The Umoja Centre

By Michael Gombe

I was sick and I didn’t know of what disease

I ran out if ideas, clear thoughts to analyze

As the time went on as my future demoralized

What’s so bad, my hopes and wishes divorced

Optimistically, I got a place where all of

these are restored

It’s Umoja Centre aerial and bolded

I call it workshop where my mind being fixed

As I know an empty mind is a workshop of the devil

That’s why I study hard to reach the high level

Fight against poverty, through the education

From me, my sons and daughters,

Laura Brooks from the UK, set up a girls football team with weekly practice at a local field...

None had ever played before, but were eager to match the boys in their football skills. And they did! The whole school went to support the big game against local team K Youth. Sadly The Umoja Hammers lost 1-0 to an off-side goal!

Laura says “the girls showed great dedication and team work and I am very proud of all of them.”

On Saturday 19th November, The Umoja Centre, along with Youth Challenge International and several local NGOs, celebrated the first ever International Men’s Day in Arusha! This year’s message was giving boys the best possible start in life. The students performed dramas to educate the community on the role of men in family life and health. Over 200 people attended and took part in activities like a watermelon eating contest, chicken races, HIV testing, an educational panel and dancing.  It was great fun for all!

Our wonderful 2011 students have now graduated from their Foundation Year at the centre into our Outplacement Programme. All 35 graduates have now been placed successfully into the Outplacement Programme. A fantastic 23 students have won places at secondary school, 2 into teacher training with others into various vocational courses including Laboratory Technician and Electrician training. We are immensely proud!

Of course this is a time for celebration, with the last day of term filled with fun - including a talent show and a visit from Father Christmas!