A strong start
If this is the year starting as it means to go on, we’re in for a cracking 2026. So much has happened that I can’t quite believe it’s only March.
On the home front, it’s been a time of powering up partnerships, and shoring up the strength of our organisation – and, out in our global community, there have been some really special ways we’ve felt your love and support.
The power of partnership
We had the honour…
We hosted a very VIP visitor recently: Honourable Magreth Baraka Ezekiel, Member of Parliament representing NGOs, came to see Kafika House.
It was a privilege to show her what we do, and to forge a connection with someone so aligned.
We chatted about ways we might collaborate to make high-love care more accessible to the children we serve.
Three decades with Dr Brown
Last month marked a momentous milestone: Dr Bill Brown has given 30 years of service to developing reconstructive and plastic surgery services in Tanzania.
We celebrated the occasion at Selian Lutheran Hospital where some of the many who have benefited from his talent and training had the opportunity to express their gratitude.
On behalf of the countless medical practitioners and children whose lives you have touched over these decades - thank you, Dr Brown.
The team of dreams
Speaking of sustainable systems and data integrity – I’m excited to introduce you to Ancimary, our Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning and Research Coordinator.
Her role will help ensure that what we learn translates into better care and stronger outcomes for the children and families we serve, and we’re delighted to have her on the team.
Other new faces include Chenay, our Visitor & Donor Engagement Administrator.
You’ll meet in person if you come to Kafika House — she’s hosting visitors, sharing her passion for the work we do.
She’s helping us turn real human experiences into connections that inspire genuine support, which I’m very excited about.
Far-flung friends
Out and about
Keira, our former Clinical Services Manager, and colleagues from St Kate’s, joined me in Bangkok at the World Federation of Occupational Therapy Congress, where we presented the work we’ve done together.
It was also a joy to reconnect with partners from Western University in Canada — whose students join us for fieldwork — and with my professor, Yvonne Thomas of Otago Polytechnic in New Zealand.
It’s lovely to be reminded that while our work happens in Tanzania, it is supported by a community of practitioners, educators and learners all over the world.
Charity begins at home
On the topic of our global community – a wonderful group of Immersion Trip alumni from Marin County hosted a Galentine’s Movie Night that raised over $18,000 for Kafika House. Isn’t that just so special?
Meanwhile, in Melbourne, another supporter held a high tea at her home, bringing together friends and funds for the Kafika House cause. It means so much to us that these huge-hearted souls are taking the initiative to pull together such amazing events.
If organising a fundraiser sounds like something you’d like to do – get in touch. We’d love to hear your ideas, and chat about how we can support you to make it happen.
Thank you for being with us on this journey - we couldn’t do it without you.