Empowering Tanzania Through Education Since 1990
The national umbrella organization for all 55 Folk Development Colleges across Tanzania, promoting lifelong learning for sustainable development.
Our Story
Karibu Tanzania Organization was established in 1990 through the Tanzania-Sweden cooperation linking Folk Development Colleges in Tanzania with Swedish Folk High Schools. What began as a cross-cultural educational partnership has grown into the national umbrella organization for all 55 Folk Development Colleges across mainland Tanzania.
Registered as an NGO in October 2016 (NGO/0008795), KTO is politically and religiously independent. A Visionary Board of elected and appointed professionals governs the organization, with a dedicated secretariat in Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar managing day-to-day operations.
Today, KTO operates three interconnected programs: Elimu Haina Mwisho (Skills Development Program for Young Women), Mpira Fursa (Tanzania Football Program), and Expanded Access to Early Childhood Development training. Together, they form a cycle-breaking ecosystem reaching 21,000+ learners across 24 regions.
What Drives Us
To help create well-informed, socio-economically empowered, active citizens in a just and sustainable Tanzanian society.
To contribute to the socio-economic advancement of Tanzanian society through folk and adult education at the Folk Development Colleges as a way to encourage progressive communities, citizen engagement, democratic practices, gender equality, and sustainable development.
Key Milestones
From a Swedish cooperation programme in 1975 to the national umbrella for Tanzania's 55 Folk Development Colleges: a five-decade arc of shared investment in people.
- The Origin
Folk Development Colleges established in Tanzania
- KTO Founded
KTO founded through Tanzania-Sweden cooperation
- NGO Registered
Formally registered as NGO (NGO/0008795)
- First Pilot
Elimu Haina Mwisho pilot launched in 3 FDCs
- National Scale
Elimu Haina Mwisho scaled to all 54 FDCs nationwide
- Recognition
Government formally recognizes Elimu Haina Mwisho; Zanzibar expansion
- Accreditation
NACTVET accredits the ECD curriculum; three alternative learning centers join in Zanzibar
Expansion to Zanzibar
In 2024, KTO formally expanded to Zanzibar through a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training, establishing the FDC model in the Isles for the first time. KTO now collaborates with three Alternative Learning and Adult Education Centers: Forodhani and Rahaleo in Unguja and Wingwi in Pemba, and supported the founding of a women's football team in Kizimkazi in 2025.
How Change Happens
Government provides institutions and staff. KTO provides innovation and programs. Together: transformation.
Infrastructure
55 FDCs across 24 regions
Programs
Elimu Haina Mwisho + Mpira Fursa + ECD
Skills & Education
Vocational secondary education with 15 different trades
Employment
44% self-employed, 11% employed
Transformation
Communities breaking cycles
Folk Development Colleges
Tanzania's 55 Folk Development Colleges are unique institutions, rooted in the Swedish Folk High School tradition and adapted for Tanzanian communities. Only 5 countries in the world have this model.
Vocational Training Centres
Hands-on skills training in tailoring, electrical work, plumbing, metalwork, automotive mechanics, ICT, agriculture, and more.
Adult Education Institutions
Continuing education and lifelong learning, from literacy and civic education to secondary studies and entrepreneurship.
Community Development Hubs
Contributing to social and economic development of local communities, serving as gathering points for learning and progress.
The People Behind KTO
KTO is a national, member-based NGO. Our members are mainly FDC principals, teachers, supporting staff and participants, teachers from primary and secondary schools connected to KTO programs, and members of the communities surrounding the FDCs. KTO is governed by a Board of Directors and managed by a professional secretariat based in Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar.
Board of Directors
Shomary Lugome
ChairpersonVivian Sunday Temi
Vice ChairpersonBuyamba N Buyamba
MemberMonica Lukeha
MemberMussa T. Mturuck
MemberAnna E. Kabuje
MemberMaggid Mjengwa
MemberRaphael Mgaya
MemberHaika Kimaro
MemberSecretariat
Maggid Mjengwa
Executive DirectorMaggid leads KTO's overall strategic direction, leadership, and institutional governance, working in close collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology and all 55 Folk Development Colleges. Under his leadership, KTO has strengthened its institutional systems, partnerships, and accountability, delivering integrated national programs for marginalized youth.
Dr. Andrew Omari Shirima
Monitoring & Evaluation ManagerDr. Andrew Shirima holds a PhD in Rural Development and brings over ten years of experience in monitoring, evaluation, and learning for development and sport-for-development initiatives. A UEFA Foundation for Children certified safeguarding professional, he leads results-based management, gender equality, and child protection across all KTO programs.
Mia Mjengwa Bergdahl
Head of Programs and Partner CollaborationMia is a Swedish education and development professional with more than 30 years of experience in folk and adult education in Sweden and Tanzania, where she has lived and worked for the past 21 years. She provides strategic leadership for KTO's national programs and partnerships across all 55 Folk Development Colleges, with a focus on education, gender equality, and safeguarding for young women and young mothers.
Nitham Muhamed Juma
AccountantNitham is an accounting and finance professional with experience spanning NGO financial management, audit, and donor-funded project accounting. Based in Zanzibar, she manages the financial operations of KTO's programs, ensuring compliance, transparency, and accountable use of resources.
Habiba Situmai Said
Program OfficerHabiba holds a bachelor's degree in Gender and Development and brings nearly a decade of experience in gender advocacy, child protection, and community programs in Zanzibar. She plans, coordinates, and monitors KTO's program activities, supporting training and capacity building across the network.
Recognized by Government
In December 2024, the Government of Tanzania formally recognized the EHM program in a State press release, commending it for reintegrating young women and girls into education through a non-formal approach.
“Strong impact in advancing youth skills, promoting gender equality, and strengthening the FDC model.”
Independent Sida evaluation
Transparent & Independent
KTO is governed by a Board of Directors elected at the general meeting, and managed by a professional secretariat based in Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar. The organization is politically and religiously independent.
The current Strategic Plan 2022-2027 guides all program development and organizational growth. KTO is a registered NGO (NGO/0008795) under the Non-Governmental Organizations Act of 2002.
Partner With Us
For over three decades, collaboration has been at the heart of everything we do. Whether you're a development partner, government institution, or organization looking to collaborate, there's a role for you in Tanzania's education story.