July 2023 - Tanzania
Written by GCA’s Global Director, Ashlee Heiligman
Tanzania is a whole new world to me and GCA. This past summer was only my second time in the country so I thank God often to have Onesmo Itozya as our Country Director. Itozya came to GCA with extensive experience in child protection and a passion to change his nation. His leadership capabilities are proven to be excellent at every turn.
To show you what I mean, here’s a (not-so) brief rundown of all that Itozya has accomplished in a few months time:
GCA Tanzania’s Board of Directors at GCA’s new office in Dar es Salaam. Many International NGO’s rent expensive high-rise offices in the nicest area of town. However in true GCA style, Itozya negotiated the lowest rent for a perfectly suitable office in a very modest local community.
Finalized registration for GCA Tanzania and secured the official certificate to operate
Recruited five highly credentialed board members who bring decades of experience in financial management, child protection, nonprofit leadership, Christian ministry, and child development
Paved the way for 1,230 children to grow up in safe families by training 28 orphanages and 16 social welfare officers and inviting each to partner with GCA for case management
Conducted follow-up meetings with six orphanages to plan next steps and potential partnerships with GCA
Translated the Reimagine Orphan Care video series into Kiswahili and professionally recorded the voice over in Tanzania to be widely distributed throughout the country
Recruited, screened, and hired a Community Engagement Officer and a Social Work Case Manager
Accepted the invitation to join the National Alliance to Strengthen Families and Family Based Alternative Care in Tanzania alongside UNICEF, Railway Children, Save the Children, and Pamoja Leo
Collaborated with the Social Welfare Department of Kinondoni District to recruit foster families for children who do not have safe families
Partnered with Social Welfare to monitor and support new child placements into foster families
Provided training for 30 foster families and their ward officers to see children place in families not shelters
Established GCA as a vital resource for child welfare officers throughout the country who are seeking to place orphaned children into safe families
Itozya’s vision is to change his nation for the most vulnerable children and families. He’s working hard to create buy-in with all of the key decision makers in Tanzania.
Once the vision is caught, the future is full of hope for all children to grow up in families!
Jeanne Karamaga Ndyetabura has a Bachelors and Masters of Social Work and 40 years experience in child welfare. She retired as the Assistant Commissioner of Social Welfare. We are privileged that she now serves as GCA Tanzania’s Board Chair where she is passing down her life’s legacy and vast network.
Help us protect children in safe families!