Staff of the Ministry of Minerals on Monday visited Huruma Children’s Centre in Hombolo, Dodoma, where they donated food and other essential items to orphans, vulnerable children and elderly residents as part of efforts to support disadvantaged groups ahead of the Easter celebrations.
The outreach, held on March 31, 2026, saw ministry employees deliver various supplies aimed at improving the welfare of the centre’s residents, who depend largely on donations and small-scale economic activities for their daily needs.
Handing over the donations on behalf of staff from the ministry’s headquarters, Assistant Director of Administration Beatrice Matemu said the initiative reflects the commitment of public servants to share part of what they earn with members of society facing difficult circumstances.
She said the visit forms part of the ministry’s social responsibility efforts and demonstrates the importance of showing care and solidarity with vulnerable groups in the community.
“This is a small contribution from the staff of the Ministry of Minerals as we approach the Easter celebrations. We believe it is important to remember and support groups with special needs,” she said.
Huruma Children’s Centre is managed by the Sisters of the Congregation of St. Theresia and provides shelter and care to children, elderly people and other vulnerable individuals who require close supervision and support.
Speaking during the visit, the centre’s supervisor, Sister M. Judy Claris, said the facility currently cares for 29 children aged between two months and four and a half years.
In addition, the centre provides support to 27 women and 25 men with various health and social challenges that require continuous care.
She explained that the centre not only supports its residents but also extends assistance to surrounding communities through regular food support programmes.
“Every Tuesday we distribute food items such as vegetables, flour and sugar to people in need around the community. We also cook meals for those who come to seek assistance,” she said.
However, she noted that sustaining the centre’s operations remains challenging, as the facility relies largely on small-scale farming activities and livestock keeping.
According to Sister Judy, the centre grows vegetables, groundnuts and beans and keeps cattle as part of efforts to support its daily operations.
She called on individuals, institutions and well-wishers to continue supporting the centre so it can maintain its services to vulnerable members of society.
During the visit, the Ministry of Minerals staff donated various basic necessities including rice, flour, soap, nutritious flour, sanitary towels, cooking oil, salt, juice and biscuits for the children.
The donations will help meet some of the centre’s immediate needs, particularly food and hygiene supplies for the residents.
Officials at the centre noted that vulnerable groups under their care require consistent access to basic needs such as food, clothing, shelter and healthcare services.
The visit brought joy to both the children and other residents of the facility, highlighting the role of community support in improving the lives of vulnerable groups.
The gesture also underscored the importance of compassion and collective responsibility in building a society that values humanity and dignity for all.
