We had an incredible Missiontrip 2025! We are excited to share with you what we experienced and accomplished at Shalom children´s home. This year the Lighthouse team of Klaus, Carmen and Paloma were joined by the amazing volunteers Inma, Eva and Ute.
Follow this link to watch the video of our Missiontrip 2025.
Meeting University and College Students
After arriving in Arusha we immediately met up with Lighthouse College and University students. It was like a beautiful family reunion being able to share updates, do some counselling and have some fun experiences together. It is a joy to see how they are finding their way and growing up to be responsible adults, full of hope and visions for their future. They have also become a great help in organizing and carrying out many of our projects and activities.
We also used our time in Arusha to visit some colleges and universities. We visited the University of Accountancy of our student Dorcas and some new places for future students.
Playground Project
This year we wanted to upgrade the children´s playground in Shalom. In Arusha we ordered and designed some new playground elements. Two weeks later it was all delivered to Shalom and the kids helped build it all together (especially our masonery and welding students were able to use their skills). The playground was a huge success, the children are enjoying it very much and growing in their skills and confidence.
Daycare Project
The other main project was creating a special learning space for Shalom´s toddlers. A room in Shalom was renovated, painted by a local artist and lastly decorated and equipped with toys and material we brought in our suitcases. The result was so stunning, that the older children declared they want to be toddlers again! Shalom also found a young teacher and Inma and Paloma were happy to give her some extra training and start working with her.
The daycare started classes in January and Shalom´s eight toddlers are enjoying the new space and learning opportunities.
Swimming and Christmas Activities
Beside the follow up work for school sponsorships, JOY is a top priority during our trips! We want to create memories with the children they will always remember. Swimming is the children´s favourite, so we took on the challenge of taking around 60 children to swim in small groups. Swimming skills are improving so much and the disabled children also loved the experience.
Other Christmas activities involved dancing, writing Christmas cards, baking, making Christmas houses and preparing special meals to enjoy with the children. They were also so happy to receive new clothes and shoes as gifts.
Thank you
From sponsorships and projects to any activity or meal we organize for the children – it takes a lot of work, time, helpers and funds. We are talking about a total of around 90 children in Shalom!
Therefore, we want to express our gratitude to:
- Shalom´s directors and staff who work in close partnership with us
- The volunteers who come to help during our mission trips
- The soccer club Hoffenheim for donating a lot of sportswear.
- Our John Deere Sponsors for helping with funds and school needs
- All the people who help us through sponsorships and donations
None of this would be possible without ALL of you. Thankyou!
