Gullingsrud Children Center - 2026

Gullingsrud Children Center (GCC) was founded in Tanzania, more specifically in Moshi, in 2016. Jonas was doing his internship at KCMC, a hospital in the city of Moshi. There he met Eric Ürassa, a safari operator. Eric showed Jonas the poverty in Tanzania.

Jonas realized that a lot could be done here without too many resources. The whole family joined in, and since Tanzanians are fond of abbreviations, it became GCC. The goal has always been to help children. Many children in Tanzania are orphans, often because their parents have died of AIDS. It is a disease that today can be kept under control with medication, but the authorities in Tanzania choose this solution to a much lesser extent. As a result, patients die.

Responsibility for the children is often given to aunts and uncles or grandparents. Many children also end up in orphanages. Fifty percent of the Tanzanian population lives at the poverty line, which means that most people live on 1½ US dollars per day on average.

Together with Ürassa, a list of priorities is drawn up. The goal is for the money that is used to reach as many families and their children as possible. In Tanzania, school attendance is compulsory, just as it is in Norway. Therefore, the aim is to ensure that the children (and teachers) have the best possible learning environment. 

Schools are being rehabilitated, class sets of textbooks are purchased, and pedagogical education is paid for female teachers (since boys are often the ones families choose to invest in). Safe sanitary facilities are being built so that girls going through puberty can feel secure. It is a fact that girls at precisely this age disappear from school and do not return.

In Tanzania, everyone must buy a school uniform/sweater. Not everyone can afford it, and many also use this sweater in their free time. The assumption is that around 500 sweaters have been purchased. Ten years ago, they cost NOK 40 each. Now the price per item is NOK 90.

There are many orphanages in Tanzania. There is one common denominator for all those that have been visited: a lack of money, which in turn leads to a lack of basic necessities such as food and clothing. Both public and private kindergartens are affected by this financial hardship.

At times, there is also a strong conviction to help certain individuals, whether they are children or young adults. This may involve a medical procedure that can dramatically change a child’s life. Or it may mean helping a single mother to put food on the table or provide clothes for her young children. It can also involve paying tuition fees, accommodation, and school materials for a young person who qualifies for higher education but does not have sufficient funds.

What will the money from Barn av Jorden be used for?
One thing is certain: it will be used exclusively in ways that help children in Tanzania feel that they have a better everyday life.
Restoration of schools benefits many children over time.
Safe sanitary conditions benefit many children over time.
Teacher education benefits many children over time.
Purchasing school sweaters helps prevent social exclusion among the poorest.
Paying school fees helps prevent social exclusion among the poorest families.

All support is greatly appreciated,

Gullingsrud Children Center Vipps: 606136 Account: 2280 68 48 380

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