Kamitei FOUNDATION STRATEGIC PLAN 2024 - 2026 2 Who we are The Kamitei Foundation, established in 2002, is dedicated to creating better education opportunities for children in rural Tanzania. Named after the late Mrs. Maria ‘Kamitei’ Motika who championed education despite not having received it herself. Kamitei operates with a pragmatic, results-oriented ethos, treating supported rural communities and individuals as partners and co-investors in the mission to improve education. The foundation is committed to running outcome-driven educational programs that empower communities to sustainably invest in their children’s education and build up their agency and resilience. With a twenty-year track record, Kamitei not only provides primary schools with teacher training, book supplies, and nutritious meals for students, but we also provide a large number of students with scholarships that follow them to higher education. Through our efforts, our foundation aims to break the cycle of poverty in rural communities in Tanzania through better basic education for the next generation. 3 Index Who we are 03 Mission statement 05 Our vision 05 Current context 06 What we do 07 Our values 08 Academic achievements 11 Strengths 15 Opportunities 17 Challenges & threats 20 Kamitei theory of change 22 Kamitei goals 2024-2026 23 Organizational growth 24 Strengthening our board 25 Funding our growth 26 4 Mission statement Empowering Minds & Transforming Lives Kamitei Foundation is committed to elevating the educational landscape in rural communities in Tanzania. Our mission is to instill lasting positive change, fostering a culture where education becomes the cornerstone of progress for generations to come. Our vision Quality Primary Education in Rural Tanzania Youth in rural Tanzania have access to quality primary education as well as opportunities for advanced education and vocational training, enabling them to create a prosperous future for themselves and their families. 5 C urren t c o n t ext In the context of primary education in Tanzania, the landscape is marked by commendable efforts to expand access to education, particularly focusing on achieving universal primary education. The government’s initiatives have significantly increased enrollment, especially in rural areas; however, challenges persist, primarily concerning the quality of education. These issues encompass a shortage of qualified teachers, inadequate teaching materials, and disparities in educational quality between urban and rural regions. The bilingual education system, where Kiswahili is the language of instruction in lower primary grades transitioning to English in upper primary, presents challenges for some students. Moreover, infrastructure and facilities in rural schools require substantial improvement, ranging from classroom conditions to sanitation and access to clean water. Gender disparities and inclusivity issues continue to be addressed, with NGOs and international organizations collaborating with the government to overcome obstacles such as early marriages and teenage pregnancies that impact girls’ enrollment and retention. The primary education landscape in Tanzania is dynamic, with various stakeholders working tirelessly to enhance both access and quality while addressing prevailing challenges. 6