Founded by Golden Mgonzo, Shalom Centre is a highly regarded orphanage serving at-risk children in the Arusha region. The Arusha City Council regularly refers vulnerable children to the centre, recognizing it as a trusted place of care and protection.

In addition to caring for orphaned children, teen mothers’ care and support has become a vital outreach of Shalom Centre. These young mothers have been rescued from forced marriages, rape, or abandonment. Because pregnancy results in immediate expulsion from government schools, Shalom provides a safe place for both mother and baby, while allowing the young women to continue their education through private schools. Many are now pursuing college degrees in areas such as hotel management, accounting, tourism, finance, law, and general studies.

African Moons began partnering with Shalom Centre in 2015, first by supporting the food budget. Since then, the partnership has grown to include outreach projects like Bicycles, Computers, School Shoes and “Christmas in a Backpack,” reaching children from infancy through college age—most recently serving 120 children.

In 2019, African Moons expanded its support by providing educational scholarships from primary school through university. Today, 65–70 children receive scholarships each year, creating a pathway to education, restored dignity, and a future filled with hope.