How it began…
The idea for a community center in Arusha was born many years ago, but as fate would have it, there was never enough time to implement it. Until the Covid-19 pandemic came into play and also turned our world upside down. We realized that the need for community-based and sustainable support for underprivileged groups would be greater than ever – and we finally brought L.I.F.E. to life! The Local Initiative for Family and Education was a project under the umbrella of another NGO until 2024 and has been an independently registered NGO in Tanzania since August 2024. L.I.F.E. is the sister NGO of the volunteer organization STEP Africa and is closely linked to it. All members of L.I.F.E. are also members of STEP Africa. The work for L.I.F.E. is 100% unpaid for all persons in leading/administrative functions.
The idea of the Community Center led to many developments, including the decision to focus on childcare facilities for children under the age of three, as there is an immense need for this in Tanzania. In addition to building the L.I.F.E. Community Center on our own property, this is how Tiny Steps Daycare came into being. We look forward to taking you with us on our journey!
The People behind L.I.F.E.
Upendo Lema & Juma A. Ebwa
Chairwoman & Secretary of L.I.F.E.
Magdalena Krainz & Jessica Unterreiner
Chairpersons of our Austrian Partner Organization Mabawa Tanzania
Anna & Sophia Schmid
Chairpersons of our German Partner Organization Kupanda e.V.
Kira Uher
L.I.F.E. Program Coordinator & Contact Person for Sponsors and Supporters
10 Facts about L.I.F.E.
1. L.I.F.E. stands for Local Initiative for Family and Education and is aiming at empowering families and communities in and around the city of Arusha in Northern Tanzania.
2. The idea for this organization is at least ten years old but was finally put into action during the Covid-19 Pandemic, recognizing the need for community based and sustainable support.
3. L.I.F.E. previously ran under the umbrella of Gily’s Children Foundation but is an independent registered NGO since August 2024.
4. L.I.F.E. is the sister organization to the volunteer organization STEP Africa and was founded with the aim of supporting the local community more directly and efficiently.
5. The chairperson of the NGO is Upendo Lema and the secretary is Juma A. Ebwa. Kira Uher is the external adviser and program coordinator. The NGO in total consists of 5 members who are all locals to Arusha.
6. L.I.F.E. currently has two ongoing projects – the LIFE Community Center and the Tiny Steps Daycare.
7. The LIFE Community Center is currently under construction on a piece of land that we acquired in 2021 in Terrat, Arusha. Once finished the Center will host a youth program, women programs, career and job counseling, special needs support as well as a daycare for children under the age of 3.
8. The Tiny Steps Daycare was opened in August 2024 alongside the official NGO registration and serves vulnerable families in Lemara, Arusha. The Daycare helps the parents to seek employment by offering their youngest a safe space to stay during the day.
9. The current STEP Africa Community Program is set to move under the umbrella of L.I.F.E. as well. The community outreach carries out educational work in schools, hospitals and women’s groups in rural northern Tanzania.
10. L.I.F.E. has two European partner charities – Mabawa Tanzania (Austria) and Kupanda e.V. (Germany) – whose support we are eternally grateful for.
Learn more
- About our Projects
- How to support us
- How to get in touch with us
