
Who We Are
To empower marginalized children by creating a home and family at the Rift Valley Children’s Village and to break the cycle of poverty for vulnerable families in the Oldeani Ward. We achieve this through an interconnected approach encompassing education, healthcare, job training and economic opportunities to create brighter futures for the community we serve.

Children first, last and forever
Compassion to all
Sustainability through responsible growth
Collaboration
unlocks potential
Honesty, accountability,
and transparency

After climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro and falling in love with the country and its people, in 1998 India Howell moved permanently to Tanzania to manage a lodge for a safari company. Through her work with the surrounding community, India recognized the growing number of orphans and at-risk children living in poverty and felt compelled to take action. In 2003, she partnered with Peter Leon Mmassy to create a loving and permanent home for 17 orphaned children. With the help of our supporters and the Tanzanian community, that single house has expanded to become a Children’s Village for over 100 children and a thriving community-based development organization providing free healthcare, primary and secondary education, and micro-loans and training to the Oldeani Ward.
Senior Staff
Peter Leon Mmassy
Co-Founder & Managing Director, Government and Community Relations
India Howell
Co-Founder
Monica Swai
Managing Director, Programs & Operations
Alex Behan
Director of Education
Africanus John
Health Director & Clinical Officer
Grace Christopher
R.E.A.P. Director
Selestian Damas
Director of Resources
Sigifridi John
Director of Construction & Maintenance
Uldrick Kundi
Director of Finance & Operations
Rose Owuor
Director of Child Welfare
Gabriel Yona
Social Worker
Aisha Matiko
Social Worker
Jonathan Urio
Social Worker
Rosie Kyara
Social Worker
Frederick Lema
Education Director - Oldeani Secondary School
Wanyaga Nyaga
Education Director - Gyetighi Primary School
Emmanuel Manoni
Education Director - Oldeani Primary School
Samwel Baston Singogo
Accounting Officer
Jessica Mims-Burnett
Volunteer Coordinator
Alexia Umugwaneza
Communications & Sponsorship Coordinator
Becky Aldrich
U.S. Director
Casey Condon
Operations & Development Associate (U.S.)
Our Board of Directors has guided us through our toughest challenges, advised us on plans for expansion, and helped us map our road ahead. We thank them for their service and share our appreciation for their dedication.
Peggy Bacon
Todd Cronan
Eleanor Doar
Jody Drake
Kirsten Heinemann
India Howell
David Meaney
Peter Leon Mmassy
Eugenie Murray-Brown
Carrie Polk
Debby Rechler
Carla Sinatra