We are a preschool/kindergarten for impoverished local children that has adopted Montessori principles for early childhood learning. Our goal is to provide a safe, warm, nurturing, and supportive environment where the children can explore their own creativity, problem solve independently, and make friends.
Our Story
Lindsey, Kriena, and Felicia met Ruth Laiser before they set off to climb Mt.Kilimanjaro. Ruth, a Montessori-trained teacher, had created a makeshift school on her property. Young children from her village were crammed into a one-room structure. The conditions of this small cinder-blocked building were dire. Ruth had no resources, only her love of children and education.
Felicia was particularly affected by this chance encounter: Ruth was the name of her grandmother, who was very, very special to her. Ruth is also Lutheran, just like Felicia’s grandmother. As the tears fell, Ruth hugged Felicia and told her not to worry that everything was OK…if there is any truth to divine intervention in this moment, Felicia knew she was receiving the message. We met on a Sunday. We all said goodbye, promising to help.
This impetus to “help” has transformed over the past two years from a group text of family and friends who knew about our experience and the research, hard work, paperwork (!), and energy that went into establishing an actual 501 (c) (3) charitable organization. We are extremely proud of all the work we have done, work which began unexpectedly without knowing anything about the future.
The Center
Located in Arusha, Tanzania, we are a bi-lingual preschool/Kindergarten serving 25 children aged 2-6 years from families below the poverty line. Our center provides two healthy meals, a daily snack, and quality education in Swahili and English. To learn more about where we started in Tanzania and the progress we’ve made, visit our Development Timeline.
Located in Arusha, Tanzania, we are a bi-lingual preschool/Kindergarten serving 25 children aged 2-6 years from families below the poverty line. Our center provides two healthy meals, a daily snack, and quality education in Swahili and English.
At FCCF, we have two mixed-age classrooms based on the principles of Montessori schools, where children of different ages learn together. The children are exposed to a variety of interests and skills through interaction with one another. Classes are taught in Swahili and in English. Between the two classrooms there is a room for nap time and quiet play. Bathrooms are located in a separate building, one for boys and one for girls.
Our Teachers
Ruth Laizer, School Founder & Principal Teacher
Ruth began volunteer teaching in 1982 after completing her primary education, working with children aged 0–5 in Moshi. From 1990 to 1994, she continued teaching near her home village of Moivaro.
In 1995, Ruth enrolled at the Montessori Training Center in Dar es Salaam, where she studied:
- Child psychology
- Vocational skills
- Health and nutrition
- Geography
- Science
- First aid
- Leadership
- Creating teaching materials, and more
After completing her college training, she worked at Sinai Daycare for three years, then at Pefa Church for six years, and later at Bilal Muslim for two years.
In 2014, she generously founded her own school near her home to support the children in her village. Alongside her work in education, Ruth enjoys teaching children about the Word of God at her local Lutheran church.
Jennifer Lihega Kasilo, Bi-lingual Teacher
As a philosophical education approach, Montessori helps students learn about their environment and physical surroundings and how to enjoy childhood moments and happy lives.
My name is Jennifer Lihega. I’m not a certified Montessori teacher, but I have been learning about Montessori principles and using them to make my classroom more interactive and child-centered.
I was a bachelor’s degree student at Moshi Cooperative University, majoring in procurement and supply chain management. As a Christian girl, I dedicated my late teens and early twenties to working and teaching (volunteering) at nurseries and daycare centers in various places where I lived.
I love kids a lot. I am passionate and good at observing, showing my skills, and adapting to new ones. Teaching by centering kids’ attention and fostering love enables me and my students to create a a communicative and friendly class. Little kids know love and care. If this is shown and passed among them, they significantly give love back and show it amongst themselves. They will also quickly learn how to care for their belongings and school properties. Investing in a child’s education and well-being is the best investment for the future.
Our Tanzania-Based Staff
Jenipher George Laizer, Director of Operations
Jenipher George Laizer, affectionately known by our team as Jeny, serves as the Director of Operations for our foundation, where she oversees our programs and ensures that our work is carried out with excellence, compassion, and accountability. Her leadership is instrumental in coordinating daily operations, supporting our staff, and helping transform our mission into meaningful impact for the children and families we serve.
After completing her nursing education in the Mbeya Region of Tanzania, Jeny built a strong foundation in healthcare through roles in both government hospitals and private medical facilities, including three years at a private dispensary. She also dedicated her time as a volunteer in public hospitals, demonstrating a lifelong commitment to serving her community.
Today, Jeny combines her clinical experience with exceptional organizational and leadership skills to guide our operations on the ground. Her deep understanding of healthcare, passion for helping children, and ability to build strong relationships within the community make her an invaluable leader. She approaches every challenge with integrity, compassion, and a steadfast commitment to improving the lives of those we serve.
Jeny’s dedication, professionalism, and heart for service embody the values of our foundation, making her an essential part of our mission to create lasting opportunities and healthier futures for children and families across Tanzania.
Salome Kamili Lonjini Cook/Custodian
Salome is the dedicated cook and cleaner at Felicia Children’s Center, where she creates a warm and welcoming environment for all students. She completed her primary education in Dodoma in 2003 and later spent three years (2014–2017) serving as a cook and cleaner at Killiflora Limited until the company’s closure.
At the Center, Salome takes great pride in her work, ensuring that:
- Classrooms and bathrooms are kept meticulously clean and tidy.
- Students receive delicious, nutritious meals on time every school day.
- The children feel safe, cared for, and happy.
As a mother of three children: Grace and Joan, and son Kendrick, who is enrolled at FCC—Salome understands firsthand the importance of a nurturing educational environment. She also cares for her nieces and nephews, finding great joy in working with children and even sharing songs with them throughout the day.
