Transforming lives through affordable housing – the impact of Habitat for Humanity Tanzania on teachers in Chamazi, Dar es Salaam.
In 2001, Majimatitu Primary School in Chamazi, Dar es Salaam, stood as a remote outpost, struggling to attract teachers forced to commute from distant locations. Recognizing the dire housing situation faced by these educators, Sister Aneth, the school matron and sponsor, took action. She sought assistance from Habitat for Humanity Tanzania, and they introduced an affordable housing loan program to address the housing crisis. Sister Aneth generously sponsored the purchase of land near the school to construct teachers’ homes.
The program carefully selected beneficiaries based on their needs and ability to repay the loan over time. The construction phase commenced to provide teachers with new homes. What set this initiative apart was the active participation of the teachers in every aspect of construction, from land clearing to concrete mixing, wall erection, and the installation of doors and windows. Habitat for Humanity provided financial support through loans, covering materials, labor costs, and technical guidance. Through their collective efforts, these dedicated teachers successfully built their own homes and moved in.
The power of homeownership became evident as Shukuru Elia Ndahagalikiye, a retired teacher, highlighted the significance of receiving a title deed for her home, which offered her stability and security in her post-retirement years. Another retired teacher, Angela Akili, shared the pivotal role Habitat for Humanity played in transforming her and her colleagues’ lives. “Without this program, the dream of homeownership felt out of reach due to our modest salaries, compounded by the burdens of rent and other essential expenses.” She spoke.
Saidi Kittogo, a retired teacher benefiting from the project, remembered the initial challenges, including the difficulty securing suitable land. The prospect of affordable homeownership fuelled their determination. Moving into their own homes brought newfound stability and freedom.
One defining characteristic of Habitat for Humanity’s approach, as emphasized by Mariam Sozigwa, a teacher at Majimatitu primary school, was community collaboration in home construction. Homeowners and skilled construction workers joined hands to actively build their homes, fostering a strong sense of community and shared responsibility among the residents. For Mariam Sozigwa, “the project not only improved my living conditions but also enhanced my overall quality of life.” She emphasized.
Habitat for Humanity Tanzania’s housing support project went beyond shelter provision; it acted as a catalyst for economic empowerment. Rehema Mashine, another teacher at Majimatitu Primary School, emphasized how the project transformed her life economically. It allowed her to redirect resources towards investments, including land acquisition and expanding her economic ventures, significantly improving her financial well-being.
The impact of Habitat for Humanity’s work extended beyond individual teachers to the broader community. Salum Kambi Msoma, Chairperson of Chamazi Ward, acknowledged the critical need for such initiatives and highlighted the reduced stress on teachers, who no longer had to worry about housing, allowing them to focus on their profession. Legal ownership also opened doors to other financial support services, such as loans.
Shabani Mijombo, Ward Chairperson of Mkondongwa, shared his perspective on the positive impact of affordable housing for teachers, emphasizing how it significantly improved the quality of life for educators, enabling them to concentrate on their teaching roles.
Habitat for Humanity Tanzania’s work demonstrates the potential of affordable housing initiatives to uplift the lives of teachers and the broader community in Tanzania, promising a more stable, prosperous future for all. Dorothy Steven, Habitat for Humanity Tanzania’s board chairperson, expressed, “This project has had a profound impact on these teachers and their families. It provided shelter and a sense of community, economic empowerment, and homeownership.” As Tanzania continues to grow, organizations like Habitat for Humanity must expand their efforts to provide safe and affordable housing to those in need.