According to source documents, Mark and Anna Dombkins relocated from Wollongong to Tanzania after viewing a documentary on international orphanages, ultimately expanding their family through international adoption and biological children. The couple, who met at a church youth group at age 16, transitioned from a household with one biological son, Jackson, to a family of eight that eventually included adopted twins Shay and Charlie, their older brother Jabari, a second biological child named Jemima, and a third biological child named Max.
The Catalyst: From Wollongong to Tanzania
According to Anna Dombkins, the family’s trajectory shifted when their first son, Jackson, was six months old and they watched a documentary titled The Dying Rooms. Created by journalists using hidden cameras in Chinese orphanages, the film showed rooms filled with babies who were never held, according to the source material. After spending three years trying to adopt in Australia without even reaching the approval stage of a seven-year waiting list, Anna suggested moving to Africa during a walk on the beach with Mark.
Did you know?
According to Mark and Anna Dombkins, only six months passed between their casual beach conversation about moving to Africa and actually landing in Tanzania. They specifically sought a baby home focused on keeping biological families together where possible.
Expanding the Family: Adopting Three Siblings
According to the source text, the couple lived in Tanzania for three years while working as a teacher (Mark) and a school counsellor (Anna). Within months of arriving, they received an email about a set of twins needing a family after reunification efforts with their biological relatives failed. While visiting the baby home and connecting with twins Shay and Charlie, they met the twins’ older brother, Jabari.
According to the accounts provided, Jabari was nine months older than the twins, severely malnourished, and unlikely to survive without immediate intervention. Amy, who ran the baby home, asked the couple to take him. Anna and Mark brought all three siblings home on the same day, creating a household that temporarily featured one four-year-old and four one-year-olds.
Returning to Australia and Adding Baby Number Six
According to the source material, the family spent three years in Tanzania before returning to live in Australia. Two weeks after returning, Anna discovered she was pregnant with their sixth child, Max. The family now consists of parents Anna and Mark, along with children Jabari, Shay, Max, Jemima, Charlie, and Jackson. The couple also runs a foundation called Forever Projects, which works to end the orphan crisis in Tanzania through income creation for women.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Mark and Anna Dombkins move to Tanzania?
According to the source text, they moved to Tanzania after facing a lengthy seven-year adoption waiting list in Australia and wanting to find a safe place where they could legally adopt as Australians while working.
How many children do Mark and Anna have?
According to the source material, they have six children: Jackson, Jemima, Max, Shay, Charlie, and Jabari.
What is Forever Projects?
According to the source documents, Forever Projects is a foundation established by Anna and Mark that works to end the orphan crisis in Tanzania by fostering income creation for women.
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