking forward to seeing the plants and animals we will encounter on our climb."

Regarding their lofty goal, their father TomM says, "I feel that the boys have set a big, audacious goal in trying to raise nearly $20,000 for JBFC. And I love it. I love the audacity in the pursuit of helping others. Big dreams and big thoughts stir big action. I couldn't be more proud of them for pursuing this."

Robert and Thomas are two perfect examples of people who were inspired to act, and now their story is inspiring others. "I hope that this story inspires anyone who hears of it to give in some way wherever they are, to whomever they can help," says TomM. "Cheerful giving of all varieties feeds the soul and it creates positive ripples. The world needs more of that kind of uplifting."

If you are inspired by the story of these two young men, and would like to do something similar on your own, please contact us at info@jbfc-online.org. If you would be interested in learning more about the Sharpe’s goal, we invite you to visit their website at Two4Oneness.

The "O" Word

Since JBFC’s founding more than 11 years ago, we have often been called an "orphanage”. While our vision is to provide a safe and loving home to orphaned and vulnerable girls, that’s not a term we like to use at JBFC for two main reasons.

When people think about the word orphanage, it conjures up a picture of a desolate, hopeless place. And, when they often think of the word “orphan”, the mind naturally draws a picture of a child, without family, waiting for the possibility of a hopeful future. That image is not JBFC. 

The girls who live at JBFC are home. They are part of a family. They are full of hope, loved, cared for, and empowered for the future.  It may not be a traditional family, but these girls are sisters, their matrons are their mothers, and our staff and administration are parents, aunts, uncles, and grandparents. Anyone who has ever visited JBFC can testify that our girls are some of the happiest, most energetic kids around. They are not waiting for a family; they are one.

But also, our organization is so much more than just a residential program or girls’ home. Our mission is to END POVERTY, and that can’t be done with just one thing. That is why our campus model was developed not only to provide refuge for these young girls, but to be a catalyst for change for an entire area. 

We are educating the next generation of Tanzanian leaders in our top-ranked school, we are ensuring that our surrounding community can live healthy lives, and we are giving the tools necessary to lead a sustainable life to both children and adults alike. We are not just a home, we are not just a school, we are not just a farm, and we are not just a clinic. But we are a family, and a movement that won’t stop until we see thousands of lives lifted from grips of extreme poverty.

Chris Gates is JBFC's Founder and CEO.

Staff Spotlight: Felista

Editor's Note: This Staff Spotlight highlights Felista, JBFC's Social Worker. Since her arrival, Felista has made a massive impact across our entire campus and community.  In addition to her work as our Social Worker, she serves as an advisor to our girls, leader on our management team, and programmer in various areas at our school. Since last year, she has managed our transition program and has been responsible for helping our graduating residential girls gain various skills before heading off to either Advanced Secondary or college.

How long have you been working at JBFC?

"I’ve been working here more than 1 and a half years."

What is your work? And your responsibilities?

"I am a social worker. I am a link between the government and the organization, especially with Bibi Mimi’s Girls Home. Another duty is counseling the girls on the educational life and other situations that they have passed through. I support them so they know how to face these kinds of situations. Another duty is making a follow up to the academic performances of the girls. I also supply the needs of transitional girls and I make sure that they continue with other studies or they engage in any other activities that they choose/want/prefer for their life. I prepare seminars for girls like: health, career development, self-defense, etc. Another responsibility is having meetings with the matrons so that we discuss challenges they face and solve them."

What is the biggest challenge?

"The biggest challenge that I face is that some girls are shy so they fail to be open with what they face."

What do you like the most from your job?

"My favorite part of the job is counseling the girls because it is where you help a girl know how she is supposed to live so she can reach her goals. For example, one of the girls had qualifications to join advanced level education but she said: “I won’t be able to make it” so she preferred to go to college and finish her studies so she could start working soon. After talking to her, she understood that she was more than able to do it so she changed her mind and she joined a High School and for now, she’s doing very well!"

Have you seen any changes since you arrived? Which ones?

"Before my arrival, many girls didn’t know what to do to reach their goals. For example, if she wanted to become a businesswoman, what she is supposed to do. Now, we are able to prepare different seminars giving them different options and explaining how to reach those goals."

What are you looking forward in the future?

"When I reach 50 years I want to be able to look back and see that I’ve been able to help thousands of girls at JBFC."

