My Vine Trust Story: Elly Kimaro
We recently spoke to Elly Kimaro, Senior Tanzania Coordinator about his Vine Trust story. Read on to find out more about Elly!
When did you start working with Vine Trust?
It was the year 2013; soon after university I started looking for a job. It was very difficult to find a job as I was just a graduate with no experience. So I was looking for even a place to volunteer, when I came across Gilly Sifuel who was leading Vine Trust groups at that time. He connected me with Vine Trust and I started working as a volunteer, assisting teams. The year after I was very happy to have my first contract with Vine Trust - up to this year I have managed to lead a lot of teams from Vine Trust successfully.
What do you enjoy about working with Vine Trust?
I chose to work for Vine Trust because I like working for mission-based organisations rather than profit based organisations; working with Vine Trust helped me to get close to the grassroots society. I like where the priority is to work towards a specific goal that somehow helps people and communities rather than to work primarily for a profit.
What do you enjoy about working with Vine Trust volunteers?
Working with Vine Trust volunteers has opened my eyes, and has given me a lot of experience of dealing with social issues, learning about different cultures, learning about team work – things I didn’t experience before. Meeting volunteers has helped to build my professionalism, and makes me feel like a part of the UK community in Tanzania.
What impact has the Vine Trust/TAWREF partnership had in the Moshi Area?
The Vine Trust and TAWREF partnership has become a key factor in responding to poverty and related suffering like housing issues. Having 136 homes built in my community is a a huge and very positive contribution. The lives have been transformed for the families who were without safe shelter before; they are now enjoying being protected and comfortable in their new home. Vine Trust does more than build homes - it also provides love, happiness and builds connections with the individuals, families and the community at large.
What value do Vine Trust volunteers add to the partnership with TAWREF and to the home-building programme?
The benefit of Vine Trust volunteers is to strengthen the partnership and friendship between the Vine Trust and TAWREF. Volunteers are actually seeing where the funds raised are going, and they are a part of the building team. This brings more transparency, builds trust and builds partnership at large. The volunteers can tell their families and friends at home about their experiences of visiting those families; their stories will allow the building program to grow and last longer.
What is your hope for the future of the home-building programme?
I hope to see more building teams in Moshi, to continue to see the huge and exciting transformation of the individuals and families empowered by the Vine Trust volunteering programme. More than that, I hope Vine Trust will continue the happy and healthy partnership with TAWREF for a long lasting time.
Asante sana, together we can.