News from the Polio Hostel at Kwa Mkono

RISING FOOD PRICES ARE HITTING HARD

We are well aware that prices are rising. A loaf of bread can easily cost more than £1 these days, and as for the cost of fuel. Running a car and heating the home is becoming a nightmare for people on low incomes. But whilst most of us have reserves to draw on, however reluctantly, in the developing world rising food prices simply mean that people are starving.

In his latest letter from the Polio Hostel in Kwa Mkono, Tanzania, the new Administrator, Mr Sylvester Chang'endo paints a pretty bleak picture. Sylvester is 65 years old. He grew up in the Korogwe District and, having completed his education, became an agricultural worker. He is married to Margareth and they have seven children, Agnes, Jacob and Miriam who are teachers, Raphael who is a male nurse, Elizabeth who is in her fourth year studying dental surgery, and Benjamin and Stephen who are still at school. There are also six grandchildren, Sylvester, Sylvester, Julius, Margareth, Abedinego (a boy) and Abigaili (a girl).

Sylvester retired in 1999 and joined the Diocese of Tanga as an agriculturalist working on food security and nutrition projects and advising on agroforestry. Then in January this year the Bishop asked him to become Administrator at the Hostel. He says, 'I am proud of my new post because it is like staying with my grandchildren!'

The Hostel is suffering a very severe food shortage. For example, a catering size tin of maize now costs TZS8,500 (Tanzanian Shillings) and there are 2,400 shilling to £1 at the moment. The price is bound to rise until July/August when the maize harvest begins, but even if the harvest is good Sylvester thinks it unlikely that prices will get lower. Every penny the Hostel has goes towards feeding the children and young people. Projects like renewing dilapidated wheelchairs, repairing the buildings and completing the toilets have to go on hold.

Transport is also a problem. With no spare money for fuel and taxing the Land Rover it is becoming impossible to fetch and carry goods and supplies. Sylvester has his own motor cycle - a very economical mode of transport - but needs TZS109,750 to tax and MoT it.

Yet despite all this the work somehow goes on, and the children and young people are being cared for thanks to the support given by many churches alike ours. Sylvester is grateful for all the encouragement we give the community at Kwa Mkono. Please continue to remember them all in your prayers.

For a more general picture of life at the Hostel, click here.

 

 

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