Unitas Orphanage in Tanzania

Smiles made possible by clean water. Thanks to your generous donations, the children now have access to safe, reliable water—something they had never known before.

How Brandy Vath became connected to Unitas prior to it being supported by One Million Wells Shelter & Care initiative.

“On my first mission trip to Tanzania in 2021, I had the privilege of visiting a small unassuming orphanage in the countryside of Songea. It was here that I fell in love with the children and felt a strong desire to help. The founder of this orphanage is Father Pascal Mbepera, a priest under the order of the Vincentians. He started UNITAS (which means unity in Latin) orphanage in 2007 of his own accord after seeing young children starving in the streets. Since he is not under a diocese, he has done all the work and fundraising over the years himself. The current number of children is now at 40 and the age range is from 3-19. The orphanage is run under the special guidance of Sister Benigna who cares for all the children as one big family. You can see her love and kindness through the actions of the children who are all so respectful of one another and deeply caring of one another just like a large family with older siblings helping with the younger ones. After spending time there on several different occasions, I came to see just how in need this small loving orphanage really was. I went home and got to work discussing the situation with friends and family who generously helped by donating money for food, electricity in the main room and for other small much needed projects. Then in 2024, after talking with members of OMW, we decided to meet in Tanzania so they could see the work I had been doing and to see if there was any way they could help. The orphanage was in desperate need of a working well and a new roof as the current one was about to fall in due to termite damage. Not long after this visit, OMW asked me to join their team, and they would also help with the needs of UNITAS. Shortly after agreeing to this partnership, the roof was replaced on the buildings and a new well drilled along with a large holding tank and indoor plumbing to all the rooms. These were life-changing improvements that have made a huge difference in the quality of their lives. New screens were also installed over all the windows and cracks were filled to help prevent mosquitoes from entering. Our latest project of a large fishpond has been dug, and the new fish have been added! This pond will generate much needed protein in the diets of the children but will also be a source of income for other needs throughout the year. The next project we are hoping to start soon is the creation of more dorm rooms for the children as they are beyond full capacity at this time.”

Brandy’s Latest Trip

A reunion full of hugs, laughter, and hope—Brandy’s most recent visit with the children in Summer 2024. Watching them grow stronger each year is the greatest reward.

First Time OMW Visited the Orphanage

The moment everything changed—OMW’s first visit to the orphanage in 2022. What started as a stop to deliver supplies became the birth of a mission to give these children a safe, loving home.

Brandy’s First Trip

A heart forever changed—photos from her very first visit to the orphanage, where Brandy met the children who would soon feel like family. The beginning of a lifelong connection.

Why This Orphanage Needs Extra Support

The orphanage we support in Tanzania is Vincentian, not Diocesan. While both are connected to the Catholic Church, there's an important difference:

Diocesan orphanages are run and funded by the localdiocese (regional leadership of the Catholic Church). They typically receive regular support through church networks and parish funding.
Vincentian orphanages, like the one we support, are run by theVincentian order—a group of priests and brothers focused on serving the poor. However, theydo not receive automatic funding from the diocese and often rely on individual donors and outside support to meet daily needs.

That means this orphanage depends on people like us to help provide food, shelter, school fees, and medical care for the 40 children in their care. Your support truly makes a difference here!

Your Gift Makes it Possible

Your tax-deductible donation brings lasting change:

Water. Shelter. Love. You’re helping provide it all—and transforming lives forever.
CLICK HERE to donate or MAIL A CHECK– 100% of your gift goes towards our mission with no fees for you or us.
Check made payable to: One Million Wells and mailed to: PO Box 771204, Memphis, TN 38177. Please notate “Unitas” on the Memo line, Checks $10,000+ notate “Cornerstone”.

Make a lasting impact today:

$30 provides a mattress and mosquito net
$100 supports 1 child’s school fees and supplies
$1,000 pays for food to feed the children for 1 month with no meat
$5,000 pays for 10 fruit bearing trees with 5 years of care, tilapia pond, or 50 children to attend school and take exams for 1 year
$10,000 Join Cornerstone Society to help us make important updates to the orphanage from the ground up and sustain them annually. 1st year receive a group picture of the children; if you donate another year you will receive another special gift.

🌍 Be the Reason a Child Sleeps Safely Tonight.

Your compassion can rewrite the story for a vulnerable child—turning hunger into nourishment, fear into safety, and hopelessness into opportunity.

Whether it’s a mattress, school supplies, or food, your gift matters deeply.

💛 Give today. Be part of something lasting.

🙏 Click here to Donate now to help change the course of a child’s life.

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