August 2026
Child Sponsorship Co-ordinator – We are delighted and thankful that Caroline Pugh has taken on this volunteer role. Caroline introduces herself below, outlining her long connection with Village Africa.
When I visited in Yamba back in 2009, it was the fulfilment of a long-held aspiration to use my teaching and musical skills as a volunteer. Those 6 weeks were full of singing, learning the recorder, playing educational games and artwork as well as making up stories with puppets. Importantly we were practising English through role play and songs, as well as feeding the children’s creative instincts; at the time that was such a bonus alongside the general curriculum.
Being in Yamba for 6 weeks that summer, the children stole my heart with their enthusiasm, humour and commitment to their studies. In those early days of Village Africa, I was known as Singing Caro and it began a 17 year association with VA and most particularly, sponsoring young people through the Simba Club right through to university.
I have been a class music teacher most of my working life and have taught all ages from 9-18, also running a large church choir and organising several musical fundraising events.I took early retirement in 2020, but as we were in the midst of the pandemic, I worked in a care home organising the activities, and then after Covid set up my own business, leading singing groups and 1:1 sessions for health and wellbeing for the elderly.
I am definitely a creative thinker, and love getting people together, so a reunion in 2010 of other volunteers from the summer of 2009, was a great way to keep our passion for the villagers in our hearts, and as I remember it, was near the beginning of the 1st ambulance fundraiser. The following year I also walked 55 miles – the Manchester Bogle, again raising money for the ambulance, and in 2020, I was on an exercise bike for the new ambulance appeal! On 17th October this year, I will be leading a sing along (with tea and cake) as part of World Singing Day, again raising funds for the new ambulance.I am so delighted that I have the opportunity to once again be more closely involved with this wonderful charity, and maybe return to Yamba in the future to see how much fantastic progress has been made over the last 17 years since I was there.
Please direct any Simba Club matters to Caroline Pugh on villageafricasimbaclub@outlook.com.
Congratulations to Joseph Lucas from Yamba who has passed his driving course at VETA in Tanga. Joseph attended Yamba Primary School and Mibukwe Secondary School in Milingano before taking his vocational course. Many thanks to his sponsor in the UK who supported him since he was a young boy.
Congratulations to Juma Zuberi from Milingano who has passed his Primary School teaching certificate and diploma at Korogwe Teachers College. Both are needed now to get a government teaching job in Tanzania. Juma attended Milingano Primary School and Mibukwe Secondary School before taking his vocational training. Many thanks to his sponsor in the UK who supported him.
New office and small meeting room in Yamba complete. The Vyaadahikana Village Africa Tanzania team has moved in! The buildings are just before Mzizma (on the left of the path as you walk up the mountain). A big Thank You to Deltec Citimail Limited for providing very generous funding to complete this project which was in its very early stages.
Village Africa always put the community first. Covid19 showed the need for a bigger office (as staff couldn’t social distance). As there is now both phone and internet network and electricity in the village, the office is using more and more IT (eg computers, printers and smartphones) so not having to hot-desk is much more efficient. Many systems in Tanzania are now online and the office is in regular contact with our UK office.
The site consists of offices, a watchman’s hut, a generator hut, male and female toilets and water tanks. The small meeting room will be used for the morning logistics team meeting, held at 8am 6 days per week to assess the fast-changing priorities, workload and staffing due to emergency trips, funerals, sickness etc.
The housegirls and watchmen will gradually landscape the plot as they kindly did at Mzizma. Plants grow very quickly in Yamba so it will soon look pretty!
We hope the team in Yamba enjoys its new working environment as it continues to serve the people of Yamba, Milingano and the surrounding area. It ‘made do’ in the past but Village Africa is delighted it now has a modern office.
Vyaadahikana Village Africa Tanzania’s building team (left to right) Paulo (Site Manager/Deputy Head Builder), Richard (Builder), Peter known as Sheshe (Head Builder), Charles (Carpenter) and Vicent (Carpenter).
