Who We Are

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Creating a home for children • Transforming communities • Building futures in Tanzania

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Children first, last and forever 

Compassion to all

 

Sustainability through responsible growth

Collaboration
unlocks potential

Honesty, accountability,
and transparency

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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.

 

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Senior Staff

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Peter Leon Massey

Founder & Executive Director

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India Howell

Founder

Ali Carey

Managing Director

 
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Arturo Osorio Solano

Chief Finance Officer

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 and Maintenance

 

Gabriel Yona

Social Worker

Aisha Matiko

Social Worker

Jonathan Urio

Social Worker

Rosie Kyara

Social Worker

 

Rose Owuor

Education Director - Oldeani Secondary School

Wanyaga Nyaga

Education Director - Gyetighi Primary School

Molly McCormick

Program Coordinator

Samwel Baston Singogo

Accounting Officer

 

Becky Aldrich

U.S. Director

Vanessa Hamann

Director of Development and Communications (U.S.)

 
 
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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 - Treasurer
Eleanor Doar - Board Chair
Jody Drake
William Gray - Development Chair
Kirsten Heinemann
India Howell - Founder

David Meaney
Peter Leon Mmassy - Executive Director
Eugenie Murray-Brown - Volunteer Alumni Trustee
Carrie Polk
Debby Rechler
Carla Sinatra