Welcome to EdPowerment
While visitors challenge themselves on Mt. Kilimanjaro, many who live under its gaze face a very different kind of climb every day. Individuals born into poverty beneath the majestic mountain struggle to access education that can take them from meager subsistence to economic security - the ability to cover essential needs of food, shelter, hygiene, clothing and health care.
Mission
Anchored in Moshi, Tanzania, EdPowerment provides transformative educational support and programs that help otherwise discarded individuals to advance in the educational system, workplace and society in order to achieve secure, fulfilling lives.
Why EdPowerment
EdPowerment is a powerful way for those who have benefitted from a quality education to share these benefits with the least fortunate. Our U.S. Board has worked on the ground in Tanzania for over 15 years through multiple visits each year and extended stays. Because of this commitment, motivated young people, once deprived of educational access, are now professionals and skilled workers throughout Tanzania and in their own communities.
Our Work Today
EDPOWERMENT BUSINESS INCUBATION CENTER
In late 2023, EdPowerment’s Tanzanian team proposed that we begin a local center to serve young people who would not be pursuing higher-education. This is the vast majority of local students. In most cases, these young adults are left with no path, direction and future after completing secondary school. The Center would house an apprentice program in specific skills -supported by instruction in business basics - to enable self-reliance and a better quality of life within their own environment.
In 2024 the EdPowerment Business Incubation Center welcomed its first apprentices to three programs: Carpentry, Cookery, and Wings For Confident Women (WCW). 2025 marks the launch of a 4th critical program: Computer and ICT Training. Virtually unavailable in this rural and minimally resourced District, this program will open countless possibilities to all community members. Learn more.
WINGS FOR CONFIDENT WOMEN (WCW)
WCW is a tailoring program that produces reusable (washable) menstrual pads. The lack of sanitary napkins to use during their periods is a main deterrent of school attendance and social participation for girls and women in areas such as Siha. Families generally can not pay for monthly needs. Rags and other random materials (even including dried cow dung) are used, and girls are left to fear leaking and other embarrassing situations - consequently they stay home.
In 2024, 761 students in 4 schools took part in Menstrual and Reproductive Health Management Education, 611 receiving initial supplies of reusable pads that will last over a year. Over 4,700 pads, made by our Center apprentices, were distributed to students and school matrons.
HIGHER-EDUCATION SPONSORSHIPS:
Originally called "Tomorrow's Student- Leader Sponsorships," this long-term sponsorship program has been the capstone of EdPowerment's transformative work. All-inclusive support - financial, emotional, medical, personal, practical and life skill - has provided each member of our "family" the best chance at achieving a secure and fulfilling life. Today over 40 young adults are making their mark in the Tanzanian workforce - college and university graduates. We continue our mentorship today. Learn more.
MALNUTRITION PREVENTION PROGRAM:
EdPowerment has formalized its food relief intervention begun in 2022. Coordinating with local educational and social service authorities, we now feed students and families where extreme hunger exists in the villages we serve . Learn more.
WOMEN'S SMALL BUSINESS INITIATIVE:
In the SIHA district outside of Moshi, we provide seed money and mentor the UWAMA women's group, as they develop a business of liquid and bar soap. Fighting cultural limitations, these brave women have come together to earn money that will enable a more stable life for their children. Learn more.
Impact
A personalized, holistic approach, coupled with deliberate financial management, underpin our work. We strive to build relationships and culturally-aware processes that can best yield successful outcomes. Since 2010 EdPowerment has partnered with local organizations, non-profits and secondary schools to enable the life-changing benefits of education.
Higher-Education Sponsorships (Ongoing)
As of 2025, we have completed over 70 sponsorships, of which over 40 students graduated from colleges, universities or professional degree programs. Active sponsorships continue at the university, college and secondary school levels. See Impact Data
Kilimahewa Educational Center (KIWOCE Open School)
From 2010 - 2021, we funded this learning oasis of low-cost, high quality secondary equivalency programs, skills courses, and other motivational programs and resources for hundreds of underserved students. See Support and Impact Data
Connects Autism Tanzania
From 2010 – 2020, our guidance, support and funding opened doors for societal acceptance and educational inclusion of those with autism and other cognitive disabilities. See Support and Impact Data
Endorsements & Funding
The programs EdPowerment supports have received key support from the following:
