CONNECTING UNDERPRIVILEGED COMMUNITIES TO THE OPPORTUNITIES THEY NEED TO GROW, LEAD, AND BUILD THEIR OWN FUTURE.
Elimu was built on the understanding that lasting change starts when people are given access to the right tools, resources, and trust.
About 19 years ago, we started this work not as an organization, but as a quiet response to real community challenges. Over time, with patience and resilience, that response became a movement — one rooted in showing up consistently, listening carefully, and acting with purpose.
Today, Elimu supports children, youth, and women through programs in education, training, and livelihoods — all designed to open doors that have long been closed.
Our vision is to see communities that are not just helped, but empowered — not just supported, but self-driven. We walk alongside, not ahead — because we know that when communities lead their own growth, the impact is real and lasting.
POTENTIAL LIVES IN EVERY VILLAGE, EVERY FAMILY, EVERY YOUNG MIND — IT JUST NEEDS A LIGHT TO FIND ITS WAY FORWARD.
How we work
We go into communities to listen and learn.
Every place we work is different — different challenges, different strengths, different ways of doing things.
We take time to understand what’s already working, what’s missing, and what matters most to the people living it.
Then we build solutions together — shaped by their voices, rooted in their reality, and made to last.
We build for the long run.
We focus on deep, lasting change that grows over time.
Our work looks at the root of each challenge, not just the surface. We design every initiative to respond to what communities need now — and what they’ll need in the future.
This approach creates impact that can be felt across generations — in classrooms, in families, and in the lives that continue to grow long after the work is done.
Meet Our Team
Juhudi founded Elimu Community Light with a mission to build opportunities for children, youth, and women. With a strong background in Early Childhood Development and nonprofit leadership, he leads Elimu’s strategy, partnerships, and programs with clarity and vision drawn from years of grassroots experience.
Francis co-founded Elimu and has over 20 years of experience in early childhood and youth programs. He leads community-level implementation, coaching teachers, supporting families, and ensuring that learning initiatives reach the children who need them most.
Aslam oversees all technology operations at Elimu, ensuring the organization’s digital systems run smoothly and support every part of its mission. From maintaining internal infrastructure to developing tools that streamline programs and communication, he leads the charge in making tech work for people — not the other way around. His role bridges day-to-day operations with long-term digital strategy, helping Elimu stay connected, efficient, and ready for growth.
Robert is a certified accountant with over 14 years of experience in nonprofit finance. He ensures that Elimu’s resources are managed with care, transparency, and accountability — allowing programs to grow sustainably and responsibly.
With over 24 years of experience in community development and civil society, Peter brings deep leadership and policy insight to Elimu. He currently serves as Chief Secretary at ANGONET, supporting 80+ organizations across Arusha. His presence on the board strengthens Elimu’s ties to government, policy, and partnerships that move development forward.
A specialist in finance and international business, Dr. Sirimba brings extensive experience from both corporate and nonprofit sectors. As CEO of AGP Consulting and Chair of multiple regional associations, he contributes financial insight and development strategy to strengthen Elimu’s impact and sustainability.
A long-time volunteer and now retired officer, Adeline has been part of Elimu’s journey since the early days. Her background in finance, administration, and outreach supports operational integrity and community engagement. She remains a cornerstone of Elimu’s values and vision.
Eunice is a seasoned educator and Special Needs expert with training across Tanzania, Europe, and North America. She leads Special Education efforts in Arusha City Council and brings a lifelong dedication to inclusive learning. On Elimu’s board, she supports education strategy, government collaboration, and resource alignment.
Boniface is a sociologist and community development expert with over two decades of experience. With a background in both government service and nonprofit leadership, he brings a sharp understanding of grassroots programs and resource mobilization that guides Elimu’s long-term growth.
Our Partners
We’ve had the privilege of working with organizations whose support, ideas, and trust helped shape our journey.
Cotswold Foundation
2017 - 2025
Firelight Foundation
2012 - 2021
Social Action Trust Fund
2015 - 2020
Flora Family Foundation
2016 - 2017
Touchstone Trust
2012 - 2013
Caucus For Children Rights
2012 - 2013
Kitchen Table Charities Trust
2006 - 2007
be one of us
IT TAKES ONE PERSON TO START A MOVEMENT. BUT IT TAKES ALL OF US TO CREATE CHANGE
we’re open to ideas, partnerships, resources, and hands-on collaboration that help move the work forward.