Building Humanity Team at Eternal Family Village

Building Humanity’s international team commenced our 14-day construction trip in Arusha, nestled beneath the majestic shadow of Mt. Kilimanjaro. The initial days were devoted to team bonding and immersing ourselves in the rich culture, history, and significant sites of Tanzania. This experience provided valuable context for our volunteers, helping us understand the significance of our mission and the values cherished by the Tanzanian people.

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Our first full day was spent hiking through lush banana plantations, exploring a breathtaking waterfall, and unwinding at a scenic hilltop coffee farm. Here, we learned the art of processing coffee beans and grinding them like the locals. We enjoyed lunch with stunning views of the countryside and swinging gently over the hillside, and our evening concluded with a delightful Tanzanian-style barbecue.

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Over the next three days, our team covered considerable ground, embarking on safari jeeps to explore the wonders of Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti National Park, and a Maasai village. In addition to spotting the famed Big Five, our team was fortunate enough to encounter nearly every animal Tanzania has to offer. With our spirits high from these wildlife encounters and fully embracing the Hakuna Matata lifestyle, we felt rejuvenated and ready to focus on the true purpose of our journey. After departing the Serengeti, we undertook the long trek to Tabora, where we were greeted at Eternal Family Village with joyous song and dance from over 140 children.

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A significant portion of Building Humanity’s work hours was dedicated to the intensive task of painting House twelve. Every surface—both inside and out—required two coats of primer followed by two coats of paint. This labor-intensive undertaking was executed entirely by hand using brushes and rollers. Essential tools, such as extension poles for reaching ceilings and high areas, were not readily available, so our resourceful team improvised by crafting makeshift poles from sticks and creatively modifying mops to assist in the process. While painting for days on end was not the most glamorous task, it was a crucial step to prepare House 12 for the new family.

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On days when painting was interrupted by logistical challenges or delays in materials, the team pivoted to support the construction of the new dairy farm. We assisted in stretching chain-link fencing around the farm’s perimeter and contributed to the handmade brick production for the shepherd’s home.

Several volunteers from the UK, specializing in solar energy, took the opportunity to assess the energy needs of both the village and the school, which currently experience power outages throughout the day and into the evening. This lack of electricity poses significant challenges, particularly as it affects the water pump. The goal is to evaluate potential solar solutions that could bring sustainable energy to the village and school. The volunteers will compile their findings into a feasibility report upon returning home, outlining actionable steps to transition the village and adjacent school to 100% solar power—a critical project in need of immediate funding.

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Before embarking on our journey to Tanzania, Los Angeles artist Justine Alvarez generously donated two large acrylic paintings for Building Humanity to present to Eternal Family. Inspired by the stories and lives of the children at Eternal Family, her hope was that these paintings would bring warmth and joy to the new families moving into their homes. Several volunteers dedicated time to sourcing wood and supplies to stretch the paintings properly. On our final night at Eternal Family, we proudly presented the artworks to the Tanzanian director, George, and hung them in Homes #11 and #12—a heartfelt welcome gift for the incoming families.

 

Community Outreach

During the weekend, the team took the initiative to deliver care packages to ten families in need, in two nearby villages. Each care package included essential staples such as rice, dried fish, bottled water, and cooking oil, along with boxes of cookies as special treats for the children. As they visited each household, the team heard poignant stories of struggle and resilience. They met an elderly grandmother caring for her three young grandchildren, a single father raising six children on his own, and a man who had lost his sight and could no longer provide for his wife and five children. Most families lived in handmade mud homes, none having access to running water or indoor plumbing.

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Each area visited was overseen by an elected chairman, a respected figure responsible for overseeing matters of 20 to 50 homesteads. While this role is unpaid, it carries considerable esteem within the community. The chairman plays a crucial part in resolving disputes and monitoring the well-being of households in their jurisdiction. This leadership structure helps Mircea and the Eternal Family team identify families in need and focus their support where it is most critical.

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Lunches and dinners were cherished moments shared with the families at Eternal Family. Each day, a different family prepared meals, creating a space for connection and cultural exchange. After dinner, the team enjoyed heartfelt introductions, where parents and children shared their aspirations for the future. Often, families showcased their culture and family bonds through traditional dances or songs. These gatherings provided unique opportunities to connect with the children and learn about the diverse motivations of parents, deepening the understanding of the personal stories behind each child's journey to Eternal Family.

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STEAM DAY

One of the highlights of our time on site was a STEAM Education Day held at the Eternal Pre & Primary School, which brought together students from the community and EF children. Mircea emphasized that this was a groundbreaking initiative, as such an event had never been organized for the children before. The day began with all students gathered in the cafeteria, where they were introduced to the concept of STEAM—Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics. Each team member shared their personal journey, detailing their educational backgrounds and career paths, which inspired the young minds present.

Following the introduction, the participants broke into five distinct groups, each focused on engaging activities designed to foster creativity and critical thinking. The sessions included building spaghetti and marshmallow towers, crafting paper airplanes, launching rubber band rockets, creating mentos and coke volcanoes, engaging in creative drawing, and constructing water balloon parachutes. Older children from the orphanage acted as translators, facilitating communication and ensuring inclusivity. The atmosphere was lively and somewhat chaotic, filled with laughter and excitement as the children immersed themselves in the hands-on projects.

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After our STEAM Day activities, we witnessed a remarkable shift in the career aspirations of many children. During our nightly dinner introductions, it became evident that the event had sparked new dreams and ambitions. Whereas prior to STEAM Day, we rarely heard children expressing a desire to become engineers or architects, suddenly, a multitude of them enthusiastically declared these fields as their newfound career goals. The excitement in their voices was a testament to the inspiring impact of the hands-on activities and the possibilities they had envisioned for their futures.

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Asante Sana (Swahili for Thank You Very Much)

The time spent at Eternal Family was a transformative experience, not only for the Building Humanity team but also for the children and families involved. Through hands-on projects, meaningful interactions, and community outreach, the team witnessed firsthand the spirit of Tanzania. The dedication to building a nurturing environment for vulnerable children is evident in every aspect of the Eternal Family Village, from the construction of family homes to the innovative educational initiatives that inspire young minds.

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As Eternal Family continues to expand its model and reach, the support of the community and partnerships with local leaders will be vital in addressing the challenges faced by families in the region. The stories shared by those in need serve as powerful reminders of the impact that compassion and collaboration can have on individuals and families striving for a better life.

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Through initiatives like STEAM Education Day and the delivery of care packages, the Building Humanity team forged connections that transcend cultural and linguistic barriers, fostering a sense of unity and hope. By investing in the future of children and their families, Eternal Family and Building Humanity are not only transforming lives but also nurturing the next generation of leaders who will carry forward the values of kindness, resilience, and community.

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As we look to the future, partnerships like these are committed to building a brighter tomorrow—one where every child has the opportunity to thrive in a loving family environment. The journey is ongoing, and with continued support, the vision of a sustainable, compassionate community is well within reach.