St Gabriel Home is a true partnership of people of goodwill and dedication. Everyone involved including the original founders, volunteers, resident carers, supporters and donors - are inspired by the remarkable spirit and courage of the children in our care. Making a positive difference to these young lives is our collective goal and long term commitment.

Founder Krystyna as a child in Tengeru, Tanzania

Foundations

The idea for St Gabriel Home was initiated in November, 2002 when founder Krystyna Pryjomko-Serafin together with her son Roman, returned to Tanzania after an absence of over 50 years. Between 1942 and 1948, Krystyna found sanctuary in the settlement of Tengeru, close to Arusha. As a child she arrived there together with thousands of Polish refugees having escaped the misery of war and imprisonment in Siberia.

In Krystyna’s own words:
"The beauty and warmth of Africa and its compassionate people gave me back my stolen childhood. Now, I intend to repay this priceless blessing by providing some of Africa’s remarkable children with this most precious gift…”

Founder Krystyna Pryjomko-Serafin with son, Roman

From this simple idea and under the guidance of the St Gemma Galgani Sisters, St Gabriel Home has evolved as a truly grassroots initiative relying on the goodwill, commitment and generosity of many people in Tanzania and worldwide. In future, with the support of the St Gabriel Home Foundation in Poland, the home is destined to develop still further offering freedom and opportunity to growing numbers of children, not only from the confinement of prison but also from the imprisonment of poverty.

St Gabriel Home / Arusha / Tanzania