Tuko pamoja
A Tanzanian saying that applies to many situations in life – means: »We stick together« or »We are connected to one another«
News
Gain insights into our daily life in Tanzania – with reports from the children's village, news from the farm and stories that show what your help achieves.
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Projects
Whether it's the children's village, foster families or a the farm: Our projects give children protection, education and prospects – sustainably and with heart.
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About us
Get to know the people behind the project – in the association in Germany and in the team on the ground. Find out what motivates us and how we work together.
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Support
Donations, sponsorships, voluntary service or honorary work – discover how you can get involved and change children's lives.
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Around the world, children are the first victims when families are hit by poverty or when tragedies break family structures apart. The reasons for hardship are varied, but the consequences are similar: hardship jeopardizes futures and deprives children of opportunities for safety, health, and a good education.
Ursula Lettgen. founded the children’s village in 2008, deeply moved by the devastating spread of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. At the time, the Iringa region was among the hardest-hit areas in Tanzania (with 11.3% of the population affected), and it was often mothers and fathers who died first from the disease. Along with the loss of loved ones, families also lost their income. Grandparents and neighbors were overwhelmed by the responsibility of caring for orphans, while government agencies were unprepared and state-run support systems were almost nonexistent.
Today many families around Mbigili face different challenges—high unemployment and a lack of opportunities—but children and youth still fall into the cycle of poverty. Too many children become orphans, trapped in a difficult reality with little hope for a better future.
Every child welcomed into the children’s village comes with a solemn promise: to take responsibility for the young person’s entire life journey. This requires patience, long-term commitment, and strong partnerships—so that children grow into young adults who can build self-determined lives, equipped with vocational training and the skills to thrive.
Tuko Pamoja - We are connected to one another.
A better future – together, it’s possible
Every child at the Mbigili Children’s Village has access to education – from kindergarten through vocational training to university. By actively participating in agriculture, crafts, and other community projects, the children learn responsibility and discover their own strengths. In this way, they grow into confident young adults who are capable of shaping their own futures.
When children grow up in safety, attend school, and feel loved, new possibilities emerge. With your support, the Mbigili Children’s Village is nurturing a new generation – strong, educated, and self-assured. Together, we are building a brighter future.
Amani Orphans Home Mbigili
The children’s village is the heart of our work in Tanzania. The children’s village family consists of around 80 children who grow up in a safe and nurturing environment.
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Home Based Care (HBC)
The HBC Program supports over 100 children right where they are—within their own families and communities—helping to improve their living conditions in a sustainable way.
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Farm and agriculture
The farm is more than just land – it’s a foundation for self-reliance. Growing food, raising livestock, and keeping bees not only provide fresh, nutritious meals but also teach children and families valuable skills for life. It’s a sustainable step toward lasting independence.
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Building a life of independence
eEconomic projects generate income, provide educational materials, and strengthen the village’s self-reliance — turning innovation into lasting impact.
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Who we are and what we stand for
At our association, Kinderdorf Mbigili Tansania e.V., everything revolves around the 80 children and young people whose lives have become our mission. Today, this support extends to over 70 additional children and their families in the surrounding communities, who are being helped through our Home-Based Care (HBC) program. For the past 16 years, we have been making a meaningful and reliable difference in the lives of children and families facing hardship—offering care, stability, and hope where state support is lacking or insufficient. Today, the Mbigili Children’s Village stands as a solid anchor in a region where help is scarce.
We believe in sustainable support, education, and lasting relationships—built on trust, commitment, and the strength of community. And we believe in people like you, who stand with us every step of the way.
We walk alongside the children - will you walk with us?
Want to be part of it?
Everyone helps in their own way. Some give money. Others give their time. Some give their heart. What unites us all? The shared belief that no child should have to face hardship alone. Whether through financial support, hands-on help, personal commitment, or a visit to the village – your contribution makes a real difference.
Your support matters – no matter how you give. Choose the way that feels right for you: A heartfelt donation, a long-term sponsorship, a life-changing visit to Mbigili, or volunteering on the ground. Together, we’re building a future for children affected by AIDS in Tanzania.
Donation
Help with a one-time or regular donation – every euro counts. Your contribution goes directly toward education, food, care, and support for the children.
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Sponsorship
By sponsoring a child, you become a vital part of the Mbigili Children’s Village. Your support helps ensure that children and young people grow up in a safe, loving environment, with access to education, healthcare, and the care they need to thrive.
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Volunteering in Tanzania
Immerse yourself in daily life, grow through meaningful experiences, and make a real, hands-on difference. You’ll live and work alongside the children and team, supporting education, care, and community projects – learning as much as you give.
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Charity work in Germany
Support our work – through public relations, fundraising, or association activities. Whether you help raise awareness, organize events, build partnerships, or strengthen our network – your involvement makes a lasting impact.
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Life in Mbigili moves forward – every day
Here, we share powerful stories, milestones from the children’s village, voices from our team, and special moments that remind us why we do what we do.
Our work thrives on transparency and human connection. Step behind the scenes, meet the people whose lives you’re helping shape, and see the real impact of your support.
Through stories from the present and reflections from the past, you can follow our journey, feel the heartbeat of the village, and truly be part of it. From on-the-ground reports from Tanzania to insights into our work in Germany, these stories show what’s possible when hearts and hands come together.