Meet Obedi
We first met Obedi when he was just five years old, living in our orphanage after losing both of his parents to HIV. Even at such a young age, he carried a quiet strength and a gentle spirit that stayed with us from the very beginning.When Obedi was seven, he was very sick from HIV at the time—thin, weak, and often tired. Yet even in his illness, he held onto hope, and we knew he deserved every chance to grow, learn, and heal.
We brought him to the doctor, and he began a medication regimen that would help him regain his health. These treatments gave him the chance to thrive, though he will need to take medication for the rest of his life. With care, consistency, and God’s grace, he slowly became stronger—and today, we celebrate the young man he has grown to be.
A Letter of Gratitude From Obedi
My deepest and most sincere gratitude goes to you, James and Debbie, for standing with me wholeheartedly throughout my educational journey up to where I am today. Your support has been extraordinary, rooted in sacrifice, generosity, and genuine love aimed at uplifting my life and shaping a better future for me.
From the very beginning of my studies, you have walked side by side with me—covering my school fees, meeting my academic needs, and encouraging me whenever I needed strength to continue. Through your support, I have been able to study with peace of mind, direction, and hope, knowing that there were people fully committed to standing by me without hesitation. The trust you placed in me has built me not only academically, but also morally and personally.
Every step I have reached today has been carried by your dedication, your patience, and your unwavering belief in me. I will treasure this graduation as a priceless memory and as a responsibility to continue working hard, living with humility, and remaining grateful—ensuring that everything I achieve becomes a testimony of your kindness.
I extend special thanks to you, Debbie, for making the long journey to Tanzania to attend my certificate graduation. Your presence was a great honor to me and a source of deep encouragement. Likewise, I sincerely thank James for his immense contribution, love, and continued support throughout my educational journey. Even though you were unable to attend the graduation, your impact is clearly reflected in every step of my success.
These achievements are not mine alone, but a testimony of your faith in me, your caring hearts, and the unconditional love you chose to give. I promise to continue studying diligently, living with strong values, and honoring every opportunity I have been given, to prove that your sacrifices were never in vain.
Thank you so much for everything. May God bless you abundantly, grant you good health, and reward you richly for all the kindness you have shown me.
Thank you, James.
Thank you, Debbie.
Christmas Food Distribution in Engalaoni: A Gift of Hope
A Gift of Hope.
This Christmas, Seeds of Hope Tanzania was honored to support families in the village of Engalaoni by donating and distributing 600 kg (1,200 pounds) of maize. Severe drought conditions have made daily life extremely challenging for many households, and access to food remains an ongoing struggle. Our goal was simple: to bring comfort, nourishment, and hope during a difficult season.
Two young men, James and Obedi, played a special role in this year’s distribution. Seeds of Hope has supported their education from primary school through university, and now, as young adults, they chose to give back to their community. They helped deliver the maize and were deeply moved by the smiles, gratitude, and strength of the families who received it.
Their experience is a powerful reminder that when we invest in education, we grow leaders who create change from within their own communities.
To everyone who supports our mission — thank you. Your generosity brings real, meaningful impact to families in Tanzania. You are truly making a world of difference. Merry Christmas!
Gobble Gallop 5K & 10K Road Race Fundraiser
Seeds of Hope Tanzania - Gobble Gallop
We are so grateful for the huge turnout we had for our annual fundraiser 5K 10 K Gobble Gallop. Without our fabulous volunteers our race could NEVER happen. Special thanks to our new race director Chris Mazura and our public relations leader Tyler Titmus, Debbie and Carl Whiffen, our registration team leaders, Alex, Melissa Battaglia, Chrissie, Jessie, volunteers Jude Allen, John DeRicco, Gary and Jaye Davis, Judy OBraitis, Jeff and Connor Minihane, Elise Allen, and all the students from ESM High School and WHB High School. Our grateful thanks to Rich and Lorilei , owners of Moriches Field Brewing Company for hosting our event and generously donating prizes for our run. It takes a village and sometimes more that that to accomplish all that we have accomplished. Our behind the scenes people included many sponsors who made our race possible and provided tshirts , food, (Pete's Bagels, Olish's, Bagels and Brunch, Hampton coffee) tables and chairs (Eastport FD) Audion equipment (Bud Mazura) and finally to our timing company Elite Feats who did a phenomenal job organising, marking the course and timing!
SPECIAL THANKS TO LIGHTHOUSE YOGA AND FRIENDS
Honoring a friend through community & giving
Each summer, Terry Bennett and her friends gather weekly for yoga, donating all proceeds to Seeds of Hope Tanzania. Honoring their friend Vineeta Harkin, they sponsor two students, support school needs, and help provide meals. This year, they raised $1,420—giving generously in mind, body, and spirit.