Our Mission: The Tanzania Teaching Foundation is dedicated to improving the lives of individuals, families, and communities in Tanzania through targeted education programs.

“… I became more confident. Even though we did not learn English before [in Primary School] … being able to say “my name is”, “I come from Lawangwe”… that’s what I liked.  That was confidence [to me].” – 2016 Pre-Form 1 English Student 

Our Story

In Tanzania, the transition from primary to secondary school is a turning point—but for many students, it’s also a roadblock. Secondary education is taught in English, yet primary school is in Swahili, leaving students unprepared and at risk of falling behind. Without support, many promising young minds struggle, and the cycle of limited opportunities continues.

In 2001, volunteer teacher Nancy Winters saw this challenge firsthand. Determined to create a solution, she developed a program that would give students the English skills they needed to thrive in secondary school. This idea became the Tanzania Teaching Foundation (TTF), and in 2009, the Pre-Form 1 English Program was launched—an intensive 50-day course combining language mastery with STEM education.

The results? Life-changing. Nearly 500 students have graduated from the program, many continuing to top universities and careers in medicine, engineering, and education. TTF also provides scholarships, school supplies, and solar lights to ensure students can study at night. Education shouldn’t be a privilege—it’s a right. Join us in empowering Tanzanian students with the tools they need to succeed. Together, we can break barriers and build brighter futures. Donate. Volunteer. Change a life.

“When people come to our nation, they like our environment but to us that are living here we [take it for granted]. Mama Nancy and Mama Jani taught  us the beauty of our nation and the importance of preserving the environment…” -2016 Pre-Form 1 English Student  

Volunteer Experiences

Over the years, TTF has hosted dedicated volunteers from university students to professionals. We welcome volunteers with diverse backgrounds and skill sets. Each volunteer has played a vital role in shaping the future of our students.

Hear from past volunteers:

• “I formed meaningful connections with the teachers and students. The experience broadened my perspective on education and community.” – Ivy Metz
• “Now, …correcting their 2-page stories about sustainable farming is a bit overwhelming.  I’m quite certain that if I took a 10-week class in a foreign language, I could not write as well as they now write.” – Suzanne Winters
• “I have given so much of myself to these students.  And they have given so much of themselves to me.  I will think of them and remember them forever.” – Johna Brems

How to Get Involved

Are you ready to make a difference? Join us in our mission to empower students and teachers in Tanzania! Whether for a short-term visit or a long-term commitment, your time and skills are invaluable.

To learn more about volunteering opportunities, please contact us at tanzaniateachingfoundation@gmail.com or complete an interest form.

Together, we can create a brighter future through education!

“…[TTF Pre-Form 1 English students are] more capability,  they think positively …they are more inquisitive, they ask questions and argue…” – Manow Lutheran Junior Seminary Teacher

Annual Event

“… in the first year, [the community] saw the kids who went through the Pre-Form 1 English Course, they [the pupils] are doing very well in their classes in different schools. Then more and more parents wanted to bring their kids.” – TTF International Coordinator

Donation Tiers

• $60 supplies essential school materials (notebooks, pencils & pens, and solar lights) for one student
• $160 provides lunches for 40 students for one week
• $450 supports one student to attend the 10-week Pre-Form 1 English program

You can also Adopt-A-Scholar providing tuition for one of the top Pre-Form 1 English graduates to attend Manow Lutheran Junior Seminary, a private boarding school  for $700/year for four years.