Rafikiya Education

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Who We Are

  • About us

Our Story

Rafiki ya Education was born from a simple truth: every child deserves the chance to learn, to dream and to build a better future. Our founder witnessed the overwhelming challenges children in Tanzania face during a visit. They saw a school with over 500 children and only a limited number of desks, forcing hundreds to sit on the floor. With only three teachers rotating between classrooms, the students struggled to learn. This experience was heartbreaking, but it ignited a vision: that with desks, books, meals and support for teachers, education could become a doorway to opportunity. That’s why we’re here—to bridge that gap and walk alongside schools, teachers and communities as their “rafiki,” which means “friend” in Swahili.

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  • Mission & Vision

Our Mission & Vision

  • Our mission

To provide what’s most needed to schools in Tanzania, including desks, support for the teachers, books, supplies, food, kitchen equipment and essentials to transform education for children

  • Our vission

Our Vision: To create a movement of friends, near and far, who are dedicated to giving children in Tanzania the education they deserve and empowering communities to create a lasting change.

Our Core Values

Compassion

We are a movement of friends collaborating with schools to meet their needs and provide valuable resources.

Empowerment

We believe in empowering students through education to thrive to build a better future.

Sustainability

We make sure that every dollar spent creates a lasting change by setting up local partnerships and retaining funds within the community.

Integrity

We take an oath of transparency and conscious resource management so that you can trust that your contribution is making a difference.

  • Our Team

Meet Our Wonderful Team

Elizabeth Schmidt founded Rafiki ya Education after a life-changing visit to schools in Tanzania, where she witnessed firsthand the immense challenges faced by students and teachers. With a background in computer science and years of leadership experience, Elizabeth brings vision, strategy, and unwavering dedication to the organization’s mission. She is passionate about building bridges between communities and driving sustainable, compassionate change through education.

TEAM

Elizabeth Schmidt founded Rafiki ya Education after a life-changing visit to schools in Tanzania, where she witnessed firsthand the immense challenges faced by students and teachers. With a background in computer science and years of leadership experience, Elizabeth brings vision, strategy, and unwavering dedication to the organization’s mission. She is passionate about building bridges between communities and driving sustainable, compassionate change through education. - Elizabeth Schimdt
Elizabeth Schmidt founded Rafiki ya Education after a life-changing visit to schools in Tanzania, where she witnessed firsthand the immense challenges faced by students and teachers. With a background in computer science and years of leadership experience, Elizabeth brings vision, strategy, and unwavering dedication to the organization’s mission. She is passionate about building bridges between communities and driving sustainable, compassionate change through education.

- Elizabeth Schimdt

Based in Atlanta, Georgia, Triveni Balaji combines her professional background in accounting with a deep passion for community service. As Treasurer, she provides critical financial oversight to ensure Rafiki ya Education’s resources are used effectively and responsibly. A dedicated mother, Triveni is committed to helping children access the tools they need to succeed and believes in the power of education to transform lives. - Triveni Balaji
Based in Atlanta, Georgia, Triveni Balaji combines her professional background in accounting with a deep passion for community service. As Treasurer, she provides critical financial oversight to ensure Rafiki ya Education’s resources are used effectively and responsibly. A dedicated mother, Triveni is committed to helping children access the tools they need to succeed and believes in the power of education to transform lives.

- Triveni Balaji

Dr. Heather Kholif brings over 20 years of experience in education, having served as both a teacher and school leader in Title I schools in the U.S. and international schools abroad. Holding advanced degrees in Educational Leadership and Educational Equity and Cultural Diversity, she has led numerous initiatives aimed at increasing access to quality education. Dr. Kholif is deeply committed to equity and inclusion and is excited to help expand Rafiki ya Education’s impact in Tanzania and beyond. - Dr. Heather Kholif (Director at Large)
Dr. Heather Kholif brings over 20 years of experience in education, having served as both a teacher and school leader in Title I schools in the U.S. and international schools abroad. Holding advanced degrees in Educational Leadership and Educational Equity and Cultural Diversity, she has led numerous initiatives aimed at increasing access to quality education. Dr. Kholif is deeply committed to equity and inclusion and is excited to help expand Rafiki ya Education’s impact in Tanzania and beyond.

- Dr. Heather Kholif (Director at Large)

After a fulfilling 40-year career as a special education teacher, Heather Carson continues to be drawn to her lifelong passion helping children learn and grow. A mother of three and grandmother of four, Heather taught for 35 years in Las Vegas before continuing her educational journey in Montana, Wyoming, and now Colorado, where she enjoys substituting. Her 2024 visit to Tanzania reaffirmed her commitment to creating joyful, supportive learning environments for all children. Outside the classroom, she loves concerts, festivals, and the creative arts. - Heather Carson (Secretary)
After a fulfilling 40-year career as a special education teacher, Heather Carson continues to be drawn to her lifelong passion helping children learn and grow. A mother of three and grandmother of four, Heather taught for 35 years in Las Vegas before continuing her educational journey in Montana, Wyoming, and now Colorado, where she enjoys substituting. Her 2024 visit to Tanzania reaffirmed her commitment to creating joyful, supportive learning environments for all children. Outside the classroom, she loves concerts, festivals, and the creative arts.

- Heather Carson (Secretary)

Located in Arusha, Tanzania, Jackson Mshana plays a pivotal role in Rafiki ya Education’s on-the-ground operations. He serves as a key liaison with local schools, builders, and suppliers, ensuring that desks, seeds, and essential materials reach the children who need them most. With deep community connections and firsthand knowledge of local challenges, Jackson is instrumental in turning vision into action across Tanzanian communities. - Jackson Mshana (Director at Large)
Located in Arusha, Tanzania, Jackson Mshana plays a pivotal role in Rafiki ya Education’s on-the-ground operations. He serves as a key liaison with local schools, builders, and suppliers, ensuring that desks, seeds, and essential materials reach the children who need them most. With deep community connections and firsthand knowledge of local challenges, Jackson is instrumental in turning vision into action across Tanzanian communities.

- Jackson Mshana (Director at Large)

  • Why Tanzania?

Why Choose Tanzania?

Our journey began with a simple visit to schools in Tanzania, where the need for basic educational resources was overwhelming. We chose to start our work here because with just a little support, we could transform education for hundreds of students. Our partnerships in and around Arusha and the surrounding tribal areas ensure we are addressing the most urgent needs of the children we serve.