Hello from the CLF Team!

As 2024 unfolds, we want to share our progress at CLF. Your support has been invaluable, and we sincerely appreciate it! Here are some key highlights from this year:

Investing in our students

Last year, we supported 12 students with 19.8 million TSH (approx $7,400), bringing our total to 18 students since 2022! Three of our students have graduated and moved on to employment and internships—an exciting new phase in their lives. As CLF grows, we realize that helping students transition into jobs is an area we want to try to support, as opportunities can be hard to find. Are you a business in Tanzania open to interns? Let us know!

2024 fundraisers:

Trek for Education, Nepal:

It was an incredible adventure! On January 2nd, 2025, 11 climbers took on the challenge and reached Annapurna Base Camp (ABC), raising an impressive $7,800 for CLF students. A huge thank you to our climbers and their sponsors for making this happen. The crew is already planning the next trip… rumors say it’s Mt. Kenya next! Contact us if you’d like to join the next CLF hike; you won’t want to miss it.

“We all made it to the ABC. Emphasis on the we. This was truly a group adventure. Amazing people gathered from different parts of the world to do a beautiful thing together - and for a good cause. Being one of the hardest trecks so far thanks to falling sick up in the mountain (flu and fever), I could not have asked for a better crew to do it with. Breathtaking scenery, laughter, everyone taking turns in telling stories to pass the endless amount of stairs and exhaustion more easily. My most fond memory of the hike being people telling me over and over ”I can’t believe how everyone can be this nice”. My forever love for the mountains persists. So grateful to combine that love for doing something good in the world through CLF.” - Leena Suojanen

CLF’s Annual Bollywood Night:

What a night! Thanks to our amazing community, we raised 9 million TSH (approx $3,400). A massive shoutout to our generous prize donors, including Serengeti Balloon Safaris, Tumbili Lodge, Entara, Sopa Lodge, Karibu Camps & Lodges, BeadWorks Kenya, Milimani Lodge, Magnolia Spa, Kwik Printers, and more! Thank you to everyone who joined us in Arusha to support our new students.

"Being part of CLF has been truly rewarding. I enjoy being part of the organizing committee for our dinner nights—it’s always fun, and it gives us a chance to celebrate our achievements together. In my role, I focus on accounting and finance, using my expertise in tax, accounting, and administration to help keep CLF running smoothly." - Lina Mamkwe (CLF Trustee)

A Big Thank You to Our Donors:

Whether you’ve attended our events, participated in our fundraising trips, donated through our website, or given in person, your generosity encourages us and helps us move forward with our mission! We now have two monthly donors, a huge step towards building regular giving and ensuring long-term growth. 

Join us - become a monthly donor.

Highlights from our students:

• Ashura Riziki (pictured left) has completed her 2-year Diploma in Refrigeration & Air Conditioning and began an internship with Sheetal Registration Services Ltd in Arusha on February 25th. We are so proud of her bravery in stepping into the field—she is the business's first female intern! Shyam, the director at Sheetal Registration Services, was surprised and inspired to see a young woman pursuing this field and was happy to take her in. He is optimistic about her future. After this opportunity, Ashura will return to college for an advanced course, which will expand her job opportunities with more technical skills. Ashura comes from Rukoma, Kigoma, and studies at Kigoma VETA School.

• Tracie Samwel Mhina, 20, joined CLF in early 2024, and is a first-year law student at the Catholic University of Mbeya. Tracie shares, "Since I was young, my dream was to become an advocate, if not a soldier. Studying law is my real dream, and I am so grateful for this opportunity."

• Glory Staely Solla is a new CLF student from Arusha and is studying Tour Operations at the Arusha Institute of Hospitality Management. She says, "I want to learn about customer service, and how to offer helpful advice, and assist travellers visiting our country."

• Dainesi Stephen Sheune, 21, is a new CLF student from Ol Donyo Sambu in Ngorongoro District, Arusha Region. In September 2024, she enrolled at Tengeru Institute of Community Development (TICD), where she is in Level 4, studying Gender & Community Development. She shares, "I chose this course because I want to educate my community about gender equality and fight against violence—sexual, physical, emotional, and economic. In my pastoral community, women and girls face oppression through culture and traditions. I want to change that."

• Balkisi Athumani Issa, 18, is a new CLF student from Nduruma, Arusha, studying at Nduruma Secondary School. We support her by covering food fees and daily essentials such as sanitary towels, toothpaste, school bags, and shoes.

• Elisha Wilbard Eliphayo, 18, is a new CLF student from Nduruma, Arusha, studying at Handeni Secondary School. We provide for his food and daily essentials.

• Upendo Hosea, 21, is a new CLF student in Form 3 at Nduruma Secondary School. We supports her with food and daily essentials such as school and sports shoes. Upendo is an orphan being raised by relatives.

• Rophin Righa (pictured center and right) started as a waiter, making $50–$80 a month. Seeing his potential, CLF took him on as a student. Recently, Roshni had the chance to visit him at the Coast Institute of Technology, where he’s taking courses on culinary arts and hotel management. She first met him when he worked long hours at a restaurant, full of potential but lacking opportunity. Now, he’s studying and building a future for himself. He shared this heartfelt message: “I don’t even know where to start because words aren’t enough to express how grateful I am. You’ve been more than a sister to me—you’ve been my biggest blessing. Paying my school fees is not just about money; it’s about the sacrifices, love, and belief you have in me. Thank you for giving me a chance at a better future. I promise to work hard and make you proud.” ❤️

Moments like these remind us why we do what we do!

Our new website!

Another exciting milestone—we launched our new website in September 2024! 🎉 This is a big step forward in our growth as an organization. The website includes our vision, why we do what we do, what guides us, info about our students, and ways to give. We are so excited about growing as a foundation and are incredibly grateful for the support we’ve received from the Arusha community and beyond.

Thank you for being part of the CLF family—we couldn’t do this without you! As we look ahead to 2025, we’re excited for what’s to come. Stay connected by signing up for our newsletter!

With gratitude,
Purnima and the CLF Team

All donations to CLF go directly toward supporting our students' education and living expenses. Thank you for your support!

How Does CLF Select Students for Sponsorship?

Most students come to CLF through referrals or by directly contacting Roshni, Chandu’s daughter and talented photographer. As she travels across Tanzania, Roshni connects with students and their families, gaining insight into their needs. The CLF team then carefully evaluates each student based on financial necessity, academic performance, personal drive, and family support. This ensures that our sponsorships go to those with the greatest potential to succeed.