Empowering Dreams

I want to be foundation

Our Story

The I Want to Be Foundation emerged from a profound recognition: that across Tanzania, children with extraordinary potential face extraordinary barriers. Where others saw insurmountable challenges, we saw opportunities for transformation. Where others heard silence, we listened for the voices waiting to be amplified.

Founded by a coalition of Tanzanian community leaders, educators, healthcare professionals, and international development experts, our organization bridges local wisdom with global best practices. We began by asking children themselves a simple yet powerful question: “What do you want to be?” Their answers revealed not only dreams but the roadmap for our work—addressing the interconnected barriers that stand between vulnerable children and their futures.

Today, we work alongside communities across Tanzania to create integrated support systems that nurture children’s development from every essential dimension. Our approach is both deeply rooted in local contexts and informed by rigorous evidence of what works to create lasting change. Empowering Dreams

Our Vision

We envision a world where every child, regardless of their circumstances, has the opportunity to unlock their full potential, dream without limits, and thrive in a life of dignity, hope, and purpose.

our mission

We are dedicated to improving the quality of life and empowering underserved, vulnerable, and impoverished children in Tanzania. Through holistic programs focused on education, health, and personal development, we strive to break the cycle of poverty, nurture resilience, and inspire children to become confident, capable, and compassionate leaders of tomorrow.

We measure our success not just by the problems we solve today, but by the possibilities we create for tomorrow

Our Values

Child-Cantered Excellence

We place children at the heart of everything we do, maintaining the highest standards of quality, integrity, and innovation in our programs. We believe excellence is not a destination but a continuous journey of improvement, evaluation, and adaptation.

Cultural Respect & Local Leadership

We Honor Tanzania’s rich cultural heritage and recognize that sustainable solutions must be led by local communities. We prioritize Tanzanian leadership and expertise, ensuring our work strengthens rather than replaces indigenous support systems.

Compassionate Action

We approach our work with deep empathy for children’s experiences, translating that compassion into practical, effective interventions that create measurable improvements in their lives. We believe in both the power of listening and the necessity of action.

Collaborative Impact

We recognize that no single organization can address all challenges facing vulnerable children. We actively forge partnerships with communities, governments, and fellow organizations, leveraging collective strengths to amplify our impact.

Transparent Stewardship

We honor the trust placed in us by donors, communities, and the children we serve through meticulous financial management, open communication about challenges and successes, and responsible allocation of resources to maximize impact.

Our Objectives

1. Provide Access to Quality Education

Through our Kesho Bora Educational Initiative, we establish and support educational programs that ensure every child has access to safe, inclusive, and high-quality learning environments. By renovating 20 schools, training 400 educators annually, and providing scholarships to the most vulnerable, we equip children with the knowledge and skills needed to build brighter futures.

2. Promote Health and Well-being

Our Afya Bora, Maisha Bora Children’s Wellness Program implements comprehensive health and nutrition initiatives that address the physical, mental, and emotional needs of children. Through mobile health brigades, school gardens providing nutritious meals, and mental health support services, we ensure 15,000 children across 50 villages grow up healthy, strong, and ready to pursue their dreams. Empowering Dreams

3. Empower Through Life Skills and Leadership Training

The Amka Youth Leadership Academy develops and delivers life skills, leadership, and mentorship programs that foster self-confidence, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities. By empowering 1,000 youth across 30 villages, we equip young people to overcome challenges, advocate for change, and achieve their aspirations.

4. Create Safe and Supportive Communities

Through our Nyumba ya Tumaini Child Haven Program and Mtoto Salama Community Program, we partner with local communities to create safe spaces where children are protected, valued, and encouraged to thrive. By transforming 15 orphanages into family-style homes and implementing comprehensive child protection systems in 50 villages, we engage families and stakeholders in sustainable development efforts.

5. Advocate for Children's Rights and Opportunities

Our Sauti Sahihi Advocacy Network champions the rights of children by advocating for policies and practices that promote equality, access to opportunities, and the elimination of barriers that hinder growth and development. By training 500 youth advocates and reaching 5 million Tanzanians through media campaigns, we ensure children’s voices shape the systems designed to serve them.

Our Impact Strategy

Immediate Intervention + Systemic Change

We balance addressing urgent needs with transforming the systems that create those needs. Each program delivers immediate support while simultaneously working to change structures, policies, and practices that perpetuate vulnerability.

Holistic Integration

Our six core programs work in concert, recognizing that children’s needs are interconnected. A child who is safe but unhealthy, educated but without leadership opportunities, or physically well but without a voice in their community cannot reach their full potential.

Measurable Outcomes

We commit to rigorous evaluation and transparent reporting. Each program has clear metrics for success, from the number of children directly served to longer-term indicators of systemic change. We continuously refine our approach based on evidence of what works.

Sustainable Development

We design programs with sustainability at the core, ensuring communities develop the capacity, resources, and commitment to continue positive change beyond our direct involvement. By cultivating local leadership at every level, we create lasting impact for generations to come.

Join Our Mission

The challenges facing Tanzania's children are complex, but with the right approach and partnerships, they are not insurmountable. With a total investment of $4.55 million over three years, we aim to reach over 90,000 children with comprehensive support that changes not just individual lives but entire communities.

We invite you to join us in this vital work—not simply as donors, but as partners in creating a Tanzania where every child can answer the question "What do you want to be?" with hope, confidence, and a clear path forward.

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I want to be foundation