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Reimagining the orphanage as a model of care.

Kujali International's founding project was in partnership with a local nonprofit in Tanzania. Together, we redesigned an orphanage into a self-sustaining boarding school.

Kujali's origin story.

In 2005, while an undergraduate student at the University of Florida, Sydney Schaef boarded an East Africa-bound plane with a guitar and suitcase in hand, en route to the University of Dar-es-Salaam for a term of study. While in Tanzania, she met a visionary entrepreneur dedicated to social change, and a group of 30 kids who loved to sing.
"That experience changed the course of my life." Sydney returned to the U.S. inspired by Mr. Mwalugaja's vision for transforming orphanages into sustainable boarding schools that helped equip disadvantaged youth with the skills, resources, and opportunities to forge their own bright futures. She founded Kujali and started sharing the vision with everyone she knew.

Two years later, Kujali International and Hananasif Orphanage Center co-founded the first free boarding school for orphaned and disadvantaged youth in Mkuranga, Tanzania. Over an eight year period–through local fundraising, music album production and sales, horticulture programs, solar kiosks, adventure travel, and more–the school became financially sustainable and 100% locally operated. HOCET Secondary School remains an active, registered school in Tanzania today.

Stories from the archive.

Explore the archive that captures the story of Kujali's first major initiative from 2006-2013, working alongside young people and local leaders in Tanzania to reimagine the orphanage institution and create a more human-centered, impactful model of care.

A Look Back On 2013: A Year of Renewal

December 24, 2013
A letter from Executive Director, Sydney Schaef Dear Friends of Kujali, This year, alongside new milestones and memories, we celebrate renewal: the time and opportunity to discover again our purpose…
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Kujali International Media - Image of Suma, a school administrator, checking out a large wooden cabinet that she is considering to purchase for the school.

A visit to Don Bosco

December 3, 2013
A reflection from field team member, Abdulrahim Chotta, after his visit to Don Bosco – a well-known local vocational training program that provides affordable courses & certifications, as well as job…
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Kujali “New School” Program to Launch

October 1, 2013
We’re excited to announce that applications will open this month for Kujali’s pilot “New School” Program in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania!  Kujali “New School” is all about a new approach to educating…
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Kujali International designs, studies, and promotes learning innovations that radically improve educational opportunities for underserved youth.
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