Tanzania: Africa Amini Alama

Giving Children of Meru Farmers and Maasai Families New Opportunities

In northern Tanzania, near Arusha National Park, over 1,000 children receive a primary education each year at three English-language schools. The regional development project primarily benefits children from low-income Meru farming families and Maasai communities. It was established by the non-profit organization Africa Amini Alama in Momella and has been supported by the DERTOUR Foundation since 2022.

At the on-site health clinic, socially disadvantaged patients receive support and medical care. Additionally, apprentices from low-income families can pursue vocational training as carpenters, masons, or mechanics, while girls and women can earn qualifications in a tailoring workshop.

Hands-On Training in Tourism

A key part of the Africa Amini Alama project is the original Maasai Lodge, built and operated by Maasai community members. Graduates from Africa Amini Alama find employment here as guides, cooks, or service staff, gaining practical experience in the hospitality industry.

The newest branch of this growing initiative is a secondary school opened in January 2022. Each year, 40 students have the opportunity to complete a four-year program that awards both a secondary school diploma and a state-recognized vocational qualification in hospitality.

Support from the DERTOUR Foundation

Tourism, alongside agriculture, plays a key role in Tanzania’s economic development and offers strong potential for future growth. As an international tourism group, we are deeply committed to education in this sector. Since 2022, the DERTOUR Foundation has been supporting 15 secondary school students per year, and since 2025, DERTOUR Partner-Service Verwaltungs GmbH has been the project’s exclusive sponsor.

Upon graduation, students have numerous career opportunities in kitchens, service, bars, housekeeping, and reservations, enabling them to secure stable and rewarding employment in the local tourism sector.

From the first year, the curriculum includes practical internships with tourism companies and extensive hands-on training. Partner companies also offer seminars, allowing them to meet and evaluate potential future employees while they are still in training.