Home - The Small Things

The Small Things integrates a comprehensive family preservation program with high-quality, loving, community-based residential care. That means keeping children in homes where they belong, caring for them when their families can’t, and doing all that we can to reunify children in our care with relatives.

The Problem

0+ Tanzanian women still die in childbirth every year

0% of Tanzanian children have lost one or both parents

0% of Tanzanians live under the poverty line

Our Impact Since 2013

0% of children entering orphanages are expected to return to family without support

0% of children in our care are now returning home by age 5, with TST’s support

0% of residential kids will eventually return home, through our programs

Keeping families together

Meet Suleman: Suleman entered care as a baby, after his mother sadly died in childbirth in the nearby hospital. He was medically fragile, and though there were times that we thought we’d lose him, he pulled through and grew into a smart, friendly boy who was loved by all of our staff and kids. After years of intensive work, we were thrilled when Suleman could finally be safely reunified with his family earlier this year. We have visited him several times since, and he is thriving at home and in school.

Learn how we keep families together

Supporting sustainable businesses

Meet Charles and Mama Charles: Before joining one of TST’s Village Community Banking (VICOBA) groups, Charles was scraping by, with a small shed and two goats as his only capital. With the support of his VICOBA group through savings and access to short-term loans, Charles expanded his shed and increased his herd to 7 goats. With his extra income, he supports his parents with their basic needs – not only breaking the cycle of poverty, but giving back to his family.

Learn how we support business development

Meet kids and families in need of sponsors

Our goal is to keep children in homes where they belong, caring for them when their families can’t, and helping reunite them with relatives after leaving our care. But we can’t do it alone – sponsor today, and build a wonderful relationship with one of the children that we support.

See more kids

“I have worked in and around children’s homes my entire life, in the US and abroad. The kids and environment at Happy Family Children’s Village are some of the most happy, healthy, and loved that I have seen.”

Robin, Social Worker

“It’s amazing knowing that money that would otherwise have gone towards a cup of coffee has such a direct impact, and makes such a difference for the family I sponsor.”