Congratulations to Victoria Richard Peter and Kelvin Richard John from Yamba who have passed Form 6 (A levels). Victoria went to Yamba Primary School, Mgwashi Seconday School (Form 1-4) and Kipingo Secondary School in Morogoro (Form 5-6). Kelvin went to Yamba Primary School, Mgwashi Secondary School (Form 1-4) and Soni Seminary (Form 5-6). Thank you to their Village Africa Simba Club sponsors in the UK for supporting them.
Maiko Paulo appointed Director of Vyaadahikana Village Africa Tanzania.
Following John Shekuamba’s retirement, Maiko Paulo has been promoted to Director of Vyaadahikana Village Africa Tanzania from 1 August 2026.
Maiko is from Yamba. He is a qualified primary school teacher and volunteered at Yamba Primary School for five years. He has been a Manager in Vyaadahikana Village Africa Tanzania’s office since Sept 2025.
Village Africa is delighted by this promotion and looks forward to continuing work with Maiko and the team in Yamba.
July 2026
John Shekuamba, longstanding Manager in Yamba, has retired.
Village Africa and Vyaadahikana Village Africa Tanzania cannot thank John enough for his 20 years service. The two organisations wish him a long, happy and much-deserved restful retirement.
John moved to Yamba on 2 May 2006 (the day Village Africa started). His wisdom helped to create and sustain a strong organisation serving the people of Yamba, Milingano and the surrounding area. He became Director of Vyaadahikana Village Africa Tanzania on 1 Sept 2023 when this new, local NGO took over the job of delivering the services funded by Village Africa.
John’s dedication, integrity, honesty and professionalism in all things will never be forgotten.
Ultra Challenge 2027 event dates just launched.
Take on an exciting challenge in 2026 or 2027 in aid of Village Africa. Help the Yamba and Milingano communities as they strive to reduce poverty in difficult circumstances. Invite your friends and family to join you.
Check out the Ultra Challenge website which includes New Events and Early Bird deals. https://www.ultrachallenge.com
This is one way to fundraise for the Village Africa Ambulance Appeal. Help to raise the £29,196 still needed to reach the £85,000 target. https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/Village-Africa-New-Ambulance-Appeal
Moe resigns due to ill health
Sadly, Moe Brazenall has resigned from the Village Africa Child Sponsorship Co-ordinator role due to ill health.
Moe looked after Simba Club for 19 years since it started in 2007 and resigns ‘with a heavy heart’. She did a brilliant job, using her highly professional skills whilst adding the personal touch. Moe has made a major impact on the lives of the 297 students sponsored to date. The Yamba and Milingano community, Village Africa and Vyaadahikana Village Africa Tanzania cannot thank her enough.
We join together to wish Moe all the best as she undergoes treatment. We wish her a full and speedy recovery. She is in our thoughts and prayers.
Please refer any Simba Club matters to info@villageafrica.org.uk.
New Child Sponsorship Co-ordinator needed
Village Africa is looking for a volunteer to fulfil this role as, sadly, Moe Brazenall has resigned after 19 years due to ill health.
It is an administrative position, working from home and takes a few hours per week. The Co-ordinator corresponds with new and current sponsors throughout the year. There are 2 mailings to all sponsors annually (Mid-year and End of Year) and approximately 100 sponsors. The mailings entail forwarding letters from the children, photos (printed in the UK) and reports from Tanzania.
The majority of sponsors are in the UK (but not all). It is therefore best if the volunteer is also in the UK to keep Simba Club postage costs down.
It is not necessary to visit Tanzania but, of course, the volunteer is most welcome to visit the village to meet the community if he/she wishes and can cover the costs.
If you are interested in this Child Sponsorship Co-ordinator role, please contact Caroline Johnston (Director – Projects Liaison) on info@villageafrica.org.uk by 31 Aug 2026.
If you cannot volunteer in this way, please share this search for a volunteer with anyone who might be interested.
Thank you.
