Back in November we received this exciting letter from Eliza in Romania:

"My name is Eliza Fat and I teach Geography and English at the Christian Baptist High-School in TIMISOARA, Romania.  
This year we are organizing again a Christmas fair, where our students will sell a wide range of things made by them (from cookies and hot-dogs to cards and decorations). And, as we have done in the previous two years, we want to send the donations to the Tanzanian kids.

Please let us know where our donation is needed the most. Lidia has just told me that there are many various needs. Knowing more specifically where the money is going is helpful when it comes to motivating the students and also the people who will come to buy stuff.

Also, any other piece of info which you think might help is welcome.

Looking forward to hear form you,  
Eliza Fat"

In response this was our reply (which outlines the areas of greatest need in Tanzania):

"Dear Eliza
Lovely to hear from you.
Thank you all so much for wanting to help the children in Tanzania. The Christmas fair sounds wonderful, I wish it was possible for me to attend.

I have just returned from a trip to Tanzania. We now have over 2300 on the scheme. Life in Tanzania is very hard, the increase of food and fuel has put a great strain on the little finance of the people in Tanzania.

Areas of need in no particular order:

1. 1. The schools in Tanzania have put a new (this week) levy on those starting school. This is not covered by sponsorship and is putting a lot of fear into the parents. We would like to help some of the poorest families with this cost. This needs about £7 per child.
   2. We have employed a second doctor to look after the children. The cost of this is £100 per month.
   3. Due to food prices more people need extra help with food. We give out 100’s of food parcels. They cost £14 each
   4. We are going to need to get a car for the doctor to reach all the centres. This is vital to bring life saving medical help to the various villages.
   5. School text books are needed for the many schools we work with and the homework club that we run. Normally the children do not have anywhere to study. So, in our multipurpose building, we provide books and a place to study with electric lights.
   6. Due to poverty many people have sold their plot of land to pay for immediate needs. This has left them unable to grow food and as a result children are becoming very undernourished. We are planning to buy plots of land and provide families with a place to grow food and help them become self sufficient again.

Eliza I could go on but think that should be enough to be going on with. Is there anything else you require from me?

Thank you all so much
God bless
Sharon"

We heard today that the students' efforts have raised €1000!

If you have a few moments please pray a simple prayer of thanks for all those involved and their amazing efforts!

Here are more pictures!