ABSA SUPPORTS RAYA ISLAMIC ORPHANAGE CENTRE WITH ESSENTIAL SUPPLIES & SKILLS EQUIPMENT

Absa Bank’s Morogoro Branch Manager, Mr. Godfrey Chilewa (center), along with the bank’s official, Ms. Aiva Mussa, hands over a sewing machine to the Acting Director of Raya Islamic Orphanage Centre, Lugono, Mr. Ramadhani Msombeli, during a ceremony where the bank also donated other essential items, including food, soap, and beverages, at the centre in Morogoro.

Morogoro - Absa Bank Tanzania has once again demonstrated its commitment to community development by donating essential supplies to the Raya Islamic Orphanage Centre in Lugono village, Mvomero District, Morogoro Region. The donation, which includes food, soap, beverages, and four sewing machines, forms part of the bank’s ongoing efforts to support vulnerable children and their well-being.

During the handover ceremony, Absa’s Morogoro Branch Manager, Godfrey Chilewa, emphasized that the initiative reflects the bank’s broader mission to give back to the communities where it operates.

“The centre plays a crucial role in caring for orphans, and the challenges it faces require support from individuals, institutions, and companies alike. Orphans have the same need for care as any other child, and their life stories matter. At Absa, we believe that initiatives like this help these children complete their stories,” said Chilewa.

He further highlighted that children in orphanages often lack basic necessities such as food, clothing, education, and healthcare. By providing these essential items and training resources like sewing machines, the bank aims to empower the children to grow with knowledge, self-reliance, and a clear vision for their future.

Saidi Hamis, a youth raised at the centre, explained that the orphanage currently hosts 113 children—66 boys and 47 girls—and faces ongoing challenges, particularly the lack of a security fence to protect against wild animals from nearby Mikumi National Park.

“Our biggest challenge is the absence of a fence, which puts the children at risk of attacks from elephants and other wild animals. We appeal to the community for support in constructing a safe perimeter around the centre,” said Saidi.

Meanwhile, 17-year-old Karomelo Kizilahabi expressed gratitude for the donation, particularly the sewing machines, which will allow the children to learn tailoring skills and become self-reliant in the future.

“These sewing machines will help us gain practical skills and build our independence. We are thankful to Absa Bank for remembering us and hope this generosity continues,” said Karomelo.

Absa Bank’s contribution to the Raya Islamic Orphanage Centre reinforces its dedication to empowering Africa’s tomorrow—one story at a time—through initiatives that improve lives and support community development.