SCOTT WILLIS LEGACY FOUNDATION 2025 UPDATE

In 2025, so many of you contributed to our mission of serving orphaned and vulnerable children in Africa. The impact we made this year would not have been possible without generous grants from the Geier Family Charitable Trust, Constance and Brooks Robinson Foundation, the Kevin Myers Family Foundation, and charitable donations from Boog Powell and Eddie Murray. St. Paul’s Lutheran School students in Kingsville, MD once again raised funds to support Scott’s Legacy. We invited you to participate in our Amazon Gift Registry to send much needed supplies such as baby items, school materials, and toys for Connor’s Toy Boxes—and your response was overwhelming. We also partnered with Boys Latin School of Maryland and Notre Dame Preparatory School of Towson, asking students to donate new and gently used Croc style shoes. We distributed these shoes—many with handwritten notes—to the children at Mama Jane’s and the surrounding village. In Time Shipping of New York generously donated their services to ensure all Amazon items and shoes arrived safely in Tanzania.

In October 2025, a small group traveled back to Tanzania to review the projects we funded and assess the needs of the 16 orphanages and 2 schools we support. We remain in awe of the resilience of the Tanzanian people, who have so little yet radiate genuine happiness. It was inspiring to see children we first met at ages 8 and 9 now preparing to start university.

GOVERNMENT REQUIREMENTS

We learned that the government now mandates separate toilets for boys and girls in all orphanages, as well as kitchens with storage rooms detached from living quarters. This poses challenges for many orphanages barely managing their resources and our fundraising efforts in 2026 will support these projects.

BEANS & BREAD PROGRAM

Our Beans & Bread Program has had the greatest impact. When children are hungry, they cannot learn. This year, we expanded the program to include more orphanages in need. Kundael and Aiden have been delivering 50 lb bags of beans and maize monthly to all of the orphanages we support including those in this report. With food insecurity addressed, caregivers can focus on other pressing needs.

MAMA JANE’S ORPHANAGE

Mama Jane’s orphanage is thriving under her dedicated stewardship. In 2024, with support from the Constance and Brooks Robinson Charitable Foundation, we began providing high school and university scholarships for 11 children. In 2025, we supported 3 additional students attending university in Dar Es Salaam. We met Naomi, Jennifer, and Baraka when they were eight or nine years old. It is deeply moving to hug these young adults and tell them their hard work has paid off, and they have funding to continue their education against all odds. Mama Jane shared a photo of the students boarding the bus for their 8-hour journey to school. Along with tuition, the Robinson Foundation provided laptops, which are critical to their success.

SHADES OF HOPE ACADEMY

Thanks to families sponsoring children, we continue to provide tuition, food, housing, and medical care to 11 children living full-time at Shades of Hope Academy. This year, we took all 58 children living there for a day of swimming, eating, and playing. Donors connected via FaceTime with the children they support. A highlight was when Lawrence greeted Olivia and James Boddicker’s daughters, saying, “Hi Rosie. Hi Ruthie.” He was excited to see their new little sister, Dolly. These children consider their sponsors family and many have photos hanging by their beds. Six children will begin middle school in January but will return to Shades of Hope during holidays and breaks, as it is their home.

KINDNESS ORPHANAGE

Kindness Orphanage, run by Christina Yohana, currently cares for more than 65 children. During our visit, the children proudly showed us where they store the bread and beans they receive and asked us to thank St. Paul’s School for their generosity—ensuring the children do not go hungry, as St. Paul himself often did.  When asked about his priorities, Christina shared that she urgently needed textbooks and learning materials. We are happy to report that Kundael has delivered these materials. We also refilled their Toy Box in memory of Coach Greg Redmer, Jr., and the children loved playing with the new balls.

NASA NURSERY SCHOOL

Last year, we provided the life-changing gift of clean water to the school and village. Due to high demand, the original pump struggled to push water the 7-mile route to the school’s holding tanks. With help from the Kevin Myers Family Foundation, solar panels and a new pump were installed in November, providing an endless supply of clean water. We completed a beautiful playground donated by MAI Capital staff in Marriottsville, MD, and finished a netted greenhouse donated by the children of St. Paul’s Lutheran School in Kingsville, MD. We have provided seeds and eagerly await the first crop of vegetables for the school children in mid-January.

FARAJA FARIJIKA ORPHANAGE

We visited Faraja Farijika and refilled the Toy Box in memory of Dougie.  Faraja Farijika is part of our Beans and Bread program and receives monthly food deliveries.

