In Tanzania, Tanga City, three EMIT students—Lwitiko Malabeja, Catherine Pascal Lyapa, and Allen Meena—are showing what leadership in action truly looks like. Their story is one of courage, service, and a deep commitment to shaping a better future for their community.
Earlier this year, the trio joined fellow EMIT students in leading city-wide sanitation campaigns. From the bustling Deep Sea Market to the Fish Market and the Kasera Beaches along the Indian Ocean, they rallied residents of all faiths and ages to restore cleanliness and beauty to shared spaces. These efforts not only improved public health but also united the community under the banner of collective responsibility.
But for Lwitiko, Catherine, and Allen, cleaning the streets was just the beginning. They could not ignore the plight of children in Kange Uarabuni Ward, where the absence of a local preschool forces children as young as five to travel more than 10 kilometers daily to attend school. For many, this journey means danger on the roads, financial burdens for parents, and lost opportunities for education.
Together, the three leaders have spearheaded the Kange Uarabuni Preschool Construction Project—a bold initiative to build three classrooms and a teacher’s office. Their vision is to create a safe, nurturing learning environment where children can flourish close to home. With a detailed plan and clear budget, their dream is ready to take shape.
“This project is about more than classrooms,” Catherine explains. “It is about protecting children and giving them the chance to learn without fear.” Lwitiko adds, “We believe education is the foundation of community transformation.” And Allen reminds us, “When we invest in children, we invest in the future of Tanga.”
Now, they are inviting others to join them. Whether through financial contributions, building materials, or simply spreading the word, every gift helps turn blueprints into reality.
These rising classrooms tell a story of faith in action, visionary leadership, and change that will last for generations. Partner with Lwitiko, Catherine, and Allen. Let’s build more than structures—let’s build hope and unlock brighter futures for the children of Tanga City.
Service is the rent we pay for being. It is the very purpose of life, and not something you do in your spare time. -Marian Wright Edelman
This story first appeared in the EMIT Newsletter, Fourth Quarter 2025.
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