So often the focus of much contest and international scrutiny, Africa has been the recipient of many billions in foreign aid and the staging ground for humanitarian projects of every scope and style imaginable. All too often, and despite the very best of intentions, the benefits of these endeavors are not fully realized or, if achieved, are found to be short-lived. This is by no means for lack of energy or funding or purpose but, rather, it is a function of the approach taken and the mindset of those working at the ground-level. Ensuring the sustainability of the effort and, even more importantly, the good it creates is the keystone that is missing more frequently than not.

But when an opportunity arises that is matched with a sustainable approach and driven by the right people, amazing things can be accomplished. The EnerNOC Service Desk and Network Admin Team would like to share one such opportunity with you.

The Founders. Sarah Metzger-Traber, an American woman, and Nyangusi Stanley Sirikwa, a Maasai man, co-founded Maasailand Explorer several years ago to help visitors experience the local culture to a degree not previously possible. Living and working in Arusha, Tanzania, the couple’s home has become a haven for underprivileged & orphaned children wishing to complete their studies and play in safety after school. While Sarah and Nyangusi already sponsor the primary school tuition and board of ten of these children, it is clear that they need and deserve so much more than they can currently offer.

The Project. The House of Joy project will be a lasting solution to the problems faced by many children living in the United Republic of Tanzania every day. With high levels of AIDS, poverty, and hunger, children are often neglected and under-educated. While there are huge efforts in place to sponsor many of these children, the Maasailand Explorer group has found that sponsorship is not good enough—children still go absent from school, sponsors’ gifts go missing or are stolen, children go to school hungry, and structure and support are not offered at home. By building a boarding house, a handful of children will be guaranteed a bed and bathroom, a communal place to study and play, food, medicine, love and support.

The Supporters. Several months ago, members of EnerNOC’s Network Operations team established a goal geared very broadly towards improving the lives of those less fortunate. After much research & debate regarding what cause or humanitarian group would best benefit from our involvement while still remaining aligned with our objectives as a group, the team decided that the House of Joy boarding house would be a perfect match. The cause is worthy, the people come to us recommended full-heartedly by one of our own, and we will have the opportunity to have a powerful, lasting impact that will extend well-beyond even our own involvement in the project.

The Efforts. Your help is needed in order for this project of love to take off and succeed! Our initial goal is to raise $21,000 USD, which will provide the funds to build the boarding house and buy the supplies needed for the House of Joy’s first year (i.e, tables, beds, blankets, pillows, cooking stove, food, soap, medicine, etc.). All your donations go directly to the children of the House of Joy project, the details to which we have direct access. All we ask is that you click the Donate button to help us provide a safe and sustainable place for children to live, study, and just be kids!

Thank you to all the people who have volunteered their time and efforts to make this project a reality.