Project 1: Many women in the Arusha and Kilimanjaro region are in a vulnerable position. Within the African culture positions of men and women are far from equal, men are allowed to have several wives and almost always these wives are dependent on the men for their livelihood. These women have not learned how to be financially independent which leads to big problems when the man decides to leave. To help these women there is the possible to lend money by Village Community Banks (VICOBA). These VICOBA’s are groups of 25-30 members of whom approximately 90% are women. These VICOBA’s give out loans meant to improve the health and social welfare of these women but they are mostly meant to help these women with starting a small businesses to generate an income.

These VICOBA’s are a great initiative and could potentially really help these women but these micro loans are not accompanied by financial advice or supervision. This results in women getting loans without a proper strategy for a small business which would enable them to pay the loans back again. Then these women, already in a vulnerable position, end up with debt which keeps on increasing. With proper financial advice these situations could be relatively easily avoided.

That’s where the project comes in. The project empowers these women to achieve financial independence by providing practical financial advice on how to use VICOBA loans effectively. Through this guidance, they learn to establish and sustain successful small businesses, turning their skills and talents into a sustainable income. This equips them with the tools to shape their own future and attain lasting financial self-reliance.

The goals of the project:
For the women, the goal is to achieve financial independence by building sustainable livelihoods through small businesses. For the interns, the goal is to translate their academic financial knowledge into practical strategies for microloans and small businesses in the African culture.

The internship

You will go into the field together with your supervisor and projectfounder. She has a big network ofwomen in need of financial advice alongside a bulk of knowledge about VICOBA loans and starting businesses. Together with her you will go into the field to learn about the skills and talents of these women to help them use those to start a business. This could be working as a hairdresser, selling vegetables at the market, working as a tailor etc. You will guide these women during the whole process, from getting the loans to starting the small business to make sure the loans will be paid back in full. Along the way, they will equip the women with essential tools:

how to use VICOBA loans responsibly

how to budget effectively

how to sustain their business in the long-term

assignment: Since each case may require a different approach. You will research how abovementioned goals for the women could best be translated into practical steps for different kinds of situations.
After spending time in Arusha and familiarizing yourself with African culture and the small business market, interns will be asked to develop creative and innovative business ideas that address unmet needs or potential demand in the local market. This business plan will be the end product for the internship.

Project 2: A girls' empowerment initiative designed to help young girls embrace self-love, build self-confidence, and protect their futures through education and informed life decisions. The program focuses on preventing teenage pregnancies, reducing school dropouts, and equipping girls with the knowledge and tools they need to pursue their dreams.

The project aims to create a safe and supportive environment where girls can learn to value themselves, understand their rights, make informed decisions, and focus on achieving their academic and life goals. We believe that when girls are empowered with knowledge, confidence, and support, they become powerful agents of change in their families and communities.

What the project offers:

- Mentorship and life skills sessions led by volunteers, local role models, and trained facilitators

- Reproductive health education to prevent teenage pregnancies and early marriages

- Academic support, including tutoring, goal setting, and motivational talks

- Leadership training to help girls build confidence and speak up for themselves and others -Community outreach and awareness campaigns to engage parents and local leaders

Volunteers in this program play a vital role by mentoring, facilitating discussions, designing workshops, and sharing their skills and experiences. Whether you're passionate about gender equality, education, health, or youth development, your presence will make a lasting impact. Together, we help girls dream big, stay in school, and build a brighter future—starting with self-love.

Project 3: community-based project dedicated to improving the lives of children through education, care, and social support. The word “Watoto” means children in Swahili, reflecting the initiative’s strong focus on nurturing and empowering young lives. This initiative aims to create a safe, supportive, and inspiring environment where children can grow, learn, and reach their full potential.

Objectives of the Initiative

-To promote children’s well-being, health, and safety

-To empower vulnerable children through mentorship and guidance

-To encourage community involvement in child development Key Activities

-Assisting in local schools and organizing learning sessions

-Supporting children with homework and basic education

-Organizing games, sports, and creative activities

-Providing meals and essential supplies when possible

-Conducting community outreach and child support programs Impact

Through the initiative many children gain confidence, improve academically, and experience a sense of belonging and care. The project also strengthens the connection between volunteers, families, and the community, creating a positive and lasting impact.