Edwin was born in 2003 in Mwanza, Tanzania. When he was just a child, his father suddenly died. After this tragic and unexpected event, life became very difficult for Edwin's mother and her five children. His mother wasn't able to find a job and to provide food for the family. When Edwin was 7, the only choice left for him and his brothers was moving to Dar Es Salaam. His older brother sent him to a child protection centre, but unfortunately he had to go back to Mwanza because the centre was too small to accomodate him.

When he came back home, his mother got seriously sick and could not take care of her children anymore. When his oldest brother also lost his job, Edwin was forced to find a job to earn the money needed to provide food for the family and the medical treatment for his mother.

At the early age of 8, Edwin was cleaning boats and selling fish. At the end of 2011, he left Mwanza with the hope for a better future and went back to Dar Es Salaam. His brother brought him to the orphanage Watoto Wetu, where he is currently living.

Edwin is now 14 and he is attending his first year of Secondary School. Unfortunately, both his family and the orphanage can't sponsor his education and, if Edwin doesn't find a sponsor, he will be forced to leave school. Without completing Secondary School, he will never be able to find a paid enough job, which will allow him to support his family and to pay for his mother's medical expenses.

What Edwin needs the most is someone to support his education, as even government schools in Tanzania are not free. His needs for 1 year are:

1. 668$ for the school fee (this amount includes shelter and 3 meals for day)

2. 45$ for his school uniform

3. 67$ for his public transport to go back and forth from school

In total, Edwin needs 780$ to get education for one year. Edwin, Watoto Wetu and all of us will be extremly grateful if you can help him with any donations you can give. Even a small amount can make a massive difference in his life. If you want more information about him or the orphanage, please feel free to ask myself or Laura.