our story
I founded Let Them Shine, as a UK-registered charity, in 2005. Having climbed Kilimanjaro I fell in love with the people and culture of Tanzania. A chance meeting with Mr Mashoya Natai lead to a friendship that has lasted over 20 years. As the village elder he asked for my help in realising his dream to fund and build a children's centre Lukani village. Mr Natai remains in charge to this day.
Our mission is to provide a safe and nurturing environment for pre-school children, where they can receive quality education, healthcare, and nutritious meals. Support continues through primary and secondary schools. We believe that every child deserves the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their background.
I have brought together a talented group of dedicated trustees, with a variety of skills, to help run the charity. We cover all operating expenses, so that every penny raised goes directly to supporting the children at Let Them Shine.
Education: The Key to a Brighter Future
We believe education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty. That's why we offer:
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High-Quality Pre-School Education: We equip children with the foundation they need to thrive in primary school.
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Primary and Secondary Schools Scholarship Program: We support children's education beyond pre-school by covering the costs of attending the local primary and secondary schools, a burden many families cannot afford.
A Grassroots Approach with Lasting Impact
Let Them Shine operates with a strong focus on efficiency and community impact. We are a non-denominational charity and we ensure that every penny donated goes directly to supporting the children and the Lukani community.
our impact
Let Them Shine: Making a Measurable Difference
Since opening our doors at the Centre in 2016, Let Them Shine has transformed the lives of countless children in Tanzania. Here's a glimpse of our impact:
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A Safe and Nurturing Haven: We provide a loving support for more than 50 boys and girls, ensuring they have a safe and secure environment to live, learn, and grow.
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Education Empowers: Our two qualified teachers introduce the children to basic English, equipping them with a foundation for future success in school.
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Holistic Care: A dedicated "matron" oversees the children's daily needs. Mr. Mashoya Natai, a retired headmaster and close friend, provides invaluable guidance and leadership.
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Building a Brighter Future: Our support extends beyond pre-school. We currently support over 30 children who have transitioned to primary school, demonstrating our commitment to their long-term well-being.
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Community Collaboration: A committee comprised of representatives from surrounding villages ensures the children most in need benefit from our programs.
Let Them Shine is a testament to the power of collective action. Together, we're giving these children the tools and opportunities they need to thrive.
Our Focused Curriculum
At Let Them Shine, we believe in fostering a love of learning in every child. Our dedicated teachers provide a nurturing and stimulating environment where children can learn and grow at their own pace.
We have a divided curriculum with three class levels:
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Baby Class (Ages 3-4): Our youngest learners focus on foundational skills like recognising and writing numbers 1-10, identifying vowels and alphabets, and exploring the world around them through play and exploration.
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Middle Class (Ages 4-5): Building on the foundation of Baby Class, children in Middle Class learn to write and recognise numbers 1-50, write and read syllables, and read and write simple words in both English and Kiswahili.
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Pre-Unity Class (Ages 5-6): As children prepare to transition to primary school (Standard One), Pre-Unity Class focuses on more advanced skills like writing and recognising numbers 1-100 in both written form (Kiswahili and English) and word form. They also learn basic addition and subtraction, read and write sentences, and explore topics beyond the standard curriculum to stimulate curiosity and a love of learning.
Our individualised approach ensures that each child receives the support and challenges they need to thrive.