Many of you have asked how we are hanging in there as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to upend daily life for us in Tanzania. 

The 2020 school year for the kids at the Rift Valley Children’s Village (RVCV) is off to a great start!  

Six years-ago, when we began our partnership co-managing Oldeani Secondary School (OSS), only 3% of Form 4 students were passing the all-important National Exam. 

Nina Lawrence, 21 years old and never without her knitting needles or sketchpad, dreams of being a pharmacist. Since primary school, science was Nina’s subject of choice. 

In a country where mental health is stigmatized and far from fully understood, we are working to change this conversation with our children. 

Over the past year, we have made countless strides in our work to help a community of 10,000 envision a brighter future. As we begin to look back at 2019, here are just a few of the milestones we have to celebrate.

“What does a typical day in Tanzania look like?” is probably the question I am asked most. 

On Saturday, October 26th the Rift Valley Children’s Village welcomed 4 new children to be part of our forever family.  

For children who walk 2 to 3 hours each day to attend Gyetighi Primary School (GPS), shoes can become a barrier to receiving an education.

At the Tanzanian Children’s Fund, we believe that college is key. 

TCF became determined to create economic opportunities that would help all residents of the Oldeani Ward break the cycle of poverty.

In what can only be described as a miracle, baby Aidan opened his eyes. 

Dedicated, passionate and wise beyond their years, Neema Karoli and India Msee are among the small minority of women in Tanzania who have the opportunity to continue their education after secondary school. 

We sat down with Mama Priska to learn more about what it is like to be a House Mama at the Rift Valley Children’s Village. 

These are the women we all admire endlessly.

A fun new playground is sure to bring excitement to any group of toddlers, but our new playground had an impact that stemmed far beyond the sheer joy it created. 

So while nobody may know what the future holds, we have a feeling that these big dreamers are going to make it brighter! Check out all their plans for the future in the video!

Recognizing that students deserved more, since starting this journey we have worked tirelessly to improve the conditions and bring students a higher quality education.  

Sewing machine in front of her, Magreth’s products are a labor of love, stitched with care and quiet determination. 

As we watched Paskalina Karoli approach the graduation stage at Oldeani Secondary School to accept yet another award for her achievements, we were reminded of the road she took to reach this proud moment.