Once upon a time, Miriam and Djibril decided to travel the world together with their daughter Nedjma. While in Asia, Miriam gave birth to their little boy Ishak, on an island.
A couple of years later, you could see them overlanding Africa in their black pick-up truck ‘Panda’, and jumping on and off a rooftop tent.
They happily shared their inspiring adventure on social media under the name @banafrika_family.
But the universe had a plan for these ‘kids of Africa’ -Miriam has roots in Morocco while Djibril in DRC. Life sent them to Tanzania in the unique and crowded city of Dar Es Salaam where they ended up staying in the Al Madina orphanage for one year!
Miriam discovered her third pregnancy while spending 24 hours with the 30+ kids of the orphanage, every day playing, taking care of them and their own kids, cooking, praying, walking, buying necessary things, etc…in such a small place and in rough conditions.
They kept sharing their unique Tanzanian experience and decided to raise funds to slowly improve the orphans’ poor life conditions.
But they would have never imagined to received such important amounts of money in just a few days! Their community has been incredibly generous. They thus decided to buy a land in the peaceful suburb of Dar Es Salaam and to build a brand new orphanage.
I had the chance to assist the family a week before the opening day (and to meet their last born: Nihasha). I could discover an autonomous orphanage: with cattle, fruit trees, a garden, a well, and solar panels. The orphanage is 100% independent and located in a very safe area surrounded by palm trees and fantastic sunsets.
The orphanage has got two dormitories (one for the girls and one for the boys) and is able to host until 40 kids. It has got showers, toilets, guest rooms, a gazebo, one playground, a madrassa, two kitchens, one laundry room, an office, one parking, a football field, a cattle area, etc.
There is no NGO or any association involved -and that's exactly what seduced me. It’s not been easy but they made it.
Well done my friends.
And welcome to the Al Madina Children Home!
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