To Our Supporters,

At 22 years old, I never imagined that I would have my own non-profit organization. But, like they say, “surprise is the greatest gift life can grant us”. When I first ventured to Tanzania, fresh out of high school, I thought I was gifting myself a different perspective on life before furthering my education. But here we are; four years, a college degree, and a second life half-way around the world later.

After only a few short weeks in Tanzania, it became clear that the relationships I was forming at the Chakuwama Orphanage would last a lifetime. In the years that have followed, I have had the privilege to remain in close contact with the children and staff that call Chakuwama home. Throughout this time, I have led multiple renovation projects and activities. Following my graduation from Boston University in May 2022, I have returned to Tanzania for the 4th time to tackle my largest project to date: the construction of Chakuwama “Mpya”. Following a short hiatus to work on a tulip farm in the Netherlands (I know - I can’t believe it either) I will be returning to Tanzania to (hopefully) oversee the completion of our current project.

As the lease of Chakuwama is coming to an end, Chakuwama will need to relocate soon. The current location is not large enough to adequately support the needs of the 65 children that currently live there. In the coming year, we will build a new Chakuwama community that will best support the current children and countless others to come in the future. The need for this space has become dire following the large fire that occurred on March 17th.

I would like to take a moment to express my most sincere gratitude to everyone that has supported me thus far in my endeavors, as well as those who will support me in the future. With every project we embark on, I promise to instill the qualities of Laughter, Optimism, Virtue, and Energy.

Lots of L.O.V.E.,

Tess