From Orphanage Dreams to Family-Based Care
January 2025
For years, Modesta dreamed of opening an orphanage to care for vulnerable children in her community in Kinondoni, Dar es Salaam. She believed that providing shelter in an institution was the best way to help children in need. But everything changed when she met Grace, a dedicated Social Welfare Officer, earlier this year.
This is Modesta’s Transformation
Grace, who was trained in family-based care through GCA’s partnership with the Kinondoni Social Welfare Department, shared with Modesta the harsh realities of institutional care—the emotional, psychological, and developmental harm it can cause. She also introduced Modesta to a better way: foster care. This conversation transformed Modesta’s vision. Instead of opening an orphanage, she decided to become a foster parent herself, providing short-term, loving family care for children in need.
Modesta applied for, and completed GCA’s Foster Care Training. She was now prepared to welcome a child into her home. She eagerly waited for the opportunity to put her new knowledge into practice. That opportunity came when Lilian, another Social Welfare Officer, was seeking a safe, temporary home for a five-month-old baby. The child had been neglected by his mother, and his father was unable to care for him.
With open arms, Modesta welcomed the baby into her home. GCA stepped in immediately, providing baby formula, diapers, and continuous moral and material support. At a Foster Parent Monitoring Meeting, Modesta’s husband, Mr. Wilhem, expressed their gratitude:
“GCA has always been supportive of our efforts. What I love most is that they respond quickly when we need help. Right now, we are fostering a five-month-old child, and GCA has provided us with baby formula, diapers, and daily encouragement. It is such a blessing to have an organization that truly supports families so every child can thrive.”
Modesta’s story is a powerful reminder that many well-meaning individuals still believe orphanages are the solution. Thanks to GCA’s advocacy, training, and partnerships, we are changing mindsets, equipping foster parents, and ensuring that children grow up in the love and stability of a family—not an institution.
GCA and Grace connected the family to a local church for livelihood support.
Then, together we reunified the children with their parents while working with the family on long-term plans. The joy of their reunion was still being felt weeks later when GCA made the first of many follow-up visits to the family for monitoring.
