husna

WADAU SOMENI KWA MAKINI HALAFU ANGALIENI MTACHOWEZA KUFANYA...


Husna charity appeal raises 960,000/-

In response to an article printed in The Guardian on 22/11/2006 regarding Husna Miraji, a 4-year old girl from Korogwe Hale in Tanga Region who is suffering from a life-threatening tumour which is causing the enlargement of her head, a Tanzanian online community has managed to raise over 960,000/- towards the cost of her treatment.

When a member of the Youngafrican.com community alerted his colleagues to the story which also appeared on the newspaper’s website Ippmedia.com, they were moved into helping the girl whose mother was unable to afford the cost of 500,000/- required for the operation. Other members of the community then circulated email messages to their friends and as a result, Tanzanians as far away as Ohio and Minnesota in the USA were also able to contribute.

“Akili”, the member who posted the topic on the website, appealed to his colleagues: “Guys, we always talk about YA (Youngafrican.com) doing something to help others in Tanzania. We can start with small steps and try to do bigger things later. I would like to see YA members contribute to a fund for this girl and someone in Dar can take the money to her on behalf of YA.”

As a result, pledges then began pouring in as other members volunteered to help with the logistics which included collecting the money and getting it sent to a bank account that was opened for the specific purpose. Even a mobile phone was donated by a member called “Taabu” to help Husna’s mother with communication. Thanking his fellow members, Akili said: “I am very happy about this initiative. It’s good to know there are people in here willing to make a small sacrifice to touch someone's life.”

Youngafrican.com was established in 1999 with the aim of uniting Tanzanians all over the world to interact in a virtual environment. Also known as “Computer-mediated communities” (CMC), online communities such as Youngafrican.com are usually social groups whose members discuss topical issues on politics, economics, health, the environment, gender and sports. This is the first time Youngafrican.com members have decided to accomplish something tangible after being moved by Husna Miraji’s illness.

In all likelihood the members will be further encouraged to contribute to such worthy causes. As one member by the screen name of “Dues” said: “I hope this will encourage Tanzanians to create the tradition of helping each other on such important matters and not just participating in parties and other recreations.”

For more information on Husna’s progress and information on how to join the community, visit the website on: http://www.youngafrican.com/