Meet the family

Mama Lucy Lema

Mama Lucy is an inspirational woman, the founder of Kichijo and mother to hundreds of people, young and old, all over the world (come volunteer, she could be yours too). She has been raising children for over 25 years in Kenya and Tanzania.

In 1990 Mama saw a need and decided to open her home and her heart to anyone needing shelter. In 1999 Mama and the children all moved to Ng'ombe Boma and officially became the Kilimanjaro Children Joy Foundation (Kichijo).

Mama Lucy has done everything in her power to make sure her children never go without. From making clothes, growing fresh fruit to breeding and selling animals this Mama's done it all. Currently Mama Lucy is in charge of all aspects of running the home, from feeding children to fundraising.

Click on the thumbnail images

Dada Di (Madonna Lema)

Dada Di is Mama Lucy’s biological daughter. Someone who has had many brothers and sisters to grow up with. Dada Di helps Mama run Kichijo by teaching the younger children, cooking, cleaning, book keeping, etc. She is currently waiting to study law funded by a kind donation from one of our supporters. Her abscence will be geatly felt.

Adeline Kimaro

Adeline has been at Kichijo since 2003 helping with the cooking, cleaning, and seeing to the needs of the children.

Baba Walter

Baba Walter is Mama’s 35 year old nephew, our lovely driver of the kichijo truck. He helps us get the fire wood to cook and deliver the hay for the animals. He keeps an eye on the boys at night and provides a good role model for the kids.

Evelyn Masari Nasari (Mwalimu)

Evelyn is our teacher for all the children too young to attend school. She is a mama herself with a beautiful baby boy, called Collin. Due to unfortunate circumstances Evelyn came to us in need of a safe home and food for her and her baby, in return she helps us greatly.

Mama Rita

Mama Rita is a jolly lady with a sad story. A victim of domestic violence, she comes to our home for a happy environment for her daughter rita to grow up in. She helps in any way she can, by cooking, cleaning, washing and keeping the kids in check.

Abbel

Kaka Abbel is our volunteer coordinator. He helps get volunteers organized and assists them with any needs they may have. He also can plan any safaris, mountain climbs, or day trips you may like to do during your stay in Tanzania.

Worldwide Family

Amy Lambert - UK

Amy first came to the orphanage as a volunteer and was so overwhelmed by the children, that on her return to the UK she immediately set about raising funds for the orphanage. It is Amy's hope to raise enough money to build the children a new home.

 

Contacts

If you have any questions about how you can help support the children at Kichijo, feel free to contact the people here