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Founders
Our Story: From Vision to Impact
Aid Tanzania began as a dream shared between two people united by purpose. In December 2007, Wantay and Tina Irmakesen founded this registered 501(c)(3) organization, driven by Wantay's deep connection to his homeland—he is Maasai from Tanzania's stunning Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
A Journey Home
In late 2010, the Irmakesen family made a life-changing decision. They packed their bags, moved with their young daughter to Karatu, Tanzania, where they would spend the next nine transformative years. This wasn't just a relocation from the US—it was a homecoming with purpose. Together, they established Kiretono Resource Organization, a local NGO that would become the heartbeat of their mission. With Aid Tanzania's support, Kiretono blossomed into a force for change.
Empowering Women
They built a successful beading enterprise program that gave local women the tools and training to build sustainable incomes.
Nurturing Young Minds
Nurturing Young Minds
An after-school tutoring and residential program opened its doors for girls to pursue their educational dreams. Once the girls grew beyond Kiretono's residential program, Aid Tanzania committed financial support to see those who qualified, through post secondeary education.
Caring for Community Health
Hundreds of Ngorongoro residents received free vision and dental screenings, bringing vital healthcare and referrals directly to those who needed it most.
Improving Daily Life
Kiretono distributed hundreds of locally made ceramic pot filters and efficient, low-smoke wood-burning stoves sourced in the US by Aid Tanzania, making everyday tasks healthier and easier for pastoralist families.
Full Circle
Today, Aid Tanzania's story has come beautifully full circle. The organization now proudly partners with the very women they once trained—purchasing their handcrafted goods and selling them in the US. Every sale creates a ripple effect of hope: the proceeds sponsor girls' secondary and post-secondary education, ensuring the next generation can reach even greater heights. What started as one family's vision has grown into a thriving network of empowered communities, educated girls, and sustainable change.
Full Circle
Today, Aid Tanzania's story has come beautifully full circle. The organization now proudly partners with the very women they once trained—purchasing their handcrafted goods and selling them in the US. Every sale creates a ripple effect of hope: the proceeds sponsor girls' secondary and post-secondary education, ensuring the next generation can reach even greater heights. What started as one family's vision has grown into a thriving network of empowered communities, educated girls, and sustainable change.