August 2025
As a long-term donor and Treasurer of Kamitei, I have the privilege of connecting with people who want to make a difference — and I get to see firsthand how Kamitei’s work impacts both the communities we serve and the generous souls who support us. I’m often asked why donors choose to support Kamitei – what makes the difference?
What convinces people is how Kamitei plays a pivotal role in something so much larger than itself. Donors appreciate that we’re rooted locally and are driven by local collaboration and results, not good intentions from outside. We provide the impetus and connections from within, with the communities playing a key role in driving structural positive change. And many donors value our focus on rural Tanzania, where it’s even harder for children to access education opportunities than in the towns and cities.
Our holistic approach towards improving education in rural Tanzania appeals to our donors as well. For us, the educational space has multiple interconnected parts. Our primary school support program provides a significantly better learning environment for many, while our scholarships provide a boost to students with the academic potential to reach the heights needed for higher education.
In recent years, Kamitei has been able to scale up its activities as it partnered with community-led conservation organisations in Tanzania, focusing on community-owned protected wilderness areas. These rural areas are typically even more remote and have even more challenges than the rural areas closer to town, yet education makes as much of a difference there in creating better livelihoods and sustainable communities. Being able to make such a positive difference in these pristine wilderness areas is another aspect of Kamitei’s holistic approach that resonates greatly with our donors.
Another point that impresses donors is how Kamitei achieves significant impact with a small budget. Our low general and administrative costs mean their donations go straight to work in the communities and schools. Since 2002, Kamitei’s established model has undergone continuous refinement, delivering measurable outcomes that are transforming lives. More importantly, our approach is scalable — all that’s missing is funding to reach further.
Kamitei’s Tanzanite Circle: A Multiplier for Good
Since launching the Tanzanite Circle last April, I’ve seen how our most loyal and generous donors are drawn to its powerful concept: that their stable funding for Kamitei’s core operations unlocks larger institutional and family office support. It creates a multiplier effect. The excitement is growing — especially since last month, when we welcomed our first US donor to the Circle, thanks to Amanda Smith, who has managed to convey her inspiration from our trip together to visit Kamitei schools in Tanzania last March. And we expect many more US friends to follow.
The Feedback I Hear Most Often
There’s a wonderful energy that comes through in donor feedback. Many say they want to do this together as a group, rather than as individuals. They love the idea of gathering, sharing experiences, and spreading enthusiasm. We felt that spirit strongly at the Summer Event of Alternatives 4 Children last week — reconnecting with one of our most loyal donors, meeting new supporters, and seeing fresh ideas bloom.
And there’s a shared understanding of how important it is to amplify Kamitei’s work on social media — LinkedIn is key for our US and European supporters, while Instagram engages younger generations and our friends in Tanzania. (A personal milestone: I recently left my comfort zone to post my first-ever update on social media to help people follow Kamitei’s journey.)
As a fundraiser, what I cherish most is seeing how Kamitei doesn’t just change lives in Tanzania — it transforms the hearts of those who give. Donations don’t just help one student or a school — they help protect a whole community ecosystem. And in doing so, they give back to the donor too: with purpose, joy, and a sense of connection to something greater.
So, to all of you who walk this path with us: thank you. Let’s keep building and dreaming — together.
