Hope Village: A Place to Grow, Learn, and Build a Future

We welcomed Songea’s Kids president Sherie Valderrama back to the Rotary Club of Sammamish to share how Hope Village in southern Tanzania has grown into a community where children have safe homes, neighbors can access health care, and students learn skills for earning a living. Her message also looked ahead: as more people depend on the village, protecting its water supply becomes essential.

From open land to a growing community

Sherie shared images showing the changes between Sammamish Rotary visits in 2018 and 2024. What had been largely undeveloped land now includes family-style residential homes, medical and dental care, vocational training, and agricultural activities.

For children without a safe place to live, Hope Village offers homes with caregivers and the chance to grow up alongside other children. Its services extend to the surrounding community, including health care and training in masonry, tailoring, and computer applications.

At the time of the presentation, a preschool and a dormitory for vocational students were under construction. That growth brings more opportunities, along with a greater need for water for drinking, washing, and sanitation.

Making every water source count

Rotary-supported wells already help supply clean water to Hope Village, including water piped into the residential homes. Today, that groundwater is also used for cleaning, laundry, and flushing toilets.

The next project would collect and store rainwater for those non-drinking uses, helping preserve groundwater for essential needs while supporting sanitation and reducing operating costs. It is practical infrastructure behind daily life: clean clothes, working toilets, and homes ready to welcome children.

Sammamish Rotary has contributed $4,000 toward the first phase, planned for the two residential homes in 2027. District funding was still pending when Sherie spoke with us. A later phase would extend the system to the vocational training building and student dormitory.

Staying involved makes a difference

Water is one part of a partnership that has grown over years. Seattle-area Rotary clubs have also supported health care, medicines, and equipment. Even sewing machines purchased to make masks during the pandemic now serve another purpose in tailoring training.

Sherie reminded us that choosing one place and staying involved can turn an overwhelming need into something we can help address. Hope Village’s progress reflects the continuing work of Tanzanian partners, volunteers, donors, and Rotary clubs.

We are grateful to be part of that effort. To learn more about our service projects or join us at a meeting, connect with Sammamish Rotary.