SPONSOR A HADZA CHILD
“I am an educated Hadza. And I have never forgotten my culture. Education has only given me a more powerful sense of being, a stronger pride, and greater desire to help my people.”
What is a Sponsorship?
Hadza child sponsorship is a program designed to match a sponsor or group of sponsors with one child. Sponsors will receive regular updates and photos on the child they match with. For long-term sponsorships, sponsors will get to know the same child through the years and follow them throughout their journey.
How much does it cost?
The cost of fully sponsoring one Hadza child for one year is $1920. This not only covers the fees for a private school education—but all aspects of a child’s life 365 days/year (more on this below). This cost can be split amongst a group or other sponsors.
Why sponsor through Meleka?
As a small organization, we work directly with the Hadza and treat every child in our program with love and care. We build close connections with the children and have housed children and families in our own homes during emergencies. We believe that every child deserves to be happy, comfortable, and safe.
What does a sponsor receive?
A welcome letter introducing you to the child you sponsor and their story
An opportunity to write letters to the child you sponsor
Photos and videos of the child’s journey
Regular written updates and correspondence with Meleka
Updates on the child’s family and life beyond school
An opportunity to watch a child grow through the years
Becoming part of the Meleka community and joining a wonderful group of sponsors
The joy of knowing you are making a huge impact on a child’s life
What does the child receive?
We take a holistic approach to supporting each child. We believe that a child can only reach their full potential if ALL of their life needs are met—even beyond education. The annuals sponsorship cost includes:
Private school education and a safe place to live
School supplies, books, clothes, boarding costs, etc.
Basic health and medical care
Daily nutritious meals
Regular support through individualized check-ins and special events organized by Meleka
A Meleka mentor to help guide and oversee the child
Help with personal needs/matters and family emergencies
Access to sports, games, school trips and extracurricular activities
Chaperoned transport to/from home
An opportunity to be a future change maker of their community!
Why send a Hadza child to school?
People often ask, “Why send a Hadza child to school?” The Hadza themselves want access to education and know it is the only way their culture and people will be protected in the long term. They know it is the only way to reduce dependency on outsiders and build an empowered community that can stand on its own. Education is every human’s basic right and that is no different for the Hadza—it is the key to attaining freedom and social justice.
The goal of the Hadza Child Sponsorship Program is to provide access to quality education for Hadza children and help lift them out of the cycle of poverty and improve their future lives. The Program aims to empower Hadza children to choose who they want to be in this world. Whether that be in the bush or outside of the bush, every human has the right to their own independent life choices, and that is no different for indigenous peoples. Perhaps some children will want to pursue their passions in literature, science, or the arts—that is their free will. And perhaps some will become future Hadza leaders to help uplift their community, work with researchers and organizations, advocate for rights, engage in policymaking and even represent in government. Having educated members of the community would enable and empower the Hadza to advocate for their own lives. It would enable to the Hadza community to stand together against the injustices that are being faced today. The tribe would have a voice, they would be recognized, and respected. Educating the young generation is the key to improving future livelihoods across the Hadza community. And in turn, it is the key to preserving a culture.
To truly help a community, we must empower people to stand on their own.
This program is only for Hadza children who have expressed wanting to go to school but don’t have the resources to do so.
How can I help?
If you’d like to sponsor a child, please contact us at info@meleka.org. For other ways to support, please visit our donations page.
Upendo is a Standard 2 student who is bright, thoughtful, and deeply loves learning. She is one of the top students in her grade and loves spending time in the classroom with her teachers and friends. Upendo was recognized early by her camp for her potential, and today continues to stand out as a caring and promising young student.
Madulu is a Standard 4 student who stands out in his grade for his academic and athletic skills. He loves football, mathematics, and reading, and is known for being social, curious, and a natural leader among his friends. Madulu also enjoys art and learning, and spends much of his time with other Hadzabe students in the program.
Mariamu is a bright and determined student with a strong love for learning. She is entering Standard 4 and enjoys playing, singing traditional songs, and mathematics. She comes from a large family with six siblings and is part of a close-knit home and school community. Mariamu is a kind girl who enjoys spending time with her friends.