PATANDI SPECIAL NEEDS SCHOOL

We visited and played with the 118 children living full-time at this special school. Marco was excited to show us the commercial washing machine we purchased after our last visit, which has eased the workload of the two matrons caring for the children. Marco’s most pressing need is solar panels, as frequent power outages hinder care and education, making it difficult for children to do homework or read at night. With continued support, we can cover this project’s cost and continue to change these children’s lives. We toured the school and met the woman who cooks for all the children. Everyone works hard but welcomes us warmly like family. We played with the children, who joyfully received new toys dedicated to Elizabeth Waggoner, including play balls, soccer balls, and hopscotch sets. We always leave with smiles and hearts full of gratitude, knowing your support makes a meaningful difference in the lives of these special children.

JUBILANCE ORPHANAGE

Our partner, Kundael, has long supported Jubilance and Richard, who oversees the care of the children. The one‑room orphanage houses 20 children and provides meals for approximately 73 children each day.  We refilled their Toy Box and replaced their only soccer ball—which no longer bounced—with a dozen new ones.

FAMILIA NDANI YA FAMILIA ORPHANAGE

Madam Uiso opened Familia ndani ya Familia (“Family within Family”) in 2013 after the death of her husband left her with an empty home. She now cares for 15 children full‑time, with 2 former residents living independently and 3 currently attending university.  Pictured is Melckzedek, who arrived in 2013 and is now in university. We are supporting him with tuition and a laptop. After filling the Toy Box in memory of Christopher Mules, we committed to providing funding in 2026 for the construction of the rooms she needs to continue caring for the children.

HUMURA ORPHANAGE

Yohanna and Usebia care for the 39 children who call Humura home. They are also in the process of opening a day care for children in the surrounding community. While their needs are many, including a school bus, we will be able to fulfill one of their greatest wishes by building a Hayden’s Playground in 2026. We also refilled their Toy Box, dedicated in memory of Anthony Lisanti by the Porch Crew.

HOPE ORPHANAGE

Hope Orphanage is home to 34 children who are happy, well cared for, and—like children everywhere—eager to play. When we arrived, we were told the children wanted to play Hide and Seek, and all 34 insisted we find them. Fortunately for us, they were all hiding in the same room. We refilled their Toy Box in memory of Daniel Steck and spent time playing with them. As we left, they all called out, “See you tomorrow.” If only…

BETHLEHEM ORPHANAGE

Bethlehem is a small orphanage caring for 12 children. The children were overjoyed to have their Toy Box—dedicated in memory of Diane Geier Hook—refilled with enough balls and toys for each child to have one of their own, something rare in Africa. Madam Tumaini Massawe, who cares for the children, expressed deep gratitude that she no longer has to worry about food since joining our Beans and Bread program.  Her requests were simple. Understanding the importance of education, she asked only for school uniforms for the children—shirts, trousers or skirts, sweaters, and shoes. We were able to provide the uniforms and books she requested.

EVANERATE ORPHANAGE

Madam Evalyne Maliaki cares for 67 children at Evanerate. We refilled their Toy Box in memory of John Kirsch. Her most urgent request was to double the amount of food we had been delivering and to add sugar. After seeing the children’s hearty appetites, we fully understood why. She also asked for help installing glass in two doors and two windows to meet government standards.  We were able to honor both requests, and she is deeply grateful. What many of us take for granted—adequate food and secure doors and windows—meant the world to her.

GLOBAL ORPHANAGE

Global Orphanage currently cares for 28 children. We visited during the school day, so most of the children were away. We refilled their Toy Box in memory of Dennis Dean. As with all the orphanages, food and education remain their greatest concerns. Global participates in our Beans and Bread program and receives monthly food deliveries thanks to Dana Lang.  Four children pictured below need scholarships to attend school, and we promised to meet that need. Kim, who traveled with us, fell in love with Michelle (the little girl holding the purple ball) and has already committed to sponsoring her. Megan, also on the trip, has agreed to sponsor another child. Sponsoring a child in primary school in this area costs $450 per year.

KIBOWA ORPHANAGE

One of the most inspiring people we met on this journey was Avith. He arrived at Kibowa when he was just 8 years old. Through hard work and determination, he excelled in school and is now attending university with the goal of becoming a lawyer. The only barrier standing in his way was tuition. We are now supporting his education, and Kundael accompanied him to purchase a laptop funded by Scotty’s Aunt Kim.  Avith’s dream is to return to Kibowa as a practicing attorney and help support the orphanage and the dreams of the children growing up there—an incredible full‑circle story in the making.  Scholastica, a social worker who lives at Kibowa, requested a dry‑erase board and learning materials so she can better prepare the youngest children for school. We also refilled the Toy Box dedicated in honor of Angelina Taylor.

