This store is setup out of love for kids and to support carers and/or parents of some of the children, who we cared for at Watoto Kicheko, an orphanage in Arusha, Tanzania.

At Watoto Kicheko we cared for about 80 children, from new born babies to young teens. Some stayed a few weeks, others for a couple of years. 

Some were admitted as their mother died in child birth, others because the government closed other orphanages, and some were found in a field. Poverty was never accepted as a valid reason to admit a child, but we do support kids' schooling as a way to give them opportunities and options in life.

Most of the children were returned to their communities and (extended) family. This store now supports the parents and carers of "our" children. 

In the store we selected wooden educational, cognitive toys, including specific Montessori schooling materials and toys. 

Wooden toys because they last longer. Cognitive toys because that engages a child. Educational toys because my community has always valued education as means to create prosperity , happiness and fulfillment. 

Furthermore, having given "our" children in the orphanage education showed is that we were giving them the possibility to create choices for themselves: it opened their minds, it opened possibilities and doors for them. 

Give a child the possibility to make choices in life is the aim of education.