Background

People’s Care Initiatives Tanzania (PCI-T) was born out of a profound realization by a dedicated group of senior and technical staff from Global Communities, formerly known as Project Concern International (PCI). These experienced development professionals had successfully implemented the McGovern Dole Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program for more than a decade in the Mara Region of Tanzania. Funded by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the program made a significant impact on school attendance, nutrition, and community involvement in the region.

After observing the challenges facing Tanzanian children, youth, and women firsthand—particularly in rural and underserved communities—the founding team identified a critical gap in sustainable support systems. Economic hardships, hunger, diseases, and human rights violations continued to plague many communities across Tanzania. These issues hindered children's access to education, affected their well-being, and limited the opportunities for youth and women to break the cycle of poverty.

Driven by this urgent need, PCI-T was officially established in 2021 and registered on 21st January 2022 as a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) under the NGOs Act of 2002 (Registration No. 00NGO/R/2812). Headquartered in Mwanza, with an active branch in Tabora, PCI-T’s mission is to promote resilient, healthy, and empowered communities by working collaboratively with local structures and stakeholders.

At its core, PCI-T focuses on community empowerment, child development, youth skills training, women's economic participation, health promotion, and educational access. The organization envisions a future where all communities across Tanzania and beyond are equipped with the tools and knowledge to overcome adversity and thrive. This includes building capacity among adolescents to make informed life choices, supporting school infrastructure and meal provision to keep children in school, and introducing income-generating and agricultural initiatives that strengthen food security.

A notable example of PCI-T's approach is the “Feed and Nurture” program, launched in collaboration with Philip Morris International and MKWAWA Leaf Tobacco Ltd. The program addresses the pressing issue of child labor in tobacco-growing regions, particularly in Sikonge District, Tabora. Through the provision of daily school meals and after-school enrichment activities, the program incentivizes school attendance and improves students’ nutritional status and academic outcomes. This integrated strategy tackles the root causes of child labor while fostering a safer, more supportive learning environment.

In addition to direct services, PCI-T is deeply committed to stakeholder engagement, community sensitization, and evidence-based monitoring and evaluation. These efforts ensure that every program is tailored to local needs and yields measurable outcomes. PCI-T actively collaborates with local government authorities, school management committees, parents, youth leaders, and women’s groups to build a network of change agents who drive sustainable development from within.

Furthermore, PCI-T recognizes the growing importance of digital literacy and technology adoption among youth. To that end, the organization is exploring initiatives to promote responsible technology use, equip young people with market-relevant digital skills, and bridge the urban-rural digital divide. These efforts complement the organization's broader goals of economic empowerment and inclusive innovation.

Gender inclusion remains a cornerstone of PCI-T’s philosophy. The organization champions the full participation of women and girls in decision-making processes, economic activities, and leadership roles. At the same time, PCI-T encourages positive male involvement in advancing gender equity—recognizing that true progress requires collective action across all segments of society.

In the years ahead, PCI-T aims to scale its programs to reach more communities, extend partnerships with national and international stakeholders, and mobilize resources that amplify its impact. With planned staff expansions, increased operational capacity, and a commitment to transparency and accountability, PCI-T is positioned to become a leading force for community-led development in Tanzania.

The need for grassroots-driven solutions has never been more urgent. As climate change, economic instability, and social inequities continue to challenge development gains, PCI-T remains steadfast in its resolve to deliver holistic, context-specific interventions that uplift individuals and transform entire communities. From school gardens that teach sustainability, to vocational training that opens new economic pathways, PCI-T is not just responding to problems—it is building systems that prevent them from recurring.

Ultimately, PCI-T believes that by nurturing the potential of every child, youth, and woman, Tanzania can cultivate a generation of healthy, skilled, and confident leaders who will shape a better future for all. Through empathy, innovation, and collaboration, PCI-T is bringing this vision to life—one school, one household, and one community at a time.