RLabs Tanzania

13 Years of Hope, Innovation, and Transformation! 

We have spent over a decade planting seeds of change, supporting youth, growing grassroots innovation, and building community agency across the country. Now, it’s time to celebrate this incredible journey and look forward to what’s next!

We invite our alumni, partners, friends, and supporters to join us for a special virtual reflection event: “Seeds of Change: Learning from 13 Years of RLabs Tanzania.”

Let’s connect, share stories of impact, and celebrate the community that made it all possible.

Save the Date: 26 May 2026
Time: 14:00 - 15:30 EAT
Where: Virtual (Link provided upon registration)
RSVP today to secure your spot: qjar.me/RLabsTZ13

Paulina Mlengule’s journey as a GROW 2020 beneficiary and member of the Fursa–Kiwele saving group perfectly illustrates the powerful link between financial literacy and entrepreneurial success.

Paulina has transitioned from financial hesitation to becoming a competitive shop owner. By applying market differentiation strategies, ensuring her shop is the most well-stocked in the area, she has outperformed local competitors and successfully renovated her home.

We believe that confidence is the ultimate catalyst for development. Paulina’s journey from trainee to a thriving business owner is exactly why we do what we do.

We spent the session diving into the specific goals that define our direction, focusing on how we turn these plans into actual results for our community. Every team member has taken clear ownership of the tasks ahead.

Accountability is at the center of this next phase. A huge thank you to Yusuf and the team for leading us through this process with heart and vision.

We are now moving into the next stage with our Global team.

Meshaki Kalinga was 19 when his world was defined by the struggle for survival, navigating life on the streets without access to basic necessities. In July 2025, everything shifted. After joining our GROW Street training, Meshaki realised he didn’t need a massive loan to get started, he just needed a mindset shift.

He started small, riding boda bodas and bajajis, saving every shilling. Today, He’s the proud owner of a thriving henna and nail service at Mashine 3, earning TZS 90,000+ daily! 

But here’s the best part, Meshaki isn’t just growing alone. He’s already employed two other street youth, paying it forward and proving that leadership has no age limit.

“I learned to follow my passion without waiting for big capital.” – Meshaki Kalinga.

We loved having DOT Tanzania and Her Initiative visit the hub to learn about our journey here in Tanzania. Through the Going Beyond project, we’re collaborating to build more opportunities for the people we serve.

This initiative shows our long-term commitment to Tanzania, creating sustainable opportunities and a stronger collective impact across the region.

Kila siku kazini tunapokea mrejesho mzuri kutoka kwa wadau wetu na kushuhudia mabadiliko halisi katika maisha ya watoto waishio na kufanya kazi mitaani pamoja na vijana wanaokuza biashara zao. Hii inatupa hamasa ya kuendelea kusonga mbele kuelekea Dira ya Taifa 2050.

Every day at work, we receive positive feedback from our partners and witness real changes in the lives of children living and working on the streets, as well as young people growing their businesses. This inspires us to keep pushing forward toward the National Vision 2050.

Happy International Workers’ Day.

Our GROW Street training continues to demonstrate the power of a Growth Mindset.

These sessions focus on self-reliance and the fundamental belief that current circumstances do not limit potential. A standout moment from our recent training was the contribution of Joshua Mwinuka, who shared his commitment to saving money as a strategic way to achieve his goals and manage emergencies.

We were also pleased to welcome visitors who witnessed the enthusiasm and confidence of our participants. Their engagement clearly shows that when individuals realize they have the power to start with what they already have, they no longer need to depend on others to begin building their future.

Katika Siku hii ya Kimataifa ya Watoto Wanaoishi na Kufanya Kazi Mitaani, tunaendelea kuwawezesha vijana kwa kuwapa ujuzi, matumaini, na fursa. Tunavuka mipaka ya kutoa uelewa pekee na badala yake tunatengeneza njia thabiti kwa watoto hawa ili wajifunze, wakue, na wajenge upya mustakabali wao.

This International Street Children’s Day, we continue to empower young lives with Skills, HOPE, and Opportunity. We go beyond awareness, creating clear pathways for street-connected children to learn, grow, and rebuild their futures.

Happy Easter!

Easter reminds us that true transformation is possible. We don’t just believe in change, we build it, empower it, and live it every day.

Siku hii inatukumbusha kuwa mabadiliko ya kweli yanawezekana. Hatuamini tu mabadiliko, tunayajenga, tunayaimarisha, na tunaishi nayo kila siku.