Chalice started the sponsorship program in Luhombero village, Tanzania, in 2022 after leaders in our African regional team saw the needs — and great opportunities — of the villagers. The remote community is almost 400 kilometres from Chalice’s closest base of operations and lacks roads, electricity, access to markets, and health care. Families were large, often headed by single mothers, and adult illiteracy rates were high. Preventable disease, infections, and malnutrition posed severe risks to children. The local Catholic priest, Father Kindata, was acting as the schoolmaster, community gardener, dispensary operator, and ‘ambulance.’

In three years, Chalice sponsors through the Mbinga site have transformed the lives of children. Their parents are organized into family circles, opening bank accounts, learning about nutrition, and starting farms and/or businesses. Through the gift catalogue and other programs, Chalice has strengthened the school, St. Peter Claver, with infrastructure, furniture, supplies, and a lunch program that motivates both parents and children to come to school and stay.