Tuwapende Watoto

"We love children"

With heart

We offer orphaned and abandoned children a loving home. In our family, they grow up in a safe and secure environment, surrounded by caring people who guide them on their path to independence.

With foresight

We support our children through their entire educational journey, starting with infant care and through preschool, primary school,  secondary school up until vocational training. This way, we ensure their long-term success.

With high standards

We place high value on high-quality education and training. Our children grow into independent, responsible members of Tanzanian society.

Education That Shapes the Future

“Tuwapende Watoto” means “We Love Children” in Kiswahili. That is exactly what we have been doing since 2006. The Tuwapende Watoto Foundation is a children’s charity in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania that provides orphaned and abandoned children with a loving home and a high-quality education.

Currently, 31 children and young adults between the ages of 2 and 25 are growing up in our children’s home. They attend school right next door, at our school, The Tuwapende Watoto Nursery and Primary School, of which is attended by over 1,000 students from infant care to elementary school.

In early 2025, we were able to open our new secondary school. Currently, over 70 young people are enrolled in our secondary school. At least 15% of the students at our schools are on a full scholarship from the foundation. 

Additionally, to encourage and enable young people to learn a trade following their education, we opened a vocational school in 2016. Currently, over 250 students are completing a two-year vocational apprenticeship in 10 different trades within the dual education system. These trades range from tailoring and electronics to solar technology.

Our Impact Areas – For Resilient Children in Tanzania

In Tanzania, many families live in poverty. They often lack access to education, healthcare, and safe childcare. Tuwapende Watoto addresses this reality through five key areas of focus: from loving children’s homes and early childhood development to vocational training.

This is how we work together to create real opportunities, where they are needed most.

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Additional Information

Through our newsletter and blog, you can learn more about our ongoing projects, success stories from the children’s home and school, and the latest developments.

The documentary film below showcases the history and daily work of Tuwapende Watoto. The film offers a glimpse into the children’s home, the kindergarten, the primary and secondary schools, and the vocational training center.

Join our mission

Tuwapende Watoto is funded exclusively by private and institutional donations. Most of the administrative work is carried out by volunteers in Switzerland. All travel expenses for foundation members, ambassadors, and volunteers are covered privately, ensuring that almost 100% of  donations go directly to the children on the ground.

There are many ways to support our work, including as a donor, an on-site volunteer, or as a volunteer  in Switzerland.

News & Insights

Learn more about our current projects, success stories from the children’s home and the school, and the latest developments. Through our newsletter and blog, we’ll keep you updated on life and learning at our children’s home and schools.