EMPOWERING vulnerable communities through education, healthcare, and economic development is the primary goal of a collaboration between US-based charitable organizations implementing community development programmes in Tanzania.

The partnership seeks to help communities address pressing social challenges while improving livelihoods, expanding access to education, and strengthening health and social protection services.

Speaking in an exclusive interview in Moshi, the founder and director of Save the Children US, Cathy Robinson Pickett, said the collaboration focuses on equipping communities with knowledge and resources to respond effectively to issues such as HIV/AIDS, reproductive health, domestic violence, bullying, and sexual orientation through education and open dialogue.

She said the initiative also creates safe spaces where people can openly discuss social challenges while inspiring young people to improve their own lives and contribute positively to their communities.

“In Tanzania—and in many countries shaped by British colonial systems—students must meet strict requirements just to be allowed in school, including school uniforms, closed-toe leather shoes, and basic supplies such as pencils, pens, and textbooks,” Pickett said.

She explained that for many families struggling to meet basic needs, the cost of school uniforms and shoes can prevent children from accessing education, making seemingly simple items critical to a child's future.

Pickett said that, as a Florida native and daughter of a Methodist minister and college professor, her Southern upbringing inspired her lifelong commitment to public service, which has included a career in higher education, public speaking, and nonprofit leadership.

She said the organizations work together in Tanzania to support girls' education, assist families affected by HIV/AIDS, improve nutrition and healthcare, and implement community development programmes.

According to her, 100 percent of donations are directed to community programmes, while volunteers cover their own travel expenses, ensuring donor funds benefit local communities.

The coordinator of the Tanzania projects, Peace Mugele, said the partnership is implementing a range of initiatives aimed at supporting vulnerable groups, including orphans, Maasai women, and low-income earners such as porters working on Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru.

She said the programmes also provide school uniforms, shoes, learning materials, reusable sanitary pads, and vocational training through tailoring schools that equip women and young people with skills for sustainable income generation.

“Our tailoring school teaches students sewing and tailoring skills, helping them build income and independence. We provide sewing machines, fabric, thread, classroom tools, and ongoing support so they have everything they need to succeed and keep the programme running effectively,” Mugele said.