Andrew Luka

Gender: Young Man

Date of Birth: February 27, 2006

Location: Kikatiti, Arumeru

Andrew came to Sonshine in November 2013.  His father died from HIV when Andrew was 5 years old. Sadly, his mother tested HIV positive. This stigma led the mother to be expelled from their village. She pleaded for work but the only job she was able to get was cooking food at a big marketplace. This kept Andrew out of school because he had to serve customers. A government worker noticed his absence from school and intervened. Sonshine was able to step in and help. Andrew is a gifted, kind, and intelligent young man excelling in school. His plan is to become a doctor for God to bring healing and care to others. 

Daniel Kaaya

Gender: Boy

Date of Birth: August 1, 2007

Location: Ngyeku, Arumeru

Daniel and his sister Neema came to Sonshine in June 2013. When their father passed away, the mother became extremely depressed after the father’s family took away most of their land. This depression affected the mother’s mental health, and the children suffered greatly. They were not going to school, and abuse became a regular occurrence without the mother’s knowledge. A church reached out to Sonshine for help. Daniel and Neema have grown tremendously at Sonshine. He is a protective big brother who walks with quiet and humble determination. It is a blessing to have Daniel at Sonshine. 

Mariam Mpemba

Gender: Girl

Date of Birth: December 13, 2015  

Location: Kikatiti, Arumeru 

In April 2021, Mariam was brought to Sonshine with her younger brother Alfred. Their mother was hit by a vehicle and died. The children went to live with a grandmother who was unable to work due to a twisted leg. Another organization was able to help the grandmother acquire a two-bedroom home. However, the grandmother needed to beg for food in the streets to survive. Through a referral by a worker who knew about Sonshine, Mariam and her brother were rescued from a dangerous situation. Mariam is a beautiful child of God filled with kindness and gratitude. It is exciting to see where Mariam's future will grow.

Junior Swai

Gender: Boy

Date of Birth: April 3, 2016

Location: Leki Tatu, Usa River

Junior is the youngest of 3 Swai brothers that came to Sonshine in March 2018. They were barely surviving on the streets of Usa-River. Their father was challenged with severe alcoholism as well as mental illness. A village elder reached out to Social Servies who in turn contacted Sonshine. They met with the father to caringly share the importance of how Sonshine and the ministry can fully care for his sons. In agreement, the father desired that his sons could be freed from the risks of his lifestyle and choices. The joy and happiness that Junior shares are infectious. Supporting transitions from death to life is what Sonshine is all about. 

Mary Julius

Gender: Girl

Date of Birth: May 5, 2010

Location: Ngongongare, Usariver 

Mary and her sister Rose entered Sonshine in January 2017. They were pulled out of a corrupt mining town after their father succumbed to Tuberculosis. After the father’s death, the mother put herself into prostitution to survive. The neglect of the children led to unimaginable abuse. The children were able to be relocated to an aunt after she was located. The aunt lived in a shack of a house as a single mom with 3 children of her own. Tragically, while the aunt was out working, the unprotected children faced further abuse which led to emergency hospitalization. Mircale intervention has brought restoration and hope.

Neema Kaaya

Gender: Girl

Date of Birth: October 1, 2009  

Location: Ngyeku, Arumeru 

Neema arrived in June 2013 with her older brother Daniel. Their mother became extremely depressed after the father passed away and his family took away almost all their land. The children suffered greatly as the mother’s mental health worsened due to depression. School attendance was not possible, and abuse became a regular occurrence. Sadly, the mother was incapacitated. Thankfully, a church contacted Sonshine and asked for urgent help. Sonshine was able to rescue the children from the tormenting and abusive situation. Now Neema and Daniel are growing strong and flourishing.

Maggie Chiweza

Gender: Girl

Date of Birth: December 20, 2006

Location: Themi, Arusha

Maggie is one of the founding members of the Magnificent Seven, Sonshine’s term for the first children to arrive at Sonshine in March 2011. She is related to Jasmin through family connections. Maggie’s father died when Maggie was young, and her mom became very ill. Her father was originally from Zambia and escaped to Arusha, staying in a slum-like refugee camp due to a war in Zambia. The way of life where they lived was very dangerous. So, as street children, they found comfort and security in a church crusade and caught the attention of the founders Ray and Melody Schumacher.