Lighting the Way Tanzania is a legally registered 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization, fully compliant with all the rules and regulations set forth by the United States Federal government. 

We are all volunteers and always have been. Other than the costs of operating this website, stamps, envelopes, and other small incidentals, your money will go from your hands to the school for the annual fees and expenses.

Yes. We have a relationship with both schools, in person as well as online. There are three principle volunteers to administer the program. One of us will be in Tanzania every year to make sure all fees are paid, the students are set, and all is well. 

The yearly fees cover tuition, boarding, books, and uniforms. The boys' secondary school expects the family to purchase mattresses, sheets, towels,  shoes, and school supplies. The girls' fees are higher because SEGA focuses on vulnerable girls and they provide almost everything the girls need.

This program requires a major financial commitment. Therefore, we are looking for permanent sponsors who will pay for their child at least through secondary school. That being said, we do not turn away any offers of help. If someone wants to make a one-time donation, we have a general fund for immediate needs (see below). We will work with you according to your needs.

If a sponsor suffers a financial reversal, or dies, we use the general fund to pay the student’s fees until another sponsor can be found. And although parents do have some financial responsibility for their child, albeit small, sometimes they cannot or will not pay. 

Not a problem, you can contribute to the general fund, or gather a group of friends to share the responsibility.

Yes you can, but we have just a few kids, so if you want a girl and we have no girls, you may receive a boy.

Yes, you can. Even though online communication is not possible, you can write to them, and they to you. We will provide you with an address.

Yes, but please only small things that can fit into an envelope that will fit into a PO Box. Retrieving mail can be difficult in Tanzania. Large packages are taxed at the Tanzania destination, so we encourage sending only content that can fit in an envelope.

As in other countries, the ability to make a living is directly related to skill level. In Africa, almost any good career requires some knowledge of English. Our objective is to put our kids through secondary school, and after that, to help with placement in either university or other specialized training, according to their interests and abilities.