Our Work in Action
Over Two Decades of Work. One Long-Term Vision.
For more than 20 years, Friends for African Development has worked alongside Maasai communities and local leaders to bring practical, lasting change through water, education, faith, opportunity and food security.
51 Villages
Our ultimate goal is reliable clean water access for every village in Longido District.
At Least Half
Local leadership reports that at least half of Longido’s villages now have a clean-water source.
36,000+ People
Water projects FAD has helped support have already reached tens of thousands of people and hundreds of thousands of livestock.
School Desks for Maasai Students
When we first visited the school, we were surprised and saddened to see children sitting on the floor as they tried to learn. We had helped provide the school building, but no one had told us that desks and chairs were still desperately needed.
Since then, FAD has provided 287 desks — enough seating for up to 861 students. One desk seats three students and costs $50.
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Water That Changes Communities
Water is at the heart of life in Longido. FAD has helped fund seven major pipeline projects that brought clean mountain spring water into rural communities and the lowlands, while other villages rely on boreholes, rainwater collection dams and river systems.
More than 36,000 people benefit from water projects FAD has helped support in Eng’aboli, Intaleta, Lerangwa, Olmolog, Engarenaibor Primary School, Losiaiti and Karao/Elang’ata-engopito. The impact also reaches hundreds of thousands of livestock — a vital part of Maasai livelihoods. Our long-term goal is to help close the remaining gap so all 51 villages in Longido District have reliable access to clean water.
Ingutot Building Project
With the support of our donors, FAD helped fund a building for the Ingutot Maasai community that serves as a classroom during the week and a church gathering place on weekends. One building now supports education, ministry and community life throughout the week.
Nine Preschools. 780 Children Each Year.
FAD supporters have helped sustain teachers and learning at nine preschools in remote Maasai communities across Longido. Early childhood education creates opportunity at the very beginning of a child’s life, and many of these schools have grown toward greater financial self-sufficiency.
FAD-funded preschools serve 780 each year in these areas: Ingutot/Kale, Mbarangati, Laararoi, Entirima, Lodung’oro, Loondolwo, Ewas namanaa, Ngailupa, Engusero
Churches & Community
FAD has partnered with churches and local leaders throughout Longido to create places for worship, gathering, teaching and community life. Together, these partnerships have helped support seven church buildings and ministry efforts reaching more than 15,000 people.
Kilimanjaro: Climbing for Water
FAD climbers have used Mount Kilimanjaro to raise awareness and support for clean water in Tanzania. That tradition continues in Summer 2027 with another opportunity to climb for a cause and connect the challenge of the mountain with the life-changing impact of water.
MELOC Academy: Education & Care
Our partners in Tanzania, Steven and Agnes Kiruswa, helped establish MELOC Academy to serve children who need greater access to education and support. The school now educates, feeds and supports more than 180 students each year, from nursery school through fifth grade.
Faith & Discipleship
For more than two decades, FAD has supported ministry and discipleship gatherings in Longido, including women’s conferences and gatherings for local and regional church leaders. These events strengthen relationships, encourage local leadership and bring together participants from Tanzania and nearby Kenya.
Ndung’eta Well
In this very remote part of the Longido District, your support helped us dig a water well that now briggs water to a very large area. FAD’s donations helped provide infrastructure for the water tank, a generator to pump it, and piping to distribute.
Micro Business Support
FAD has been thrilled to provide grants to micro business endeavors in under-resourced communities throughout Tanzania. Funded projects include new inventions, a restaurant, sustainable gardens, and livestock projects.
Food Security & Livestock Support
Food shortages and livestock challenges can develop quickly in northern Tanzania, even when there is no current drought. FAD responds when needs arise, including providing grain as recently as last year. Over time, your support has helped us deliver more than 20 tons of food to communities facing urgent need, including a contribution matched by the Tanzanian Ministry of Agriculture.
