Tanzania

Tanzania Early Childhood Development Network

Better Way Foundation has supported early childhood development in Tanzania since 2009. 35% of our annual grants budget is dedicated to supporting this work. Our approach in Tanzania is guided by our firm belief that local communities know how to develop and lead their own transformations. In order to maximize our local impact and sustain deep relationships, we concentrate our efforts on the shores of Lake Victoria in the Mwanza and Kagera regions.

We have long-standing relationships with our partners in Tanzania – most have been with us since the beginning. When it is safe to do so, we visit three to four times a year to discuss progress, support capacity needs, help solve emerging problems, and ensure that we remain connected to the efforts and our partners. This allows us to be educated and engaged ambassadors for their work. When not in Tanzania, we rely on technology to remain in regular contact.

Our partners work collaboratively with public sector institutions and government to develop and implement sustainable, long-term programs that deliver lasting change. They are well-connected among national early childhood organizations, advocates, researchers, and policymakers. Since 2018, we have supported a process to strengthen the Tanzania Early Childhood Development Network (TECDEN), a nationally recognized civil society voice on early childhood matters. Our Mwanza-based partners are among the leaders of TECDEN and we support their efforts to share local experiences and ideas with national policymakers.