Village Africa's New Ambulance Appeal

In 2006, I had the privilege of volunteering as a teacher in the Usambara mountains of Tanzania with Village Africa, a charity that was just beginning its journey. The poverty I witnessed was heart-wrenching, yet the kindness and generosity of the people in Milingano and Yamba villages were truly inspiring. These communities were living without running water, electricity, or proper roads. Some children walk barefoot for over an hour each day just to attend school, driven by an incredible thirst for knowledge. Despite their hardships, the villagers welcome every visitor with open arms and warm hearts.

Since then, I have been honoured to serve as a director for Village Africa and continue supporting its mission to alleviate poverty through health, education, and environmental initiatives.

One of our most critical services is a free ambulance that operates 24/7 throughout the year for nearly 9,500 people across Yamba, Milingano, and Makanya villages. Although there have been many positive developments over the years, with no taxis or personal vehicles available and a five-hour walk to the nearest bus stop, this ambulance is often the only lifeline during emergencies such as complicated childbirths or severe illnesses like malaria and pneumonia. Without it, patients would face dangerous journeys on foot or be carried on stretchers over rough terrain.

Our current ambulance—a Toyota Landcruiser hardtop long wheelbase—has served us faithfully for 13 years but now requires frequent costly repairs and tyre replacements due to the challenging mountainous roads. It is vital that we replace this vehicle promptly to ensure uninterrupted emergency care for these vulnerable communities.

We urgently need your support to raise £85,000 to purchase a new four-wheel-drive ambulance capable of navigating these difficult conditions reliably. Your generous contribution will help to save lives by providing swift medical transport when it matters most. Please join us in making this essential difference—together we can keep hope alive in these remote villages.