Couple’s Tanzanian Mission Marks 25 Years of Serving Children with Disabilities

Over two decades ago, retired Illinois residents Don and Joann Tolmie visited Tanzania, where they encountered a need that would define their later years. During a trip with their Lutheran church, the couple observed a lack of resources for children with physical disabilities. After learning from local church leaders that there was a long-standing need for a specialized primary school, the Tolmies felt a divine calling to intervene. Their son, David Tolmie, describes the experience as a "God moment" that prompted his parents to commit to the project.

Drawing on Joann’s personal background—her mother had spent her career teaching children with disabilities—the couple returned to the United States to raise funds for the initiative. What was initially intended as a two-year commitment evolved into a 25-year ministry through the Faraja Fund Foundation. Today, the foundation supports the Faraja Primary School in northern Tanzania, which serves as a residential facility providing education, physical therapy, and specialized care. The school remains a unique resource in the region, addressing the needs of children who often face significant barriers to education and support.