13 Houses Jubilee Project of Hope N°7 - Tanzania
In Mpepai parish, Ruvuma region of Tanzania, the 13 Houses Jubilee project led by Vincentian Fathers is nearing completion. This project will change the lives of one vulnerable family of ten. The family, which includes eight children, will soon have a safe and sustainable home to call their own. This effort grew from a shared vision: to give a family living in extreme poverty the chance for stability, and an environment where health, dignity, and education can take root.
When the project began, the family was surviving in a temporary mud and wood shelter on a small plot of land near the forest. The structure offered little defense against rain, wind, or wild animals, and during the rainy season, the leaking roof and muddy floors made daily life unbearable. With limited access to hospitals, schools, and even basic supplies, the parents struggled to meet their children’s most fundamental needs.
Thanks to this initiative, significant progress has been achieved. The full structure of the new home is now complete, including roofing, plastering, and fencing. Once finished, the house will give the children a safe place to rest and study, while offering the parents renewed hope for the future.
The family’s involvement has been at the heart of this project. Despite the difficulties they face, both parents have taken an active role: the father by carrying materials and helping the builders, and the mother by cooking for the workers and keeping an eye on progress. Even the children stop by after school to watch the house being built. Their participation has not only supported the work, but also given the family a strong sense of ownership and pride.
The father expressed his gratitude in simple words:
“We never imagined we would one day have a permanent, safe house for our family. This will change our lives and give our children a chance to grow up healthy and focus on school instead of worrying about where they sleep.”
This project has also brought lessons about the importance of community-driven development. Close collaboration with the family and the construction team has shown that when beneficiaries are directly involved, outcomes are stronger. Regular monitoring, site visits, and clear communication have kept the project on track, even when faced with challenges such as material delays.
As the finishing touches are applied, this house stands as more than a shelter. For the children of Mpepai, it opens the door to better health and education, and it renders more tangible the hope of a brighter future.
