Daily Life

Director Fr. Tommy Ryan SAC, Assistant Director/Trained Occupational Therapist Sr. Rosemary SAC, Nurse Sr. EvaMery SAC, Sr. Anna, and lay volunteers provide around the clock care for Siuyu’s children. A typical day, sectioned by hours, looks like this!

A first group of four women arrive each day from 6:30am to 1:00pm, to prepare the children for school, as well as to cook, clean, and wash clothes. A second group of four women take the afternoon shift, from 1:00 to 6:45 pm.

One woman assists the Occupational Therapist on Tuesday and Thursday mornings, for mothers who bring their children in need of physiotherapy.

There is also a Matron from 1:00 to 7:00 pm, as well as another woman who helps clean the surroundings and gardens. A local man comes for a humber of hours each week to repair the wheelchairs, and two watchmen also voluntarily cut firewood and hedges.

From the viewpoint of the little ones, their daily education and socialization carries a consistent rhythm. Of the forty children being cared for, nine are just physically disabled, and study in ordinary classes at the local primary school.

As the vast majority are intellectually impaired, they study at a local, specialized government school with trained teachers. Many will go to the Centre in Ilongero, 45 km from Siuyu. This is also a part of the Catholic Diocese of Singida, and is run by the Daughters of Mary Sisters. At present, there is a three-year course in sewing, knitting, carpentry, and cooking. Even if it’s only possible to learn a small amount academically, being together as a group, and learning the importance of cleanliness both for themselves and the environment is of utmost importance for life.

All children go to their own homes twice a year, coinciding with the school holidays. There are no school feels, and even though we do ask some small contribution from parents, no child is excluded if the parent gives nothing.