At Mosaic International, we often find ourselves in communities facing unimaginable hardships. One such place is Naararami Village, a small community in Tanzania that has become a powerful symbol of perseverance in the face of extreme adversity.
As a team, we have witnessed firsthand the heartbreaking realities that the residents of Naararami endure every day, struggling against drought, hunger, and water shortages—but we've also seen something incredibly inspiring: their unwavering hope and resilience.
In this article, we want to share with you the challenges Naararami faces, the support we’ve been able to offer, and the urgent call for help as this village continues to fight for its survival.
The Drought and Water Crisis: A Desperate Search for Survival
In Naararami, the water crisis is at the heart of everything. Imagine a life where the very thing that sustains you, water, is so scarce that you must travel miles into the wilderness, risking your life to fetch it. This is the grim reality for the people of Naararami.
Their once-reliable water ponds have completely dried up, and even the dirty water that used to provide relief is no longer available. We have heard too many heartbreaking stories from families who, despite all their efforts, can’t find enough clean water to survive.
Our hearts broke when we learned that two women had tragically lost their lives to elephants while making the perilous journey to find water.
These kinds of tragedies are happening far too often, and they remind us how fragile life can be in a place where survival itself is a daily struggle.
We’ve tried, alongside local organizations, to bring solutions to Naararami. We’ve attempted drilling wells, but the area’s geological conditions have made it nearly impossible.
But we also know that there is hope, and we are not giving up. We are exploring the possibility of installing water tanks to harvest rainwater during the rainy season.
This could provide a sustainable source of clean water, but it’s a costly and complex undertaking. For now, all we can do is keep searching for solutions while supporting the community in any way we can.
The Hunger: A Village Fighting to Stay Alive
Water isn’t the only thing that is in short supply. Food is a constant worry for the people of Naararami, and the problem is getting worse. Crops, the lifeblood of the village’s economy, have been destroyed by elephants searching for food.
With no harvest to rely on, families are forced to depend on emergency food aid or whatever meager supplies they can scrape together. It’s a situation that leaves many families hungry and desperate.
When we visited in 2023, we saw the faces of over 360 children suffering from malnutrition—children who, without proper nourishment, are at risk of falling prey to preventable diseases.
We spoke with mothers who feared for their children's lives, knowing that the lack of food would lead to illness, or worse, death. The stark reality is that too many lives are being lost unnecessarily because of hunger and malnutrition.
The health impact is devastating. Families are living in a constant state of crisis, trying to stretch every meal, every ration, to make it through another day. Without the proper support, their survival is uncertain.
Breaking Barriers: Education
Education is a fundamental right, yet many young Maasai girls are denied the opportunity to attend school. Some families, due to extreme poverty, simply cannot afford to send their children to school. Others hold deep-rooted cultural beliefs that investing in a girl's education is futile, as they are often married off at a young age in exchange for cattle.
Cost of Education
Although the cost of tuition is technically free, the costs associated with school, such as uniforms, books, boarding fees and other necessities can amoutn to approx. 500,000 Tanzanian shillings (about $200 USD) per year. For families struggling just to survive, this amount is unattainable.
The Work of Mosaic International: A Lifeline in Times of Crisis
Despite the overwhelming challenges, we at Mosaic International are not without hope. We have seen the strength of the people of Naararami, and we know that with the right support, they can overcome these hardships.
In 2023, we were able to provide some relief by offering food donations, solar lights, and water filters. Additionally, in 2024 we were able to also give food donations. These efforts gave the village much-needed assistance, but we know it’s temporary. The situation remains dire, and the need for long-term solutions is urgent.
One of the most impactful gifts we were able to provide was solar lights. These lights have not only improved security for the villagers but have also extended the day, giving children the chance to study at night.
We’ve heard from families who say that the lights have made a huge difference in their lives, allowing children to improve their school performance and, in turn, their futures. It’s a small but crucial win amidst so much hardship.
However, we cannot rest on past successes. There is still so much more to be done, and our hearts are heavy knowing that the people of Naararami need help now more than ever.
A Path Forward: Urgent Action and Sustainable Change
While the need for immediate relief is critical, we believe that true, lasting change will only come through a sustainable, long-term approach. We are committed to working alongside the people of Naararami to implement solutions that will enable them to become self-sufficient.
Our Plan Forward
Emergency Food Assistance: Continue providing food to those most affected by hunger. No family should go to bed hungry.
Clean Water Solutions: Install water tanks to harvest rainwater and explore modern water technologies that can meet the village’s water needs.
Security Measures: Provide modern flashlights to scare off elephants and protect residents from wildlife attacks.
Collaboration with Local Authorities: Work with the government and wildlife management to ensure that villagers can safely cultivate their land without fear of elephant destruction.
Addressing Grievances: Advocate for a fairer treatment of villagers by the government, ensuring that their lives and livelihoods are valued alongside wildlife protection.
How You Can Make a Difference: Donate Today and Help Change Lives in Naararami
At Mosaic International, we are committed to being a lifeline for communities facing extreme hardship, like the people of Naararami Village in Tanzania. But we can’t do it alone. Your support is crucial in bringing hope and change to these vulnerable communities.
We invite you to consider donating to help us continue our work in Naararami and beyond. Even a small donation can have a profound impact on a family’s life.
FOOD RELIEF: $1 provides 7 meals for one person.
CLEAN WATER: $1 provides one person clean water for an entire year.
SOLAR LIGHTS: $1 provides a solar light to a family for 4 months, improving security and extending the day for children to study.
Whether it’s delivering clean water, providing meals, or lighting the path to a better future with solar lights, your gift can directly impact lives.
We believe in empowering these communities with the resources they need to create lasting change, and we need your help to make that vision a reality.
Together, we can bring hope to the people of Naararami and other communities in need.
Join us in making a difference. Together, we can transform lives!
Thank you for supporting the mission of Mosaic International, where every donation brings hope, relief, and lasting change to communities in need.
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