MP presents plaque to Village Africa to mark the charity’s 20th birthday and to give thanks for 20 years of assistance to the villagers in Yamba, Milingano and the surrounding area.
The MP is new. He comes from Kwembalazi (at the foot of the mountain), a sub-village of Yamba. He is the Hon. Eng. Ramadhani Hamza Singano, MP for Bumbuli Constituency.
He made a special visit to Yamba to see the work of Village Africa and Vyaadahikana Village Africa Tanzania. He was accompanied by officials from the District (Bumbuli), Ward (Milingano) and Village (Mweni-Yamba).
He thanked Village Africa and Vyaadahikana Village Africa Tanzania for everything they have done and do to help in the fields of health and education.
A vaccine fridge and voltage regulator for the dispensary in Yamba was received by the MP on behalf of the government.
This medical equipment was funded by a very generous donation from Deltec Citimail Limited, via Village Africa. Vyaadahikana Village Africa Tanzania organised the purchase and transportation up the steep mountain.
The MP also saw and gave thanks for the renovation of Yamba Primary School, the new blackboards and the school computer and printer – all kindly funded by Deltec Citimail Limited.
Such wonderful gifts that will help so many villagers of all ages. Thank you so much Deltec Citimail Limited for its care and great generosity!
June 2026
Check out our Ambulance Appeal video – It shows the ambulance driving on mountainous terrain in Yamba and Milingano. It features John Samweli and Edmundi Senkunde (the ambulance drivers) and many patients. Listen to Thomas (a Yamba pupil) explain how the ambulance helped him.
Blackboards, chalk and erasers for all 8 classrooms at Yamba Primary School. Thanks to Deltec Citimail Limited for this initiative and funding to cover all costs, including transport from Dar es Salaam.
Students in Simba Club, Village Africa’s student sponsorship scheme, prepare Mid-year letters to update their sponsors.
May 2026
2 May 2026 – Celebrating Village Africa’s 20th Birthday! We are so proud of what has been achieved over the past 20 years & want to celebrate two decades of dedication, hard work and commitment. We would like to thank all staff, volunteers and supporters for their loyalty to the project. We have put together a little video to showcase some of the achievements from 2006-2026. Thank you for being part of this incredible journey. We hope you enjoy watching and listening.
Thank You Video from Yamba – We would also like to share this video made by Maiko Paulo, a Manager at Vyaadahikana Village Africa Tanzania. Maiko comes from Yamba and is passionate about helping his own village. He is well known to many Village Africa volunteers and visitors. Maiko initiated and kindly put together this video with sound from Yamba on behalf of the community to say thank you.
Good News – Village Africa’s New Ambulance Appeal has now reached £52,396 (61% of the £85,000 target). Many thanks to all who have contributed once or more often. All supporters, please help by fund raising or donating. https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/Village-Africa-New-Ambulance-Appeal
Baby David named after Karen Nivala’s father. Karen was a Village Africa teaching volunteer in Yamba. What a lovely way to remember a volunteer and her family. The boy was born after an emergency trip in Village Africa’s ambulance from Yamba to Magoma Health Centre. He is called David Apolnerius and his mother is Lucy Elias Mpemba from the village.
Coin collection in aid of Village Africa. Pupils at the Bishops’ C of E and R C Primary School in Chelmsford gathered coins to fill a large map of Africa in their playground. Village Africa is their global focus and they enjoy learning about Yamba and fundraising to help the children and other villagers. Many thanks to the pupils and their families for their generosity. Rebecca Tarplett, former Village Africa teaching volunteer in Yamba, kindly made the introduction to this school in Essex, UK.
April 2026
Village Africa’s ambulance service – Baby boy born after an emergency trip. Lucia Ludovick from Yamba was referred from Milingano Health Centre to Magoma. The baby is called Goodluck Isic. Many thanks to all Village Africa donors who made this journey possible.
