The Smile Initiative (TSI) is a registered non-profit organization founded in 2021 and officially registered in 2022 (00NGO/R/3089). We are dedicated to promoting gender equality and quality education for all in Tanzania. Our mission is to design and amplify innovative, community-driven solutions to gender-related challenges in primary and secondary education through storytelling, edutainment, empowerment, and community mobilization. TSI takes a holistic approach—addressing the root causes of inequality by integrating economic empowerment, health education, and social support to ensure every child and young woman has the opportunity to learn, lead, and thrive.
Thematic area of your work
- Quality education access for all.
- Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH)
- Mental Health
- Gender-Based Violence (GBV)
- Youth Leadership
- Women Empowerment
- Advocacy and Campaigning
Current measurable metrics (e.g., numbers reached, key achievements)
The Smile Initiative has successfully reached over 3,000+ students across different schools through educational workshops on safe menstrual hygiene management, gender equality, and reporting mechanisms for gender-based violence. These sessions have helped build awareness and confidence among young girls, encouraging them to make informed choices about their education and wellbeing.
Through the Timiza Ndoto Young Mothers Group, we have transformed the lives of 10 young mothers in Vikindu by offering mentorship, vocational skills training (such as poultry farming), and sexual and reproductive health (SRH) education. This initiative has directly contributed to economic empowerment, for example, Aisha now manages her own poultry business, while two other young mothers have successfully established small enterprises within the community.
Our SRH education programs have led to improved knowledge and access to health services, resulting in reduced unintended pregnancies and increased adoption of family planning methods among participants.
Our Basic Needs Scholarship Program has supported 10 students from government secondary schools living in poverty. Unlike conventional scholarships, this program focuses on providing essential school necessities, such as uniforms, hygiene products, and learning materials, to ensure that students from underprivileged backgrounds can remain in school and improve their academic performance.
Testimonials and stories of change
The Story of Women’s Empowerment – Timiza Ndoto Story
The Timiza ndoto Young Mothers Group has grown into a vibrant and empowering community where young mothers support each other, share resources, and collaborate on joint ventures. Through ongoing training, mentorship, and networking, members have improved their socio-economic status and strengthened their understanding of SRH. The group has fostered solidarity, leadership, and confidence, contributing to gender equality and the broader goal of sustainable community development.
Aisha’s Story:
Aisha, a 20-year-old mother of two, embodies the spirit of resilience. Once denied the chance to return to school, she found new hope through Timiza ndoto project training and mentorship. Today, Aisha runs her own poultry farming business, earning a steady income that allows her to support her children. Her success has made her a role model for other young mothers in Vikindu, proving that empowerment and independence are achievable even in the face of hardship.
Said’s Story:
Said, a Form Five student and an orphan, is one of the beneficiaries of our Basic Needs Scholarship Program. Unlike conventional scholarships, this initiative focuses on ensuring that students from low-income backgrounds have access to basic essentials such as uniforms, hygiene kits, and study materials. After receiving support, Said successfully enrolled in school and is now the top-performing student in his class. Other beneficiaries have also shown significant improvement in performance and confidence, reinforcing the value of our approach.
Any articles/blogs you’d like us to feature.
Social media engagement-Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/reel/C_IJtVdqHAY/?igsh=MXdiZGRvbW9mNWxnOA==
https://www.instagram.com/p/C8CIphHKFOk/?igsh=MTZhMmwwN3c2ZHcyeQ==
https://www.instagram.com/p/C_u6M1IqThn/?igsh=YjdiYmtvc2RzcjZw
What’s next for your organization?” / your future plans
As The Smile Initiative continues to grow, our focus is on deepening our impact and expanding our reach to create lasting change for young people, especially girls and young mothers. Our future plans are centered around five key priorities:
- Youth Leadership and capacity building
We aim to continue engaging young people through programs that build leadership skills, critical thinking, and civic participation. By equipping them with the right knowledge and mentorship, we will nurture the next generation of youth leaders who are confident to advocate for themselves and their communities. - Women’s Socio-Economic empowerment
Building on the success of our Timiza Ndoto Young Mothers Group, we plan to scale up our economic empowerment initiatives by introducing more vocational training, financial literacy workshops, and access to small business funding opportunities. Our goal is to support young women to become self-reliant and active contributors to their local economies. - Advocacy for Equality and Quality Education
We will strengthen our advocacy and community outreach to influence policies and social norms that limit access to education, especially for girls. Through campaigns and partnerships, we plan to push for gender equality and inclusive, quality education for all children, ensuring that no child is left behind due to poverty or discrimination. - Strengthening Institutional Capacity
To achieve sustainable growth, we are investing in building our internal systems and staff capacity. This includes improving our project management, monitoring and evaluation, communications, and fundraising strategies, ensuring we operate with transparency, accountability, and long-term sustainability. - Scholarship Program Expansion
Our vision is to expand our Basic Needs Scholarship Program to reach more students from disadvantaged backgrounds across Tanzania. By executing a structured roadmap, we aim to bridge the educational gap and support students not only with school fees but also with the materials and emotional support they need to thrive academically and personally.
- Your current need to continue with the work.
To continue delivering meaningful impact and scale our programs, The Smile Initiative is currently seeking support in the following key areas:
- Capacity Strengthening for Staff
We aim to build the skills of our team through training on project design, implementation, and monitoring. Strengthening our human resource capacity will enhance the quality and effectiveness of our community programs. - Fundraising and Partnership Development
To sustain and expand our initiatives, we need increased capacity and mentorship in resource mobilization, proposal writing, and donor engagement. Financial support will also help us reach more young women and students through our ongoing projects. - Operational Support and Infrastructure
As a growing organization, we are seeking assistance to secure a physical office space and cover essential administrative and operational costs, including basic office equipment and communication tools. Establishing a stable office will strengthen our coordination, visibility, and long-term sustainability. - Links to your website and/or social media handles
https://www.instagram.com/thesmileinitiative_tz?igsh=bWs1N2NpbmF5dGJy&utm_source=qr
