Staff at the children's home

Frau mit dunkler Haut lächelt, die Frisur ist ein Dutt, vor grünem Hintergrund.

Mama Selina Shayo

Mama Selina has been the on-site director of the Tuwapende Watoto Children’s Home since early 2026. She has been working with us since January 2008. She was born in 1981 in the Kilimanjaro region. After elementary school, she attended Upendo College for two years and completed her training as an early childhood educator. She manages the children’s home and shares responsibility for the kitchen with Mama Joyce. Mama Selina loves children and is deeply committed to their well-being. She also helps the children with their homework.

Eine Frau mit dunklen Haaren lächelt und trägt ein rosa Hemd mit Kragen. Im verschwommenen Hintergrund ist grünes Laubwerk zu sehen.

Mama Joyce Swai

Mama Joyce has been working with us since December 2009. She was born in 1976 in the Arusha region. After finishing elementary school, she attended Upendo College for two years and became an early childhood educator. Mama Joyce shares kitchen duties with Mama Selina. She loves helping children. Her daughter Nancy also lives at the children’s home. Nancy attends Baobab Secondary School.

Junge Person mit geflochtenen Haaren lächelt, im Freien, weicher Hintergrund.

Mama Merina Ilanda Khangaa

Mama Merina is in charge of cleaning and laundry at the orphanage and has been working with us since March 2010. She helps the children with their weekly laundry. She was born in 1983 in the Iringa region. Mama Merina completed third grade in primary school. Merina: “I love working at Tuwapende Watoto because my salary allows me to build a good and secure life for myself, given my circumstances.”

Frau mit dunkler Haut lächelt, die Frisur ist ein Dutt, vor grünem Hintergrund.

Mother Emilia Apollinary

Mama Emilia has been supporting our team at the children’s home as a substitute during holidays and weekends since 2016. She works as a cook, helps with cleaning and laundry, and takes on other tasks typically handled by the other caregivers. Emilia was born in Dodoma in 1989. She is married to our night watchman, Massawe. She is happy to be able to work at our children’s home, which gives her the opportunity to support her family financially.

Eine Frau mit dunklen Haaren lächelt und trägt ein rosa Hemd mit Kragen. Im verschwommenen Hintergrund ist grünes Laubwerk zu sehen.

Night watchman Apolinan Frederic Massawe

Apolinan is responsible for guarding our children’s home at night. Apolinan has been working for our foundation since April 2013.