Current Projects

Sewing Schools, Mbahe, Tanzania

HTO helped the Chikima Integrated Girls Support and Mitigation Foundation (CHIGISUMIFO), a Tanzanian NGO, start a sewing school program for young village girls who are unable to go on to secondary school. The goal of the school is to promote self-sufficiency, independence and give the women the opportunity to bring in their own income by providing these young women with sewing skills.

In the past, HTO has donated sewing machines and has sent several members of the Mbahe community to sewing school. These women are currently running their own shops and helping to teach other women.

Hope, Health and Life Container Project, Tanzania

In 2007 we filled and shipped two 40ft. cargo containers filled with much needed medicine, medical supplies and humanitarian aid.   Crocs donated 2400 shoes, Direct Relief International donated an entire 40 ft container of medical supplies and equipment, a couple of schools in California adopted schools in the Maranugu ward to provide much needed educational supplies.  Both containers were successfully delivered and distributed in January and February of 2008. To find out more about this project click here.

Huruma Hospital, Rombo, Tanzania

Huruma Hospital is a supporter of the Upendo Orphan Club and provides all of the healthcare and medicine to the 400 orphans. We are providing funds to help offset the cost of the medicines for these children.

Upendo Orphan Club, Rombo, Tanzania

The Upendo (loving) Orphan Club of Rombo was established to feed the hundreds of orphans that were begging and stealing food in the area. In the past it has been completely funded by members of the club who are community members. We are continuing our assistance to the now 500+ children of the Upendo Orphan Club with food, clothing, medical care and other aid. We can feed a child for $35 USD per child per year.To see pictures of our visits to the Upendo Orphan Club click here.

Light In Africa Orphanage, Moshi, Tanzania

The Light In Africa Orphanage is an amazing haven for children who have been left without parents due to illness or accidents. During our visit to Light In Africa we brought donations of children's clothing and over the counter medical supplies. To see pictures of our visits to Light In Africa click here.

Humanitarian Supplies, Tanzania

Each year HTO brings humanitarian supplies of educational materials, medical supplies, wheelchairs, crutches, climbing gear, clothing and shoes, blankets/bedding, tools, etc. to the Kilimanjaro region. These supplies are spread through out the local orphanages, churches, hospitals and villages. In the past, four forty foot containers were shipped with the assistance of the Lamorinda Rotary and other private donors. To see pictures of the humanitarian supply effort click here.

Educational Materials and School Scholarships, Tanzania

Each year Hope Through Opportunity provides educational materials and school scholarships to those with a proven desire to further their education. The educational materials like, paper, pens and pencils are donated to the Kilimanjaro region schools and given to those who are in need of supplies so that they can continue with their education. Scholarships are for Primary School, Secondary School, English School and trade schools for example guiding or tourism, mechanics, carpentry, cooking, etc. If you are interested in helping to sponsor a child or adult or would like to donate educational materials please contact us for further information.

Past Projects

Bridge of Friendship, Mbahe Village, Tanzania

In 1997, Alice went to Kilimanjaro, Mbahe Village to visit. It became very apparent that there were many areas of life that could use support. The village chairman asked for a cement driving bridge, because the present log and wooden bridge would get washed out during the high rainy season and many children were injured or drowned trying to cross. After 7 years of searching, negotiating, planning and organizing, "The Bridge of Friendship" has been completed. The construction of the bridge was made possible through financial support from Rotary International, Lamorinda Rotary and other Bay Area Rotary clubs (California) and the construction management from Mount Meru Arusha Rotary Club.

Mbahe Primary School, Mbahe Village, Tanzania

In 1998 the school was in serious need of repair. The roof was leaking, the windows were broken and the floors were wet and muddy. The conditions lead to serious eye, ear and throat infections for the children. The toilets were pits and a breeding ground for infection. Simon P. Mtuy did a benefit Western 100 Miler Endurance Race in California to raise funds for the school renovation project. A special thank you to all those who donated time and money to help Simon reach his goal for the school. The school was reconstructed in 1999.

Shipping Containers of Supplies, Tanzania

It became apparent that there were many needs to be met by HTO and one way to make a big change quickly was to send containers. Over the years, 4 40 ft. containers were shipped to Tanzania. The containers were filled with medical supplies and equipment, educational supplies, clothing, tools for carpentry, gardening , and water systems. All items were to help promote self-sufficiency. All the items were directly distributed by HTO volunteers to the people of Tanzania. Two containers were independently completed by HTO and the other two containers were made possible through financial support from Lamorinda Rotary.

Summit Expedition and Nomadic Experience, Moshi, Tanzania

Summit Expedition and Nomadic Experience (SENE) is one of the few climbing and safari companies that is owned and operated by the people of Tanzania. Hope Through Opportunity supported and supplied tents, equipment, crew clothing and brochures to help start the company. Today the company is independently viable!

Kilema Hospital, Marangu, Tanzania

In 1998, Alice had the opportunity to visit Kilema hospital. Being an R.N. Alice was greatly affected by the conditions. Ten pair of gloves were being constantly washed and reused, there were two to three patients per bed and mattresses on the floor, the bedding was brown with age, children's broken legs were in traction using ropes and pieces of wood and the staff went far and wide to try to procure medicine for the patients. With the assistance of Direct Relief and Heart to Heart, two California non-profits, HTO was able to supply Kilema Hospital with a steady supply of medicine. In the four shipping containers beds, wheelchairs, crutches, dental supplies and other much needed medical supplies and equipment were brought to the hospital.

Mkombozi Center, Moshi, Tanzania

The Mkombozi Center was created for the street children of Moshi, Tanzania. These are children who wander the streets stealing, sleeping in door ways and parks in order to make life happen for themselves. Simon knew many of them personally, and would give them food and money to keep them going. HTO was able to support this incredible home by donating clothing, shoes, sports equipment, wheel chair, crutches, a foos ball table, educational and medical supplies.

Simon also arranged for all clothing and equipment in order to take them on a climb up Kilimanjaro Mountain. Because of this climb, he recognized some of their abilities and has hired them on present days climbing treks, changing their lives.

Moshi Center For The Disabled, Moshi, Tanzania

Wheelchairs are GOLDEN. They are scarce to nonexistent in Tanzania. Most people that are immobile because of accidents or Polio or other illnesses, have an early death because of infections. After hearing about this plight, HTO was able to get 30 plus wheelchairs (brought in the containers), and helped to change people lives. One man told us that he could now get to the church and ring the bell. He felt independent and happy with his new mobility. He said he didn't have anything to give us in return, but his prayers. His smile and and new freedom was enough to make us all cry for JOY!