Smiles to Tanzania

Derek Edwards of Filey presented a moving talk based on the small charity operated by him and his wife which serves the community of Ukerewe, an island in the middle of Lake Victoria, in Tanzania. Coming out of an initiative by Filey Rotary in 2009, Smiles to Tanzania began operating in its own right in 2013.

In Tanzania, children can only attend school if they possess a uniform so that has been central to the charity’s effort. Darkness drops like a stone in East Africa so only dangerous kerosene lamps offer light for doing homework and domestic tasks. Derek’s charity seeks to replace these with solar lamps, a much safer option.

150,000 die of Malaria each year in Tanzania so that too provides a focal point for raising money.

Called the Lake Victoria Children’s Society with its own building and translators, the charity accounts for every penny it spends which makes it an attractive fund to support. Derek’s account of medical problems and the isolation thrust upon families with albino children was riveting as was his description of their practical ingenuity - turning an old bike into a wheelchair.

The main obstacle to his charity was the 1,000 miles that lay between Dar-EsSalaam and Muwande, the launch base for the ferry crossing.

Members are reminded that the next meeting is on November 8 when Chris Bull will talk about human behaviour.