Mission

Empowering Life Through Sustainable Clean Water

We believe the key to sustainable change is a holistic approach to improving the quality of life, which begins with clean water. We partner with village leaders to develop and execute a successful plan to provide water to that village. We then work with a local civil engineer to create the best approach.

Village volunteers collaborate to dig miles of trenches from the water source to the pump house and water distribution points located around the village. The process takes roughly 12 months, and an average project requires $275,000 - $300,000 for full funding.

Clean water leads to improved health, a reduction in water-borne illnesses, and safer, cleaner food sources for families throughout the village. Through our Empowerment Program, communities establish and document a new set of Human Rights standards that emphasize gender equity, accountability for non-compliance, and the replacement of harmful outdated traditions that negatively impact women and girls. The program also provides WASH hygiene education, Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) education, and the distribution of reusable MHM kits to support the long-term health, dignity, and well-being of women and girls.

Tanzania Life Project (USA) is based in Wayzata, Minnesota and partners with Tanzania Life Project (T) which is based in Ipagala, Tanzania near the capital city of Dodoma (see above).

TLP (USA) is run by a Leadership Team comprised of the Board of Directors Officers. The biography of each Board member is listed here: Board of Directors – TLP (USA).

TLP (T) is run by Executive Director, Ben Mlula who is supported by Burhani Mustapha and Agnes Mlula. Their biographies are listed below under Field Staff. TLP (T) also has a local Board of Directors to support them in their work. The biography of each Board member is listed here: Board of Directors TLP (T).

In September of each year, a team of people from the USA travels to Tanzania for face-to-face meetings and discussions with the TLP (T) NGO staff and also to visit/monitor the progress in the villages. This is a valuable trip to ensure coordination and alignment between the organizations to achieve our mutual goals.

Media

Small Business, Big Heart, Real Impact

Peter (15) and Everett (13), great-grandsons of TLP co-founders Jim and Katie Vanderheyden, started a 3-D printing business (1-2-3D Custom Creations) to make fun and useful items. But what makes their story truly special is their decision to donate a portion of their sales to Tanzania Life Project, showing that making a difference doesn’t require age, wealth, or perfection—only the willingness to start.

Give Drink to the Thirsty Providing Hope and Health

While Tanzania Life Project is not a religious organization, people of many faiths are moved to help those in need of clean water. This article ties our work to an act of mercy, "to give drink to the thirsty," in the Catholic faith.

Teacher at School in Ikombolinga

Having clean water available for students and teachers at the schools in the villages is vitally important to support their ability to learn and grow.

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Keep up with the latest news about why we are working so hard to bring clean water to Tanzania, the progress TLP is making, and the thousands of lives that are changing for the better once sustainable clean water sources are installed directly within each village.

Your partnership and financial support make this possible, and that is how together we are making the world a better place!