This is a proposal to collaborate with Mboni ya Vijana on a long-term initiative to fund the drilling and installation of manually operated boreholes in water-scarce rural communities across Kigoma, Tanzania. Building on our past success in collaborating with Mboni ya Vijana, this partnership can deliver reliable, community-managed water access to schools, clinics, and villages, improving public health outcomes.

Who is Mboni ya Vijana?

Mboni ya Vijana—meaning “Eyes of the Youth” in Kiswahili—is a youth-led, community-based organization founded by Benedicto Hosea in Kigoma, Tanzania. The organisation focuses on sustainable agriculture, environmental protection, and rural water access.

Why is this work necessary?

In rural Kigoma, access to safe and reliable water remains severely limited. Many communities depend on unsafe sources such as ponds and streams that are often shared with livestock, leading to widespread waterborne diseases, including cholera, typhoid, and diarrhoea—particularly affecting young children. Women and girls bear the brunt of this burden, often walking up to three hours daily to fetch water. This time-consuming task reduces opportunities for girls to attend school and limits women’s participation in income-generating activities. The journey to collect water can also expose girls to risks of harassment and violence, especially in remote or isolated areas.

The solution

Mboni ya Vijana employs a cost-effective, community-managed approach to borehole drilling. This method uses simple hand-drilling techniques and rope-operated manual pumps. It is practical, low-maintenance, and functional without electricity—ideal for remote settings.

Key aspects of the approach:

Metrics we'll track:

Impact and outcomes

The installation of each borehole by Mboni ya Vijana has the potential to transform community life significantly. Girls can attend school consistently, improving educational outcomes and long-term opportunities for economic independence. Women reclaim hundreds of hours yearly that can be invested in small businesses, farming, or family care.

Reliable access to clean water also results in substantial health improvements, with fewer waterborne illnesses and lower medical expenses for families. Clinics and dispensaries can, as a result, provide safe, hygienic care, particularly during childbirth, leading to better maternal and infant health outcomes.

Perhaps most importantly, the participatory nature of the model—where communities are trained to manage and maintain their own water systems—builds local skills, ownership, and long-term resilience.