Redefining Sustainable Development in Tanzania
Maisha Capacity Development Opportunity (MCDO) is a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering sustainable development in Tanzania. Through our unique approach, the LifeLink Model, we interconnect children, youth, families, and the environment to collaboratively work towards a brighter future.
Our mission is to empower children and young people to reach their full potential. However, we recognize that their journey to becoming empowered adults cannot happen in isolation.Focusing solely on their immediate challenges without considering the influence of families and the environment is short-sighted and ineffective. For Life link Model, guiding a child to grow into an empowered adult encompassing empowered childhood, empowered youth, empowered families and a prepared enabling environment for development and growth. Sustainable adults are nurtured from start, with true transformation occuring when these pillars reinforce one another.
While others often address one issue at a time, we understand that children’s and Youth futures, family stability and environmental health are all interconnected. True change can only occur when we address these areas in unison.
This ecosystem is what sets us apart. Instead of dealing with challenges in isolation for temporary fixes, with life link model we build foundation for lasting transformation ensuring that young people not just survive but thrive-growing into empowered adults who drive meaningful change in their communities
Every child grows into an empowered adult ready to lead, innovate and drive sustainable development.
Our pioneering Lifelink model brings together four key pillars: supporting children, empowering youth, strengthening families, and protecting the environment. By uniting these forces into one holistic, cohesive strategy, we deliver sustainable solutions that tackle complex challenges and transform lives across Tanzania.
Through this model, MCDO is setting a new standard for development that transforms the lives of children and youths and ensures a brighter future for Tanzania. MCDO invites you to join us in reshaping Tanzania’s future. Together, we can create a world where every child learns, every young person thrives, every family flourishes, and the environment prospers. Let’s redefine development and inspire generations to come.
Fostering partnerships among children, youth, families, and environmental stakeholders.
Creating long-term, impactful solutions that benefit current and future generations.
Equipping individuals and communities with the skills and resources to drive change.
Upholding transparency and accountability in every aspect of our work.
Applying creative and adaptive strategies to address complex challenges.
"Maisha" in Swahili means life. At MCDO, we believe in creating opportunities for a fulfilling and sustainable life through our pioneering Lifelink Model. Our name, Maisha Capacity Development Opportunity, reflects our commitment to fostering holistic development by addressing the interconnected needs of children, youth, families, and the environment.
Quality education, healthcare, and nutrition are foundational for a healthy and vibrant life. By investing in children, we ensure they have the life opportunities needed to thrive and grow.
Empowering youth with skills, opportunities, and mentorship helps them lead fulfilling lives. This empowerment is key to their personal development and their capacity to contribute to society.
Strong and stable families create a nurturing environment where life can flourish. By supporting families, we ensure that every member has the opportunity to live a balanced and resilient life.
Sustainable practices and environmental stewardship ensure a healthy planet for future generations. We aim to create an enabling environment for human development that provides opportunities for growth.
Through education, training, and resources, we build the capacity of children, youth, and families. This empowers them to overcome challenges and make informed decisions.
We create opportunities for personal and professional growth by providing access to education, vocational training, and entrepreneurial support. We also protect the environment to enable sustainable development.
We tackle interconnected issues—Children and youth empowerment, family resilience, and environmental sustainability.
MCDO combines multiple areas of development (children, youth, families, and the environment) into one unified approach, tackling the interconnected nature of challenges rather than addressing them in isolation.
Unlike many global models applied without full consideration of local dynamics, MCDO tailors its strategies specifically to Tanzania’s needs and cultural context, making the solutions more practical and sustainable.
The explicit linkage of family empowerment to environmental sustainability (e.g., tree planting programs tied to community development) ensures long-term impacts that transcend immediate benefits.
MCDO places a distinct emphasis on empowering children and youth ensuring they become change-makers who can sustain and amplify the development efforts.
While some organizations focus on a single area, such as education or conservation, MCDO's model demonstrates how these areas are interconnected, setting a new precedent for integrated, sustainable development.
At MCDO, we don't just develop programs; we create a movement where children, families, and the environment thrive together—building a brighter, more sustainable future for Tanzania. Through our innovative and inclusive model, we create lasting change that benefits individuals, families, and the environment, ensuring that all pillars of society grow together in a sustainable and harmonious way.
Your support can make a world of difference. Join us in creating a better future.
Your Gift Creates a Better World. By donating, you’re investing in children, young people, families, and the environment. Together, we can create lasting change.
– Every contribution makes a difference.
Be Part of the Movement. Join MCDO as a volunteer, donor, or partner. Together, we can empower communities and protect our planet.
|
Our approach is holistic and centered on sustainable development. We employ the LifeLink Model to interconnect the needs of children, youth, families, and the environment, ensuring that all aspects of community well-being are addressed. Our comprehensive strategy is designed to foster resilience, growth, and empowerment across all levels of society.
