In Tanzania
Kindwitwi Leprosy Care Centre is at the heart of our work in Tanzania.
At the sharp end of our operation are the employees who work for the care and cure of leprosy patients in the Rufiji area; they live in the hamlet of Kindwitwi, where there is an office, a ward to care for long-term patients, a clinic (called ‘dispensary’ in Tanzania), a workshop and a kindergarten. In all, some 20 people are employed full or part-time.
Currently employed are:
Abdallah Nguyu, the Administrator of the Care Centre
Abdallah was born in Kindwitwi to parents who had leprosy but he, himself, does not. He was educated through Secondary Level by the Trust and is a qualified social worker. He is in overall charge of the Ward, the Outreach, the Office and the Polack Dispensary/Clinic. He takes an active part in advising the local Village committees about such things as agriculture and development. He is on the Board of Directors of the holding company (KLCCDA), where he is also the Secretary.
Maua Kipoloya
Maua Kipoloya is the daughter of two ex-leprosy patients. Her education was funded by RLT and she returned to Kindwitwi to serve as Clinical Assistant in the Polack Dispensary.
Salumu Kipoloya
Salumu Kipoloya is the brother of Maua. He is another son of Kindwitwi to return to give service to the Village. The first part of his job is to go to the outlying villages in the Rufiji Delta to arrange with the Headman in each case and the Traditional Healers for a visit by the Outreach Team. His other role is to make special shoes and fittings. Obviously, some leprosy sufferers need special artificial feet and legs, but there are also those who are left with no sensation in their extremities and these people also need Salumu's help. Because they have no feeling, they do not attend to any cuts or abrasions, which become infected, and so Salumu fashions protective footwear and gloves for them.
This picture shows why sandals are needed
Frank Taji
Frank Taji is the Storekeeper for Kindwitwi Village and also runs the Guest House. This picture shows Frank arriving with hot breakfast chapattis for visitors to Kindwitwi. When Frank is not busy with these two jobs, he acts as minister to the little church that Father Lamburn built.
Maulid Ngasinda
Maulid is the Workshop Manager, taking care of the vehicles and motorbikes. He also undertakes the arduous driving on the outreach safaris.
Tatu Rwambo
Tatu is the Assistant Accountant. Tatu was born in Kindwitwi and RLT funded her education.
Mozah Nguyu
Mozah is the Mother and Baby Nurse, responsible for caring for the pregnant women of Kindwitwi, the safe deliveries and the welfare of the young babies. This picture was taken when she was on a course in England.
Board of Directors
Until recently all were employed by Kindwitwi Leprosy Care Centre, supervised by a Board of Management that met four times a year. On 12 December 2006, KLCC took a step towards independence and self-governance when it became a company limited by guarantee and registered as a Tanzanian charity. The name was expanded from Kindwitwi Leprosy Care Centre to Kindwitwi Leprosy Care and Community Development Association in recognition of the greater role it is now playing in the wider community.
The Chairman and Treasurer of the Board are both Trustees of RLT. Other members of the Board include representatives from the Diocese of Dar es Salaam Anglican Church, Utete Hospital and the International School in Dar es Salaam, none of whom received remuneration for their services.
Makamba Mbega
Makamba Mbega is the Tanzanian Government's TB and Leprosy Coordinator for the Rufiji District and while he is not directly employed by us, Kindwitwi staff work very closely with him, specially on the Outreach Programme.
Msham Makoso, Kasim Mninge, Athumani Musa and Saidi Swafi are Night Watchmen
Kindwitwi Development Association
As well as their involvement with leprosy, many employees are active, driving members of their community having been elected to serve on various committees, including the Local Council.
This picture shows some members of the Association outside their office.
