About

I have travelled to a number of places within Tanzania on behalf of Islamic Help from northern territories like Arusha and Moshi to cities like Dar-es-Salaam and even Mafia Island with a population of approx. 45,000 just south of Zanzibar. The Children's Eco Village is a unique project and very dear to my heart. All money raised will go towards this ground-breaking Eco-Village that provides security and stability to the most vulnerable children in the area of Kisemvule, Mkuranga, which is 42 Kilometres south of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. As you can see over 60% of the village is now complete. Orphan Eco Village Report For this project we are collecting Zakat, Sadaqah & Lillah The project consists of the following; * First Eco Mosque in Africa The design of the mosque has eliminated the need for a microphone as the architects have created a natural echo in the prayer hall. Solar energy is used for lights, fans and motors for water pumps. There are three water collection tanks with a capacity to hold 2,000 litres each. Over the course of a year it is estimated that the tanks will collect approximately 95,800 litres of water. The water will be used for wudu (ablution) and washing. Water management is an often overlooked component in most construction projects. If, on average one person uses about 1.5 litres of water when making wudu from the mosque, a total of 225 litres will be used per day. The waste water from the mosque is taken directly to the gardens and is re-used to irrigate a fruit and vegetable garden consisting of bananas and pumpkins etc. * Eco Apartment blocks Each of the 16 spacious homes will accommodate 10 children along with a professional carer. This mother will live with the children, building a close relationship with every child entrusted to her and providing the security, love and stability each of them needs. In this environment, the youngsters will enjoy a real sense of security and belonging, growing up and learning together, sharing responsibilities and all the joys and challenges of daily life. Each house will have four bedrooms, a kitchen, bathroom/toilets, dining area and living room. The buildings and structures are designed to be highly energy efficient and the adoption of green energy technologies, including waste management, recycling and bio-gas, will ensure a clean, green and productive environment. For their physical development, the Eco Village will have a play area featuring an obstacle course and a multi-purpose sports ground which will also be a valuable resource for others in the area. * The Permaculture Farm The farm will create jobs for local people who will be trained to adopt permaculture practices and continuously regenerate and conserve the biodiversity of the area. The produce grown on the farm will be consumed by the residents of the eco village and sold in the local market to generate further income. Vegetable gardens, Rearing of livestock including chickens, goats and cows, Bee hives, Seasonal crops such as maize, ground nuts, Farm quarters, store & office, A pond with fish and ducks. The village is already reaping rewards from the farm - the first harvest yielded aubergines, okra, green chillies, tomatoes and Chinese cabbage. The methods and practices adopted by the farmers means increased yields and income all year round which results in improved living standards for the eco village members and farmers. It is not just produce that generates income. The farmhouse will be rented out as a getaway retreat for urban visitors and families, and used to encourage urban-dwelling childrens education of farming. * Water The village requires a minimum of 15,000 litres of water every day for drinking and washing, plus additional 4,000-5,000 litres for livestock, farming and gardening purposes, needs that will be met by two 80-metre boreholes. A number of naturally spring-fed ponds will be created to increase the bio diversity of the area and support abundant wildlife including fish, ducks and geese. Fish will be farmed as a means of generating income. Swales, as used in permaculture design, will also capture run off rainwater from the ground and direct it toward the numerous ponds, while grey water from kitchens and showers will be directed towards smaller ponds near the buildings Location The Children's Eco Village is located 42km south of Dar es salaam in between a village called Kisemvule and the Mkuranga District Council, Vikindu Sec. School, PO. BOX39, Mkuranga (within approx 1.5 km radius) #FarmIslam Islamic Help Orphan Eco Village Video