Building hope and stability: Habitat for Humanity’s impact in Old Korogwe, Tanga
Since Habitat for Humanity Tanzania launched the Affordable Housing Project in the Tanga region during the 1990s, it has profoundly transformed the lives of Old Korogwe’s residents in Tanga, Tanzania. In this case study, we will explore the organization’s impactful efforts, with a particular focus on the personal stories of its beneficiaries and the community leadership.
Amina Ally Saburi – A Home of Hope
Amina Ally Saburi, a single mother and small-scale businesswoman, yearned for her own home while residing in a family house. In her own words, “I wanted a place to call my own.” When she learned about the Habitat for Humanity Affordable Housing Project, she decided to apply and was fortunate to be selected. Amina embarked on her journey to homeownership through the partnership with Habitat for Humanity Tanzania, which enabled her to purchase land and receive support for building her house. This transformation brought stability and security to her life.
Before her involvement with Habitat for Humanity Tanzania, Amina faced a host of challenges in a community with limited housing options, marked by constant insecurity. Amina recalls, “I lived in constant fear and vulnerability.” However, Habitat for Humanity Tanzania’s assistance changed the course of her life.
Amina is full of gratitude for Habitat for Humanity Tanzania, particularly for their support in the form of house loans and help with housing construction. She emphasizes, “Habitat changed my life. They made my dream of a stable and secure home come true.” She underscores the project’s role in expediting the construction process and facilitating efficient homeownership for beneficiaries.
Joice Selemani Pazia – Overcoming Challenges
Joice Selemani Pazia, another beneficiary of Habitat for Humanity’s Affordable Housing Project in Old Korogwe, shared her journey. She expressed deep gratitude for Habitat for Humanity Tanzania’s support, which empowered her to build her own house, providing her family with a stable living environment.
As a proud homeowner, Joice cherishes the stability and security of her new home. She emphasizes that the housing project wasn’t just about constructing a house; it was about empowering individuals to take control of their living conditions and offering them hope for a better future. In her words, “It wasn’t just about a house; it was about hope and a better future.”
Before her involvement with Habitat for Humanity Tanzania, Joice’s life was marked by financial struggles due to a limited income and unsuitable housing. She explains, “I worked as a nurse, but it wasn’t enough to support my family.”
Venance Nyakunga – Overcoming Challenges and Seeking Further Support
Venance Nyakunga’s story mirrors the challenges and hopes of those who have benefited from Habitat for Humanity’s work in Korogwe, Tanga. Venance learned about the Habitat for Humanity affordable housing project through a teacher at a local college who encouraged him to register.
Before joining the Affordable Housing Project, Venance faced financial difficulties, compounded by unemployment. He acknowledges the value of Habitat for Humanity’s support in helping individuals like him access housing, especially for those who lacked the means to build a home on their own.
Venance also raises a concern: the need for ongoing assistance and support beyond housing. While Habitat for Humanity has played a crucial role in providing homes, he expresses the desire for additional support, such as microloans or livelihood opportunities, to help families become more self-reliant.
The transformation in Venance’s life, from financial struggle to a more secure living environment, exemplifies the positive impact of Habitat for Humanity’s work. However, it also underscores the necessity of comprehensive support to help individuals and families achieve financial independence and self-sufficiency.
Peter Andrea Mbezi – Cultivating Success
Peter Andrea Mbezi, a retired teacher and Habitat for Humanity beneficiary, shares his personal journey. He has since established himself as an entrepreneur in farming and livestock. The married father of four children provides insights into the process of acquiring land and building a house through Habitat for Humanity. Homeowners actively participated in the construction process, contributing to the foundation, building a toilet, and roofing their houses. Habitat for Humanity subsidized about 75% of the construction costs, with the beneficiaries contributing approximately 25%. The project was instrumental in helping low-income families like Peter’s realize their dreams of homeownership.
Ismail Haji Amri – Community Catalyst
Ismail Haji Amri, the chairperson of the Old Korogwe neighborhood, shares his experiences with Habitat for Humanity Tanzania. He describes how Habitat for Humanity initiated a project to construct affordable houses in the area. Ismail highlights the community’s enthusiastic response to the news of available affordable housing.
Ismail expresses how the Affordable Housing Project changed the lives of many Old Korogwe residents. It provided an opportunity to transition from renting houses to becoming homeowners, a significant milestone in improving their living conditions. In his words, “By providing affordable housing, the project helped lift many out of poverty and gave them a sense of dignity and humanity.”
Charles John Mzugi – Bridging Homeownership
Charles John Mzugi, the chairperson of the Mlimafundi village at Korogwe District Council, discusses the selection criteria for beneficiaries, which included low-income families, people with disabilities, retirees, and other vulnerable groups.
Mr. Mzugi highlights how Habitat for Humanity, in partnership with the government, helped people overcome the challenge of building their own homes. The project allowed residents of Old Korogwe with limited financial means to obtain land, receive assistance in constructing their houses, and purchase construction materials at affordable rates. This support was particularly beneficial to those who had retired and lacked the financial capacity to build their homes independently. Furthermore, the project significantly contributed to the development of Old Korogwe.
Conclusion
Habitat for Humanity Tanzania has significantly impacted the lives of people in Korogwe, Tanga. “By providing affordable housing solutions and actively involving the community in the construction process, the organization has helped residents transition from renters to homeowners. This transformation has not only improved living conditions but also instilled a sense of dignity and pride,” Said Osnery Mnyachibwe, a former Habitat for Humanity Tanzania project manager.