Every child is a precious gift from God, an angel entrusted to humanity with limitless potential, dreams, and purpose. No child should ever go to bed hungry, be denied an education, or be deprived of the freedom to dream. Every child born on this planet has the fundamental right to food, happiness, love, dignity, education, and hope. When we nourish a child, we nourish the future of our world. Compassion is not measured by the size of a gift but by the size of the heart that chooses to give.
Eyes Open International (EOI), a U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, proudly launched its Free Midday Meal Program at Majevu Primary School, Same District, Kilimanjaro Region, Tanzania, on July 6, 2026, ensuring that 200 of God’s children receive nutritious daily meals from July 2026 through May 2027. This life-changing initiative became possible through the extraordinary generosity of compassionate donors from America and around the globe who united in faith, love, and service.
Eyes Open International presented $6,000 to Sr. Leena Matthias, Regional Superior of the Ursuline Franciscan Congregation, African Region, who, together with the devoted Assisi Convent Sisters, will oversee the implementation of this mission of hope. The program represents more than food, it represents dignity, education, healthier futures, and renewed opportunities for every child served.
International inspirational speaker and human rights advocate Harold D’Souza, President and Co-Founder of Eyes Open International, spent several weeks in Tanzania, speaking at more than two dozen community, church, educational, and humanitarian gatherings, inspiring thousands with his message that faith, resilience, compassion, and unity can overcome even the greatest struggles.
On July 8, 2026, Harold D’Souza and Sr. Leena Matthias had the honor of meeting delegates at the U.S. Embassy in Dar es Salaam, reinforcing the importance of international partnerships that strengthen humanitarian efforts and build bridges between communities across continents.
One of the most emotional moments of Harold’s journey occurred in Stelling, Same, where he met Fedilisi, a man who has lived with a physical disability for 55 years, and his devoted mother, Katherine. During his first visit on Sunday, July 5, 2026, Harold promised Katherine that her son would receive a wheelchair before Christmas Day.
Through the generosity of Bob Goodwin of Cincinnati, Ohio, that Christmas miracle arrived months early. On Saturday, July 11, 2026, Fedilisi received his new wheelchair, transforming a promise into reality and giving his family what Harold affectionately called “Christmas in July.” The gift represented more than mobility, it restored dignity, independence, hope, and joy.
Fr. Valentine Luvara shared:“God bless you, Harold!!! We love you!!! You brought great joy in my parish. Children were dancing with great joy. Your heart is open to receive the poor and marginalized people. May the Lord of Heaven and Earth bless you from above. America is far away from Tanzania, but we are united spiritually. Best wishes and God bless you, Harold.”
Earlier in the mission, on Thursday, July 2, 2026, the women of Majevu Village organized an unforgettable community celebration welcoming Harold D’Souza. More than 200 women and over 100 children gathered with songs, dancing, and heartfelt gratitude. As an expression of appreciation and solidarity, Harold personally gifted 3,000 Tanzanian Shillings to every woman whose children would benefit from the free midday meal program. Chocolates were also distributed to every child and community member attending the celebration, filling the gathering with smiles and laughter.
The impact of the mission deeply moved local faith leaders.
Sr. Venitha Martis emotionally reflected:“You are really great Harold. I am impressed by the love and support you have for poor people. You are a living saint. Though great, you remain simple and humble. May God bless you, your generosity, and your friends in America who continue to think of the people in Africa.”
A historic highlight of the mission came on July 4, 2026, when Bishop Rogatus Kimaryo of the Diocese of Same publicly honored Harold D’Souza during a special celebration at Kifaru Catholic Parish in the Mwanga District of Tanzania. Before nearly 1,000 parishioners, children, clergy, and community members, the Bishop recognized Harold’s unwavering commitment, compassion, and empowering support for vulnerable communities throughout the Kilimanjaro Region.
Throughout the visit, Harold expressed profound admiration for Sr. Leena Matthias, Sr. Maria Anitha Florine, Sr. Alice Pinto, Sr. Nirmala, and every Assisi Convent Sister whose lives embody prayer, sacrifice, humility, and unconditional service.
Reflecting on their ministry, Harold said:“Seeing the Sisters pray, serve, and heal their community inspires me to step outside my comfort zone and do more. Their dedication reminds me why our generous donor friends from America continue believing in this mission. I am simply a postman delivering blessings made possible by compassionate hearts.”
Fr. James Felix Singo, Parish Priest of Saint James Church, also praised the mission:“Thank you so much Harold for keeping on touching and raising hope for these people. May God bless you and bless our supporters.”
The mission also built upon previous humanitarian efforts. During Harold’s 2025 visit, Eyes Open International donated church fans to improve worship facilities, demonstrating the organization’s long-term commitment to serving the local community.
Perhaps one of the most moving tributes came from Sr. Alice Pinto of Assisi Convent, who wrote:“Harold, thank you from the depths of my heart for your thoughtful services and, above all, for your generous and compassionate heart. Through your loving concern for the people of Same, especially the less fortunate, you have become an instrument of God’s love, restoring hope, dignity, and joy to those most in need. The wheelchair you provided is not simply a gift, it is a blessing that brings freedom, comfort, and renewed confidence to Fedilisi. Please be assured of our prayers for you and your beloved family. May God reward your goodness a hundredfold and continue to bless every work of your hands.”
Despite receiving international recognition, Harold D’Souza remains deeply humble.“I am a common man. I am a failure. I am a sinner,” he often says.
Those simple words have become a powerful testimony of faith, resilience, and perseverance. Harold’s journey, from surviving labor trafficking to becoming an internationally respected human rights advocate and humanitarian, has inspired countless people to believe that struggles do not define a person’s destiny. Through unwavering faith in God, determination, and service to others, even life’s deepest wounds can become a source of hope for the world.
Eyes Open International continues to believe that sustainable change happens when communities, faith leaders, volunteers, donors, and organizations work together with one shared purpose: protecting human dignity and creating opportunities for every child to flourish.
As Harold D’Souza reminds supporters around the world:“T.E.A.M.: Together Everyone Achieves More. Teamwork makes the dream work.”
May this mission inspire every community, every nation, and every compassionate heart to ensure that no child, regardless of race, religion, nationality, or circumstance, ever goes to sleep hungry. Together, we can build a world where every child is nourished with food, strengthened by education, embraced with love, and empowered to become tomorrow’s leader. That is not simply a dream, it is humanity’s shared responsibility.