A March of progress
I’ve realised that I start every letter in surprise at how quickly time passes, and how full and eventful the weeks and months are - and 2025 is no exception. A heap of great things have happened, and I love to share good news - so grab a cuppa and join me for an action-packed update.
The ADCs of disability
Last month the African Disability Collaboration Summit was held in Moshi, and we were proud to be counted among the 300 disability sector attendees.
Oloshuku, our physiotherapist (pictured left), presented ‘From patient to community ambassador: a transformation’.
Meanwhile Bron, our Projects Coordinator, joined a panel to discuss ‘From Tokenism to True Inclusion: Holding Communities Accountable for Disability Rights’.
What a privilege to be in such rich conversation with people who spend their days thinking about the same things we do.
A powerful new partnership
Speaking of finding our tribe - I want to shout from the rooftops about the MoU we signed with Management and Development for Health.
MDH works closely with the government, and together, we are the secretariat that spearheads the national birth defect think tank.
Their research team will help us use our data to publish research papers that share knowledge and showcase our impact.
Partnerships with people who are so aligned with our vision and values are so powerful, and we can’t wait for all the work we’ll do together.
WOGO and Soles4Souls
We had such an inspiring visit from Women Orthopaedist Global Outreach (WOGO) and Soles4Souls. They played with the children, gave each of them a new pair of shoes, and then joined me for sundowners at Likamba.
I loved sharing our visions and dreams for this special spot - and to have their support and enthusiasm meant the world.
We’re incredibly lucky to have friends like these, and to stand alongside them in this global movement transforming the lives of children with disabilities.
Healthcare heroes return
Our friends from One World Medical Relief returned for a week of life-changing surgeries.
Dr. Adam Bakker, Dr. David Schnur, and Dr. Ben Amis were lead surgeons, with support from Dr. William Brown.
They worked together with Dr. Elirehema Kimaro and surgical residents from Selian Lutheran Hospital, and anaesthesia was done by Dr. Erik Egeland, Dr. Emily Schmidt, Dr. Alexander Jacobs, with John Muelken as surgical assistant.
They treated 41 of our children for cleft lip and palate, burn scar contracture, and more. What a team!
Down under and back to school
As we speak, I’m in the midst of a fabulous few weeks in Australia. Last year, a group of Aussies came for a Kafika House safari, and they’ve been such incredible supporters since, organising gatherings and fundraisers for my visit - I am so grateful.
I’ll also be going back to school: I was awarded the Old Lauristonian’s Association’s 2024 Fellowship, which supports professional development for past students.
This resulted in an exciting opportunity to attend The Melbourne Business School’s short course on Finance for Non-Financial Managers.
I can’t wait for all that I’m about to learn, and to bring it home to Kafika House.
Friends in the right places
I’m always grateful for the support of our safari partners, but lately we have even more cause than usual.
Nomad hosted two groups of our very lucky team members for luxury adventures in their Entamanu Ngorongoro and Kuro Tarangire Camps.
Nomad, Asilia and Legendary Expeditions support our outreach efforts, and generally show Kafika House so much love. Thank you - we feel lucky beyond measure.
Thank you, as always, for your support - it means the world as we keep going and growing. We couldn’t do it without you.
With love,
Sarah