About us

We are a team of passionate people

Our story

Jifundishe (pronounced “JEE foon DEE shay”) is the Swahili word meaning “teach yourself.” We are a grass roots organization, registered in Tanzania, that creates meaningful and collaborative change in rural Tanzanian communities through education and opportunity.

Jifundishe was founded in 2004 when local students, teachers and villagers – together with foreign volunteers – identified the potential value that could come from a library in this village. Here, educational opportunities are often inaccessible due to financial, geographic, and resource constraints. The founding members of Jifundishe recognized that education not only greatly improves a general quality of life – but also that literacy and schooling are important common denominators in addressing disease prevention, birth rates, access to income, and community health. In November of 2005 Jifundishe opened the doors to the Imbaseni Free Library, a small, two room library providing books and gazettes and specialized programs such as eye clinics, malaria prevention workshops, children’s reading programs, dental clinics, and writing workshops.

It was a success! The Jifundishe team set their sights on constructing the new, expanded Jifundishe Free Library, located just a short distance from the original site. The JFL is now home to over 4,000 books, including all school curriculum texts, educational programs such as community wellness events, film nights and traditional art gatherings, and is also home to several craft co-operatives, a micro-lending program, as well as the solar-powered Sudler Computer lab! The Jifundishe Free Library has been endorsed by many citizens and officials as the most unique and effective library in Tanzania.

Providing opportunities for self-directed learning is the foundation of our work.

We believe in partnering for change

Our team

Jifundishe places a strong focus on cultural relevance and programmatic sustainability. Jifundishe maintains a stringent and transparent budgetary process that utilizes donations, participation, and resources effectively and honestly. Utilizing a dynamic and diverse team of staff and visitors, Jifundishe has developed a model of enrichment for both the members of the community we serve and the lives of our volunteers. Teaching is at the foundation of these programs, and our visitors bring a wealth of skill and knowledge which transfers into life-changing educational opportunities for our program participants. Jifundishe’s programs are developed and overseen by our inter-disciplinary and diverse Executive Committee, as well as our Tanzanian staff and project managers.

Executive Committee

Sam Obae Executive Director — **Sam Obae**
Executive Director

Robert Mafie Chairperson — **Robert Mafie**
Chairperson

Sudi Muli Vice Chairperson — **Sudi Muli**
Vice Chairperson

Abdallah Mgonjah Co-Secretary — **Abdallah Mgonjah**
Co-Secretary

Debra Kelly Treasurer — **Debra Kelly**
Treasurer

Hawa Kipilili Co-Secretary — **Hawa Kipilili**
Co-Secretary

**Christina Sudler**
Fundraising Liaison

Tanzanian Staff