Meet The Special Force!

The City of Hope is not only about changing the lives of orphaned children but about transforming an entire community. The Special Force is an example of that. They are also some of our closest friends!

The idea behind the Special Force is to take young men who are in need of a father and a purpose in life. In exchange for their service, we fill that need. They live within the City of Hope compound and are in change of helping in whatever way possible. We teach them how to help us with farming, building projects, water pumping and in taking care of the children. They in return, receive a home, food, school fees and an opportunity to change their future for the better. Recently, through the donation of one of our supporters we were able to provide them with bicycles for their commute to school and errands. This cut their daily travel to and from school from an hour and a half walk, to a half hour bicycle ride!

The Special Force is currently comprised of four young men: Mohono, Peter, Evans and Marwa.

Mohono is 21 years old and is finishing his final year of secondary school. He is a member of the Chacha family. He has recently been taught  how to drive the tractor and plow the fields. After he finishes his schooling, he would like to take over that job. Mohono is responsible, hardworking and trustworthy. He is currently learning English. Though he is quiet, he also enjoys joking with his friends. He is a great asset to the City of Hope!

Peter is 18 years old. He is in his second year of secondary school and speaks English well. Peter first became affiliated with the City of Hope when he came as a builder in the winter of 2009. He helped to dig the fish ponds and planted flowers in order to pay for his school fees. Peter showed excellence and responsibility and that is when Dr. Chacha decided to form the Special Force. The mission was to help those who where too old to live in the children's home, but needed a push to become something greater. Peter is a friendly guy who is loved by everyone. He is a good role model for the boys in the children's home. If he continues on the path he has started, he will go very far!

Evans is also 18 years old and is in his first year of secondary school. Evans knows everyone and is known by everyone in the village. He cannot go far without finding a new friend to talk to. English is just one of the languages he speaks. Evans thoroughly enjoys interacting with the teams that come through the City of Hope. He always has a story or joke to tell. He loves listening to music and is always eager to borrow an iPod. Evans is full of joy and can be found dancing and singing in church. He is a sharp guy who knows an opportunity when he sees one. He has come to see the benefits of helping others.

Marwa is 23 years old and is about to start his third year of secondary school. He is also a member of the Chacha family and the is the newest member of the Special Force. He just joined this past June. Three of Marwa's younger siblings live at the children's home. Their father passed away last summer due to an automobile accident. Because of his sparkling personality, we are able to enjoy his sense of humor even though we do not speak the same language. Marwa has been a big help this summer. He has helped build troughs for the cows and has helped put the finishing touches on the Tumaini Medical Center. Marwa is a dedicated worker and is a promising leader!

Some of our favorite times this past summer have been spending evenings with the Special Force in their home. We bring the chai and the biscuits, and they provide the bananas. We talk about anything from life in America, to soccer, current events and everything in between. They have taught us so much about the Swahili culture and they always enjoy hearing our stories from home. All four of them have helped us in our pursuit of learning Swahili and their tribal language, Kuria. They would sit with us for hours by candlelight writing our own personal Kuria dictionary. We are so excited about the bright futures the Special Force hold and are so thankful for their wonderful friendship to us! When we return to Tanzania we would love to continue working with them and disciplining them in their walk with Christ. These young men are the future of the City of Hope! They are some of our most missed faces and we are counting down the days until we see them again!

Evans & Peter and their new bicycles! 

Mwita, Monica, Marwa & Mohono