Registered Tanzanian NGO · Reg. No. 00NGO/R/4414

Refuge for the Despaired

We build the capacity of disadvantaged children, youth and women across Tanzania Mainland — so every young person can define their own future through their own efforts and the resources around them.

Our Objectives Contact Us
Our Vision

“Decent livelihood for all.”

Refuge for the Despaired community

Our Mission

Why We Exist

To build the capacity of disadvantaged children and youth so that their future is defined and their livelihood improved.

Refuge for the Despaired is a non-governmental organization registered in Tanzania and operating in Tanzania Mainland. We were founded by five individuals concerned about the social and economic challenges facing disadvantaged children and youth.

We believe capacity building is the most sustainable path — helping young people define their own future through their own efforts and the resources around them. That conviction shapes everything we do, including our work alongside Godbless Pre & Primary School.

Our Objectives

What We Set Out To Do

Four commitments that guide every project and partnership we undertake.

1

Advocate

Advocate for the challenges facing disadvantaged youth, children and women.

2

Build Skills

Build the skills of disadvantaged children and youth so they can create jobs and earn incomes.

3

Raise Awareness

Raise public awareness of the need to join hands so disadvantaged children and youth can meet their needs through their own efforts.

4

Run A School

Establish and run a school for nurturing socially excluded youth and children.

Our Story

Five Founders, One Conviction

Five founders came together out of concern for disadvantaged children and youth facing social and economic challenges. They believed — and we still believe — that capacity building helps young people define their own future using their own efforts and the resources around them.

That shared conviction became the foundation of Refuge for the Despaired: a home for practical, community-rooted support that empowers rather than depends.

5

Founders

4

Objectives

2023

Registered

10

Years Validity
Registration

00NGO/R/4414

Under the NGOs Act No. 24 of 2002
Issued

24 February 2023

Valid for 10 years
Valid Until

23 February 2033

Governance

Transparency & Accountability

How we are governed, how funds are managed, and who we answer to.

Structure & Meetings

  • The General Meeting is the supreme organ of the organization.
  • The Board of Directors oversees strategy, rules and appointment of the auditor.
  • Office bearers are the Director, Executive Secretary and Treasurer.
  • The Annual General Meeting is held once a year; the financial year runs January to December.

Finances

  • Funds come from membership fees, fundraising, gifts, grants, donations and income-generating activities.
  • Funds are used solely for the organization’s objectives.
  • Bank transactions require signatures from all three office bearers.
  • On dissolution, remaining assets transfer to a similar registered NGO.

Membership

Membership is open to anyone aged 18 or over who supports the vision. There are three types of members:

Founder

Those who made the initiative to establish the organization.

Ordinary

Those who join after the organization was established.

Honorary

Awarded for positive contributions to the community and our objectives.

Leadership

The People Behind The Mission

Our office bearers and board.

GK
Getrude Benito Kasanga

Managing Director / Founder

Board Secretary. B.A. in Sociology; manager at Godbless Pre & Primary School.

HC
Hangi Matekeleza Chang’a

Executive Secretary / Founder

Legal practitioner with a background as a Principal State Attorney.

MB
Melina Sidi Balama

Treasurer / Founder

Certificate in Early Childhood Education; matron at Godbless Pre & Primary School.

AL
Antony Lyakulwa

Board Chairman

Chairs the Board of Directors.

Board Members

Board of Directors

Ntimi Charles · Atwitye Matagi · Nebbo Kambanyuma Sanga · Thobias Robert Ona

Get In Touch

Reach Refuge for the Despaired

Whether you would like to support our work, partner with us, or learn more about our objectives, we would love to hear from you.

Head Office

Kizinga Street, Kivule Ward,
Ilala District, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
P.O. Box 12726

Area of Operation

Tanzania Mainland

Registration Details

Organization

Refuge for the Despaired

Registration No.

00NGO/R/4414

NGOs Act No. 24 of 2002
Issued

24 February 2023

Valid Until

23 February 2033

Logo Godbless Academy

Refuge for the Despaired is a registered Tanzanian NGO building the capacity of disadvantaged children, youth and women. Shaping the next generation of leaders, innovators, and responsible global citizens.

Get In Touch

Head Office

Kizinga Street, Kivule Ward,
Ilala District, Dar es Salaam
P.O. Box 12726

Email

godbless.academy23@gmail.com

admin@godblessacademy.ac.tz

Phone

+255 782 808 787

+255 754 958 996

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