A Brief History of The Carpenter's Kids

The Carpenter's Kids Program was founded in 2005 as a partnership between the Diocese of New York and the Diocese of Central Tanganyika with the goal of sending HIV/AIDs orphans and other vulnerable, at risk children to school.


The Rt. Revs. Catherine S. Roskam & Mdimi Mhogolo

Since then, New York has been joined in partnership by the Diocese of Atlanta, the Diocese of Virginia, and the Diocese of Rochester(NY); churches in California, New Jersey, Long Island(NY), Southern Virginia, Canada, and Australia; individuals through the United States and the United Kingdom; and a company in New Jersey.

There are currently 6,600+ Carpenter's Kids. Our goal is to have 10,000 Carpenter's Kids.

About the Partnership


WHAT IS THE PROBLEM?

The Anglican Diocese of Central Tanganyika is based in the city of Dodoma, in the central region of Tanzania, East Africa. It has about 550,000 members spread across 200 parishes. Initial surveys suggest that there are at least 200 HIV/AIDs orphans and other vulnerable children in a typical parish. Using this estimate, we believe there to be a total number of 40,000 or more HIV/AIDs orphans and other vulnerable children within the Diocese. Without parental support, these children are unable to afford the uniforms and supplies necessary to attend school. They may be ostracized and end up on the street.

WHAT DOES THE PROGRAM DO?

The aim of the program is to ensure that each "Carpenter's Kid" receives a school uniform, a pair of shoes, and adequate school supplies to enable them to attend primary school. These children will also be provided with breakfast on school days.

HOW CAN I HELP?

You, your church, or your organization can link with a church in Tanzania to send children to school and establish a relationship for the better understanding of cultures. $80/year (for new donors starting in 2011) will send a child to school. For a link with a Tanzania Parish, we ask for a commitment of 50 children for five years. This will enable the children to complete their Primary School Education. During this time, your parish Carpenter's Kids Program Coordinator will be able to communicate via internet with a communications coordinator from your linked parish in Tanzania. Exchanges include information about your church, your town, congregational concerns, etc. As brothers and sisters in Christ, we encourage you to share concerns and joys and include each other in your daily prayers and your Sunday Prayers of the People.

If your parish is unable to support 50 children, we will partner you with another church to share the link.

CAN I CONTRIBUTE AS AN INDIVIDUAL?

Yes! See "Individual Donations".

The Carpenter's Kids Program is open to churches, organizations and individual donors outside of the Episcopal Diocese of New York.

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