TRUEHEART ORPHANAGE

We met with Madam Vivian, who cares for 20 children at her orphanage. Although her needs are significant, she asks for very little. Her most urgent concern is paying her rent so she can continue providing a home for her children. Rent is $82 per month ($984 per year). Education is also a top priority for her, as she knows it is the children’s best path out of poverty. Eleven of her children are currently in school and need uniforms. A woman in the village can fully outfit each child for $21.  Madam Vivian also asked for help with firewood, which costs $4 per week, so she can cook for the children. She had been cooking over an open fire. We were able to provide her with a two‑burner stove that runs on used cooking oil—more efficient and less expensive than wood—at a cost of under $300.  She is already part of our Beans and Bread program and will continue receiving monthly food deliveries.  Barbara Hock, Scott’s grandmother, has generously offered to cover all of Trueheart’s needs.

KILIDIOMEDI ORPHANAGE

Kilidiomedi Orphanage, located in the Moshi area, is truly remarkable. Mr. DiDi cares for 18 girls and 22 boys and has transformed a run‑down rental house into an impressive, thriving compound. The older children learn construction skills by building furniture from pallets. They raise and sell goats, breed dogs, grow vegetables, and have even built three small “hotel” suites where travelers can stay and meet the children. The orphanage is a model of creativity, resourcefulness, and community. Their greatest needs are a permanent home and scholarships for the children. We refilled the Toy Box in honor of Val and Liam Fuller.

MSAMARIA, TULEENI, TUMAINI & POWER THE CHILDREN ORPHANAGES

As our time in Tanzania came to an end, Kundael visited four orphanages on our behalf. He refilled the Toy Box at Msamaria, a safe haven for street children. He then visited Tuleeni, where he refilled the Toy Box dedicated in memory of Lola Petraglia. Tuleeni cares for more than 30 children, and they continue to enjoy the music equipment we delivered during our last visit. Next, he visited Tumaini for Africa Children’s Village, where he refilled a Toy Box in memory of Connor’s “Bubs.”  Finally, he visited Power The Children, refilling the Toy Box in memory of Danielle Steck.

FLAMBOYANT SPECIAL NEEDS SCHOOL — MAZABUKA, ZAMBIA

This year, we were unable to travel across Africa to visit Flamboyant Special School, which serves more than 125 special needs children. Over the years, we have funded many programs there, including a new school bus, Jenn Lake (a self sustaining fishpond), the chicken program, Scotty’s Garden, Karen’s Play Park, Fenny’s House, Connor’s Toy Box, and new uniforms. This year, Boog Powell directed his charitable donation to reconstruct Jenn Lake in memory of his daughter, Jennifer. The pond has now been recast in concrete. The Stromberg family donated funds to refresh the playground named in honor of Jamie’s Aunt Karen. Scotty’s grandmother provided funds to purchase wheelchairs and hearing aids for the children. We are eagerly awaiting photos of the completed renovations. Scotty’s Garden continues to thrive and provides food not only for the children but for the surrounding community as well.

SELIAN LUTHERAN HOSPITAL

We delivered twice the usual amount of toys to fill the Toy Box dedicated in memory of Karen Rosenblat. These toys are used by children living with HIV who receive treatment at the hospital on Saturdays. Last year, we also added equipment to their playground.

BEAU’S BUNDLES

Once again, we brought baby supplies—including cloth diapers, clothing, and other essentials—and delivered them to new mothers we met along the way.

2026 FUNDRAISING

In 2026, our focus for fundraising will be threefold:

-We will be starting a scholarship fund.  We know that sponsoring a child is a big commitment so we feel this may be an alternate way to support a child without an ongoing commitment.  In the event you wish to sponsor an individual child and follow their progress, there is still the opportunity to do that as well.

-Also due to new government regulations regarding bathrooms, we will be bringing back the popular “Can You Give A Crap” program.

-We will also be raising funds for additional kitchens, classrooms and playgrounds.

While we know we ask a lot from family and friends, we will continue use every dollar to meet the needs of vulnerable and orphaned children. 

OUR PARTNER — KUNDAEL MOLLA

Every day we are reminded that none of this would be possible without our partner and friend, Kundael Molla. Kundael and his wife, Jackie, manage every project for us in Tanzania. Jackie’s brother, Aiden, has now joined our efforts and is responsible for the monthly delivery of beans and maize to the orphanages and schools we support.

ASANTE SANA — THANK YOU

At the end of each year, one truth remains: we could not accomplish any of this without your generosity and support. We are blessed with a core group of donors who believe deeply in our mission and continue to stand with us. For this, we are forever grateful.  Your kindness sustains us—especially on the difficult, memorable days that are hard to face. Thank you for supporting so many children who desperately need your help, and for helping us continue Scott’s Legacy.