About Mtoto Stawi Foundation
A Tanzanian NGO committed to helping children thrive through community partnership, research, and evidence-based advocacy.
Helping Children Thrive
Mtoto Stawi is a registered Non-Governmental Organization based in Mwanza, Tanzania. It was established in November 2023 under the Non-Governmental Organizations Act, 2002 of Tanzania, with registration number 00NGO/R/5605.
Given multiple challenges underlying a child's capability to thrive, Mtoto Stawi aims to reach the most disadvantaged children — help them thrive and achieve their full potential at every stage of their lives. We are individuals who believe that every child is of equal worth and value, and has the right to achieve her/his full potential.
We believe that when children grow up healthy, educated and safe, the whole community wins. Thus, we support healthy child growth, nutrition, and development. Since healthy parents contribute to healthier households with better nutrition, improved child development, and higher household earnings, we also empower parents/caregivers in a sustainable way so that they can ensure their children have healthy growth, nutrition and develop well.
A society where all children have equitable opportunities to thrive
To improve child growth, nutrition, and development in Tanzania by empowering communities, strengthening caregiving environments, and promoting evidence-based policies that support children's well-being.
Our Values
These core values guide how we work, how we treat children, and how we partner with families and communities across Tanzania.
Care
We genuinely care about every child's wellbeing and future opportunities.
Love
Love for children drives every decision and every action we take.
Equality
Every child is of equal worth and deserves equal opportunity to thrive.
Respect
We respect children, families, communities, and every partner we work with.
Accountability
We hold ourselves fully accountable to those we serve and those who support us.
Transparency
We are open and honest about our work and our use of all resources.
Integrity
We act with integrity and uphold the highest ethical standards at all times.
Trust
We build lasting trust with every community and every child we serve.
Our History
Mtoto Stawi was founded out of a deep commitment to support children and young people whose lives, growth, and futures are at risk. The foundation was established by a Tanzanian social scientist and researcher with more than 15 years of experience advancing child growth, nutrition, and development across Tanzania. Through years of fieldwork and engagement with communities, it became clear that children's well-being is deeply shaped by the environments and socio-cultural contexts in which they grow up.
The name Mtoto Stawi is a call to every child to thrive. In Swahili, it carries the meaning of encouraging a child to flourish, much like saying, "Child, thrive!" This reflects the heart of our mission and our belief that every child deserves the opportunity to survive, thrive, and reach their full potential when provided with the right care, nutrition, protection, education, and supportive environment.
Our work is guided by a strong belief in the rights, dignity, and value of every child. We strive to reach children in need regardless of their background or faith, and we are committed to promoting their well-being, healthy development, safety, and future opportunities.
Today, Mtoto Stawi works across Tanzania Mainland, supporting children and communities through programs that respond to local realities and needs. We remain dedicated to creating environments where children can grow up healthy, well-nourished, educated, protected, and empowered to thrive.
