ECONEF

ECONEF is an orphanage and independent NGO (non-governmental organization) entirely built and operated by volunteers. Located in Northern Tanzania, ECONEF provides education, healthcare, and a loving home for the region’s most vulnerable children–kids who have lost their parents to HIV, are severely malnourished, and do not have any living relatives.  

Shortly after founder Caroline started ECONEF out of her home in Jua Kali, it became clear that in order to continue, she would need a bigger space for her kids to live, learn, and play. There are currently 18 kids at ECONEF between the ages of 3 and 16, and with the completion of the new Center, she’ll be able to provide a home to up to 60 children.

Learning to Farm

Learning how to work on and maintain a farm is an important piece of a child's education in Tanzania as it helps prepare them for life in a rural community. When they aren't in school, the kids of ECONEF are responsible for chores on the farm, including tending to the animals, watering, and harvesting crops.

Through the financial support we received from friends and family in 2017, we were able to gift ECONEF a tractor. The tractor not only enables them to work more efficiently, but will also serve as a long-term solution to replace the costly transportation of drinking water to the site. 

The ECONEF Family

In Swahili, a woman is referred to as Mama plus the name of her first born, until she becomes a grandmother (or Bibi). The women who run ECONEF are equal parts, strong and nurturing.

Bibi 

Caroline, founder of ECONEF, is referred to as Bibi by all of the children. For most of the kids, she has been their Bibi since their earliest childhood memories. Growing up on a nearby farm, Caroline learned to care for her family’s cows, chickens, and pigs at an early age. As an adult, she worked in banking and pharmaceuticals for over three decades, before becoming an entrepreneur and selling many of the vegetables and livestock she cared for as a child. Having been born and raised in the community where she founded ECONEF, all of Caroline’s children benefit from the love and support of her church and neighbors that have known her and her family for generations.

Mama Godi

Mama Godi has been living with and caring for the kids since 2012. She spends every day with them, giving them chore assignments, preparing their meals, and laughing at all of their jokes. 

Mama Inez

Mama Inez oversees the care of the animals at the Center, looking after the goats, cows, chickens, and pigs. She always has the biggest, most genuine smile, and nothing but love behind her eyes. 

A Sustainable Site

The design of ECONEF's new Children's Center was initiated in 2012 by architects Pilvi Vanamo, Carolina Wikström, and Frida Öster, plus volunteers from Architects Without Borders Sweden.

The goal of the design was to reduce the orphanage’s dependence on private donations and eventually reach complete self-sufficiency. The Baobab House, the first prototype building, was finished in February 2014. Rainwater is harvested, solar panels generate electricity and heat water, biogas create biofuels, and buildings are optimized for natural ventilation.