Chief Operating Officer, Seth Diemond, says "With her work across various areas on our campus, Felista has been truly responsible for moving many of our programs forward over the past 18 months. She has developed a very close relationship with many of our girls and students and can often be seen getting huge, multiple hugs at a time, when she gets off her motorcycle in the morning! Thank you, Felista, for all that you do!"

Salome and Leticia On The Road: Part 2

Editor's Note: Now that Salome and Leticia are back on the JBFC campus in Tanzania, they have had a lot of time to reflect about their past few weeks of travel and all of the things they were able to experience during their trip to the U.S. To follow up with their first blog, the girls decided to use this blog to share some of their favorite memories from the trip. During their trip, the girls visited schools in Los Angeles, Tulsa, and Bronxville, and they noticed quite a few similarities and differences between education in Tanzania and the United States. Given that they are now well-seasoned travelers, Salome and Leticia also share advice for volunteers coming to Tanzania!

What are some of the most memorable moments from your trip?:

 Leticia: "I have many memories from my time in the U.S. First, meeting different people who I had never met before and that they made my time here so wonderful and meaningful. I was also happy to see people who I had already met before but who I didn't get to see for so long. My days in the U.S. were all full of joy and it was because of the people I met. Second, going to Disneyland was so great! I liked when people said, "It doesn't matter how old you are as long as you're having fun and enjoying the day!" I also really enjoyed Tanzanite Nights - I met so many people and took pictures with almost everyone! Also, I really enjoyed going to the different schools. I admired the schools and how the kids learned. I enjoyed going to New York and seeing many familiar faces there, like the Paul family and Jim and his students."

Salome: "I really enjoyed the day at Santa Monica pier. The day at Disneyland also has to be one of my favorites because I have always wished to meet princesses and I did! Also, going on the roller coasters was very nice and screaming was fun! I also really enjoyed Tanzanite Nights. It was good to meet everyone and taking photos. Singing at Tanzanite Nights was my favorite part, and I also liked how the auctioneer spoke - I wish to hear everyone talk like that! I was also glad to go to different schools and meet all of the different students. I also really liked going to New York City and watching the Boston Celtics basketball game on tv!"

Speaking of visiting different schools, you all visited La Reina in California, Holland Hall and Bishop Kelley in Tulsa, and Bronxville in New York. What similarities and differences did you notice between these schools and Joseph and Mary Schools?:

Leticia: "The similarities between the schools I visited and Joseph and Mary is that we both wear uniforms and the classes are similar with what we study. One difference I noticed is how we study at Joseph and Mary, we use the same schedule for the whole school, but the schools we visited, they have to change and everyone has his or her own schedule and they have to change rooms. At Joseph and Mary, we stay in a single room for all classes. Also, they use computers, iPads, and watch videos on TVs but we use pens and exercise books to keep our notes and write anything.

Salome: "I noticed that the schools we visited have almost the same subjects like English, Math, Science, and Social Studies. They study the same subjects, but not exactly as we do. There are many differences. They wear shorter skirts than we do at Joseph and Mary Schools and they are allowed to use tablets in finding answers for questions during exams and class times. They go with calculators to examinations and also take phones to school. They buy food but at Joseph and Mary we do not buy food in school because it is free. The American students also change rooms for certain classes but we change teachers and not classrooms. Also, they use "8th Grade, 9th Grade, 10th Grade" and we say "Form 1 to Form 4"."

Now that you have traveled across the world and experienced a totally different culture, what advice would you give to our volunteers who are coming to Tanzania for the first time?:

Leticia: "For the volunteers coming to Tanzania for the first time, they should be charming and not nervous! And another thing - it doesn't matter how old you are as long as you are having fun and meeting people you never met before. Thank God as long as you are happy and enjoying your days!"

Salome: "The advice I would give to volunteers is to enjoy themselves the first time they come! The second time they visit, they should bring new people and advise them to volunteer too! Also, they should be charming and never give up on what they are doing. The girls will love them and be happy to see them!"

What advice would you give your JBFC sisters who may visit the U.S. in the future?:

Leticia: "To my sisters who visit the U.S. - first, always be thankful, helpful, and enjoy every second! Second, listen to whatever you are told and do as you are told, because you will learn so many new things! And always remember, what doesn't kill you makes you stronger!"

Salome: "The advice I would give to the other girls who will also come to the U.S. is that they have to be confidence and happy for everything. Also, get ready for everything that they will be asked to do and try everything!"