Luwai Foundation Newsletter June 2025
End 2024, the Luwai Foundation Intern. VZW was officially registered in Belgium. In April 2025, the Luwai Foundation Tanzania also received official recognition from the Tanzanian government. We are proud to announce that the LUWAI Foundation is now fully operational. Over the past months, we have laid a solid foundation for impactful work. A dedicated task force of experts has been formed to support the daily management and ensure professional follow-up of all our projects. Together, we have defined clear goals for the coming years. Our focus remains on empowering rural communities through sustainable development, quality education, and the economic independence of women and young entrepreneurs. With your support, we are ready to build a stronger, more resilient future—starting now. Stay connected, get involved, and be part of the journey.
In the heart of rural Tanzania, when a woman thrives, a whole village grows
In the heart of rural Tanzania, when a woman thrives, a whole village grows. Across the Tanzanian countryside, women rise before the sun. They fetch water, tend to the fields, care for children, and prepare meals over open fires. Their hands build families and communities, yet their voices are often missing from the conversations that shape their futures. Early marriages, poverty, and single motherhood weigh heavily—but hope lives in every small act of strength. Because when a woman earns her own income, everything changes. She gains independence. She gains respect. And with her voice finally heard, she becomes a force for change, not just for herself, but for her family, her village, and the generations to come. In the village of Sinai, the Luwai Foundation challenged the local women to think about their future together. Under the shade of an mdaa tree, the MDAA Women’s Group was born – a group of women who decided to stop waiting for change to happen and to initiate it themselves. MDAA’s mission: to promote cooperation, mobilize resources and grow the community through entrepreneurship. Thanks to an interest-free loan from the Luwai Foundation, they were able to start a full catering service: with tents, chairs, kitchen equipment and a sound system. The proceeds go to the women themselves and to people. in need within their community. Today, MDAA Group offers its services throughout the entire region – and their confidence grows with every order. Would you like to help strengthen this power even further? With your support, new initiatives can be set up and a sustainable future for the women of Sinai and the Miririni village can be built.
The Luwai Foundation Internationale VZW
LUWAI FOUNDATION Last year, the Luwai Foundation Internationale VZW was officially registered in Belgium. In April, the Tanzanian branch of the Luwai Foundation will also receive official recognition from the Tanzanian government. With the support of funds raised by the Belgian organization, the Tanzanian Foundation is committed to the further development of the rural community of Miririni Village (including Sinai and 3 other sub-streets). We also provide support to the Patmos Island School in Arusha and help local small businesses and artists. The LUWAI FOUNDATION logo draws inspiration from the Luwai tree, a tree of life in the Meru culture. It symbolizes resilience, vitality, and the deep connection between people and nature. At its heart, the logo features a tree with two intertwined trunks, representing the partnership between the foundation and the communities we support. Though distinct, these trunks grow stronger together, embodying cooperation, mutual respect, and shared purpose. The green leaves form a vibrant crown, symbolizing growth, renewal, and the diverse individuals and initiatives that flourish through this collaboration. Like branches of the same tree, we are rooted in local knowledge and uplifted by collective effort.
Luwai Sinai Project
After starting Luwai Tanzania Safaris in mid-2023, we launched our International NPO , Luwai Sinai Project, early 2024. We adopted the home village of my Tanzanian business partner, Silas Nassary, The village of Sinai is set in a beautiful hilly landscape, next to Arusha National Park. The inhabitants are mostly hardworking farmers who own a few cows, some goats and chickens and work their small fields from dawn to dusk. Our first project was the renovation of the local primary school. The school was in a deplorable state: unfinished walls, broken floors, windows without glass and a poor sanitary system. To my dismay, I even discovered a classroom that had only a floor, with no roof or walls. The school furniture dates from my time at primary school, totally worn out after all these years and intensive use. And there is, as in the entire village, no running water and electricity. LUWAI SINAI PROJECT International non-profit organsistion Antwerpen, Belgium – Arusha, Tanzania Company number 1017826641 IBAN BE15 4151 1434 5130 – BIC KREDBEBBXXX Today, the school underwent a complete transformation. The renovated classrooms and refreshed teachers’ areas make for a more pleasant learning and working environment. The new kitchen and modern sanitary block are a big step forward, both in terms of functionality and hygiene. All this enhances the pride among students and teachers alike Building the seventh classroom is the final step to complete the infrastructure. For this, we need €15,000. Hopefully, we can count on your support again. The students, teachers and residents of Sinai wish you a healthy and happy 2025. Jean-Pierre Deschepper, Founder & President Luwai Sinai Project
