Our History

We are sometimes asked why we have chosen to work in Tanzania, a country that is literally half way around the world!

"Isn't there enough need locally to keep you busy?" is the most common question.

"Wouldn't it be easier to work somewhere that is less expensive to get to?" is another.

The answer to both the questions is YES. Both are valid. However, there IS a reason we chose Tanzania.

Before Tanzania Partners was formed, St. Andrew's Lutheran Church in Ames began a partnership with a church in Hedaru. Five members of St. Andrew's visited Hedaru in January of 2006 to meet our new companions, and there were two more visits in September of 2006 and September of 2007. Sheri visited again in February 2008 to set in motion Phase 2 of the water project.

We quickly realized that with the many local connections we have made in Tanzania, we could tackle larger humanitarian problems in the Kilimanjaro region. To focus on these humanitarian issues, we formed Tanzania Partners, an independent 501(c)3 nonprofit organization in Iowa, in early 2008.

As Tanzania Partners takes shape, we hope to broaden our community support, enlist participation of larger sponsors, and expand our humanitarian efforts in to make a real difference in the lives of thousands of Tanzanians.