Our education program empowers communities by providing access to quality education for children, youth, and adults. We collaborate with schools, teachers, and local organizations to improve educational outcomes through resources, training, and infrastructure development. Our approach ensures that:
We ensure that communities have access to nutritious food and clean water, proper sanitation, and hygiene education. Our comprehensive health programs include:
Improving access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene education.
Our agriculture program promotes sustainable farming practices and food security. We support farmers with training, seeds, tools, and techniques to increase crop yields, improve livelihoods, and reduce hunger. Our approach involves:
Our enterprise program helps individuals and communities build sustainable businesses. Through training, mentorship, and financial support, we encourage entrepreneurship and economic self-sufficiency. Our initiatives cover:
At MCDO, we understand that sustainable development can only be achieved when the environment is prioritized. Our Green Communities initiative is designed to restore ecosystems, protect wildlife, and empower communities. Key programs include:
By integrating these components, we create an ecosystem where human progress is in harmony with nature. Our model ensures that as communities develop, the environment remains a supportive and thriving foundation, enabling them to sustain progress for the long term. Together, we are building a world where development and nature go hand in hand
MCDO is governed by a team of passionate leaders with a shared commitment to transparency, accountability and excellence. We prioritize the well-being of the communities we serve, ensuring that every decision, process and action aligns with our mission to empower children, youth, families and the environment.
MCDO adheres to strict financial management policies to ensure that every donation and resource is used responsibly and effectively.
MCDO operates with transparency and accountability at the forefront of our operations.
Director
As well as Directing MCDO Jasson also serves as Lutheran Church Leader in Arusha. Jasson has a Masters Degree in Education (administration, planning and policy studies) as well as a Bachelors Degree in Divinity. He also holds post graduate diplomas in education and in Business Administration. Jasson mentors and coaches his team.
Regional Coordinator (Manyara) and Office Manager
Yohana Jastin Mohamed is Manyara Regional Coordinator for MCDO. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology and has practical experience of working with under served populations. His professional career is rooted in the belief human rights is a principle of everything and that all should be catered for all through participatory decision making process. Yohana heads up the Education, Water Sanitation and Hygiene Programme and is also a qualified Lead Coach/ Trainer for the Street Business School from Uganda.
When needed Yohana works closely with teams of international volunteers.
He is currently board member for KARIMU TANZANIA, and Fredrick Sumaye Secondary School in Babati and member of Committee of Mutuka health centre.
Community Officer
Happiness holds a Bachelor Degree in Sociology from Saint Augustine University of Tanzania (SAUT). Over three years of her experience, she has been working on the Menstrual Hygiene Management Programme, the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Programme, the Street Business School Programme. She has supported communities to establish their own savings and loans programmes. In addition Happiness looks after the Helping Hands Student Sponsorship Programme. When asked Happiness also works closely with teams of international volunteers.
Programme Coordinator (Arusha Office)
Neema has a Masters Degree in Curriculum Design and Instruction from Arusha University and a Bachelors Degree of Education in Languages from Makumira University. Neema is a teacher by profession and she provides us with skills and knowledge from her education field.
Agriculture Officer
Robsone has a Certificate and Diploma in General Agriculture from Mtwara Institute of Agriculture. He works closely with the farmers and other agricultural stakeholders to understand the challenges faced in the fields and at the homes of the local small holder farmers. Together they develop the training courses that help boost existing knowledge. Robsone also manages the Community Agricultural Support Officers (CASOs) who deliver grassroots support. Robsone continues to learn and annual attends training, most notably from to come Sustainable Agriculture Tanzania (SAT) and Hoja
Community Agricultural Support Officer
John trained at Bacho Integrated Agricultural College in Dareda under an MCDO sponsorship programme before joining the team. He now works with approximately 300 Singe farmers providing them with support, advice and extension services. John also provide advice to 3 primary schools within his community, helping them with their School Income Generation Activities. John continues to learn and annual attends training, most notably from to come Sustainable Agriculture Tanzania (SAT)
Community Agricultural Support Officer
Lazaro also trained at the Bacho Integrated Agricultural College in Dareda under an MCDO sponsorship programme befoire joining the team. He now works with Malangi farmers to provide support, advice and extension services to community members. Lazaro also provide advice to 2 primary and one secondary schools across northern Babati, helping them with their School Income Generation Activities. Lazaro continues to learn and annual attends training, most notably from to come Sustainable Agriculture Tanzania (SAT)
Office Assistant
Isobella works in the office where she provides cleaning and catering services to the team and occasionally steps in with monitoring activities.
Office Assistant
Fidelis works on the office where he manages and maintains the different vehicles used by the staff. He has a driving licence and drives the teams to meetings when a motorbike will not suffice. Fidelis acts as the night security guard to keep the office safe, and is also engaged in office income generation activities.
Accountant (part time)
Salutary has a Bachelors Degree in Accountancy from the Institute of Financial Management and is currently studying for further qualifications with the National Board of Accountants and Auditors. Salutary provides accountancy services to several organisations and NGOs.