A Loving Home for Strong Roots
Love, education, and the assurance that they belong.
More Than Just a Roof Over Their Heads
In May 2006, we opened our doors to three children. Today, we are a family of 31 children and young adults between the ages of 5 and 25. The Tuwapende Watoto Children’s Home is their home - a place where they grow up, learn, and become strong.
What family means to us:
Living together
We eat together, cook healthy Tanzanian meals together, and cherish our traditions. Here, every child is simply allowed to be a child: protected, respected, and loved.
Supporting each child individually
Every child brings their own talents and develops at their own pace. We support every step of their development—from settling in, through school, to vocational training.
Long-term support
We stay by our children’s side until they can stand on their own two feet. And even after that: The doors of Tuwapende Watoto are always open.
From First Steps to an Independent Life
Settling In
A child comes to us. Often, they are quiet, frightened, and withdrawn. We give them time—time to settle in, time to build trust, time to heal. In our family, they find people who stay. Who listen. Who are there for them.
Growing Up
Our children attend the foundation’s own school right on campus—from kindergarten through elementary school to the newly opened secondary school. Those who choose vocational training learn at our vocational training center. We nurture strengths, spark curiosity, and prepare them for the future.
Setting Out
Upon completing their education, our young adults embark on independent lives. They study, work, start families, and shape their own futures. We stay in touch, celebrate their successes, and are there for them whenever they need us.
They Have Grown Strong
From Child to Confident Adult
Year after year, we see insecure children grow into confident young adults.
Educational Success
Some residents go on to study at universities and colleges, while others complete vocational training. Others go straight into their chosen professions. Many have started families, are forging their own paths, and are shaping their own futures.
Connections
Tuwapende Watoto's doors are always open to students, even following graduation. They are always welcome to come back for support; the connection will always be there.
What Drives Us
Our Mission
We provide a caring family for orphaned and abandoned children. We support them so they can lead independent lives—marked by responsibility, self-reliance, and compassion. We prioritize high-quality education and training and help the children become active and successful members of Tanzanian society.
Our Vision
Every child deserves to grow up in an enviornment where they feel confident, safe and secure. The children at our school are surrounded by loving and respectful people who guide and support them on their path to independence. We provide them with the foundation for a successful future and instill in them an understanding of and tolerance for others.
Our Values
Courage
We blaze new trails
Commitment
We keep our word
Trust
We believe in one another and in life
Diversity
We value the uniqueness of every single person
Integrity
We live by our values
People Who Make a Difference Every Day
Professional and Caring
Every day, 135 staff members work collaboratively to ensure that our children grow up in a safe environment, learn effectively, and stay healthy. House mothers, caregivers, educators, cooks, and teachers are all part of the Tuwapende Watoto family.
Stronger together
We work closely with Tanzanian professionals, local authorities, and the community of Bunju B. to drive development for our children and the entire region.
Facts that speak for themselves
Statistics about our children’s home
Since 2006, we have been providing a home for orphaned and abandoned children
In 2010, we moved into our newly built children’s home in Bunju B, Dar es Salaam
99% of donations go directly to our on-site projects
A safe environment for life and development
Officially registered as an I-NGO (International Non-Governmental Organization) in Tanzania
All travel expenses for foundation members and volunteers are privately funded.
Long-term support: We support our children throughout and following their education.
Contribution to sustainability: Water treatment and our solar power system keep us running.
Your help gives children a future
With your donation, you make the following possible:
A loving home, daily meals, clothing, medical care, a quality education from preschool through vocational training—and the certainty that they belong.
As a volunteer on the ground:
Share your talents, experience our work firsthand, and give the children your time.