Suitcases (for storing clothes and personal possessions at home) and umbrellas for Simba Club primary school pupils. Houses in Yamba have limited furniture. The cases will be used to protect personal belongings from dust, insects, rodents etc. Villagers often store their maize crop in the rafters which, unfortunately, can attract rats. Rats also eat clothes, plastic, soap etc! Thank you to their Village Africa Simba Club donors for their on-going assistance.
Knitted sweaters and hats for the newest babies in Yamba. Thank you to those in the UK who knitted and posted them.
March 2026
Coffee seedlings and fertiliser for Yamba. The seedlings were kindly donated by the Tanzania Coffee Research Institute (TaCRI) in Moshi, Kilimanjaro Region and the fertiliser and transport from Moshi to Yamba for both was generously funded by Village Africa donors in the UK. Five farmers are setting up demonstration farms to see how viable it is to grow coffee in the village. They all attended a coffee growing course at TaCRI first. They will use two methods (fertiliser and organic farming) to compare. Organic coffee beans fetch a higher price at market.
February 2026
Congratulations to the Campbell Family for successfully completing its challenge to walk the Malvern Hill end to end in aid of the Village Africa New Ambulance Appeal.
Sean writes
“Challenge complete! Thanks so much for all of the donations and support! We started just after 07:30 in the morning and finished the trail in around 5 hours 45 minutes, Jenny, Primrose and Dylan did amazing! The weather was fantastic bright sunshine but still fairly cold on the tops which kept us cool.”
Village Africa thanks Sean, Jenny, Primrose and Dylan for taking on this physically challenging 9.3 mile trail on Valentine’s Day and for their phenomenal fund raising. Many thanks to all who supported them and contributed.
https://www.justgiving.com/page/campbellmalvernvillageafrica
Baby Ben named after Ben Phillips who visited Yamba last year with his mother Fiona Phillips who is a past Village Africa volunteer.
New school uniforms – Primary school pupils in Village Africa’s Simba Club were measured by local tailors. Here is Yuliana Andrea with tailor Veronica Patrick – both from Yamba.
Hygiene kits distributed to primary school pupils in Village Africa’s Simba Club. (Love the little face behind the tree!) The kit included a toothbrush, toothpaste, comb, 2 hand soaps, 2 bars of laundry soap, a bucket, shoe polish and 2 pairs of socks. Thank you to all the sponsors in Village Africa’s Simba Club for their on-going kindness that supplied these and other essential educational and health items.
Tools given to 5 farmers preparing coffee-growing demonstration farms in Yamba. The tools were ropes, special&nb&nb&nb sp;sp;sp;scissors for coffee, shovels, rakes and tape measures. Many thanks to the UK donors.
Photo (left to right) – Mariana Gaudence, Peter Joseph and Zakia Yahaya
January 2026
Village Africa was able to fund different projects at Yamba Primary School, Yamba Dispensary and Mzizma due to a very generous donation from Deltec Citimail.
Yamba Primary School
The following work was completed
- Repairing a classroom where a tree had destroyed the roof
- Mending classroom floors
- Painting 8 classrooms inside and outside plus rooves
- Repairing 3 cupboards and 3 desks
- Varnishing 3 cupboards and 69 desks.
A desktop computer and printer were also donated to Yamba Primary School before the renovation work. We hope the teachers and pupils will enjoy their new learning environment.
New Equipment
A sterilising machine and gas cylinder were donated to Yamba Dispensary. This machine will help to ensure that reusable medical devices are safe to use on patients, preventing the spread of infections.
A 1000 litre water tank was bought and installed at the Dispensary.
Electricity
Electricity has been installed at Vyaadahikana Village Africa Tanzania’s visitor area called Mzizma in the houses, kitchen, toilets, bathrooms and stores.
Congratulations to Sarah Mayne, Village Africa’s Chair (pictured centre), who won the Individual Volunteer Award at the Lloyd’s Market Charity Awards for her work with Village Africa. The Award came with a large donation to Village Africa. Thank you to the Lloyd’s of London Foundation for its generosity.
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