About Us
Who We Are
Watoto Wa Africa Orphanage is a registered non-governmental organization and licensed children's home based in Buswelu, Ilemela District, Mwanza Region, Tanzania. We began caring for children informally in 2000 and were officially registered as an NGO in 2006.
We work closely with the Government Social Welfare Department, which refers children to our home after confirming they have no safe family environment.
For more than two decades we have cared for hundreds of orphaned and vulnerable children — many of whom have gone on to become teachers, doctors, university graduates, carpenters, and business people.
We believe every child deserves the opportunity to dream, learn, and succeed, regardless of their background.
Our Story
A Journey of Love and Hope
Watoto Wa Africa began with one simple belief: every child deserves a family.
Our founder, Josephat Kirutu Robogo, trained and worked for years as a professional tour guide, introducing visitors from around the world to Tanzania's wildlife and people. In the course of that work he encountered many children living without parents, food, education, or hope — and instead of turning away, he chose to dedicate his life to caring for them.
What began with a handful of children has grown into one of the largest family-based orphan-care efforts in the Mwanza Region. Together with his wife, Rosemary Josephat, and a dedicated team of caregivers, Watoto Wa Africa has become a place where children find safety, love, education, and the chance to build a future.
Today, that work continues to grow — not only caring for children now, but helping them become tomorrow's teachers, nurses, engineers, and leaders.
Gallery
Life at Watoto Wa Africa
Impact
Every success story begins with someone choosing to help
Over the years we've cared for hundreds of children, helped many complete primary and secondary school, supported young adults through university, and built lasting partnerships with supporters around the world.
Baraka M.
Before I came to Watoto Wa Africa, life was very difficult — I had no safe place to live, and it was hard to get food, clothing, and other basic needs.
When I joined, I was welcomed with love and care: a safe home, food, clothes, and guidance. They taught me good values, helped me build confidence, and gave me hope for a better future.
I'm not in school at the moment, but the support and care I received have helped me become a responsible, determined person, and I continue working hard to improve my life and reach my goals. I'm truly grateful to Watoto Wa Africa for the positive impact they've made in my life.
Veronica C.
My journey with Watoto Wa Africa began in 2012, when I was 12 years old and in Grade 7. The orphanage gave me more than a place to stay — it gave me hope, guidance, and the opportunity to pursue an education.
Under the care of our guardian, Josephat Kirutu, I found a supportive environment where I was encouraged to work hard and never give up. After Grade 7 I continued through secondary and high school; every step came with challenges, but the perseverance and discipline I learned here kept me moving forward.
My hard work eventually earned me admission to the University of Dar es Salaam, where I completed my bachelor's degree — a milestone that once seemed impossible for a young girl who'd just arrived at the orphanage. Today I'm pursuing a Master's degree in Philology at RUDN University in Moscow, Russia.
My story isn't only about my own achievements — it's about what Watoto Wa Africa's care, encouragement, and opportunities made possible. I'm deeply grateful to Baba (Josephat Kirutu), the staff, and every donor who has supported us over the years. Thank you for investing in children like me.
Justin C.
I grew up at Watoto Wa Africa, and the home gave me the foundation I needed to build a life of my own.
Today I live in another part of Mwanza with my sister, who was also raised at Watoto Wa Africa — we grew up together here, and we're still building our lives side by side. I have a son now too, Gian, who's four years old.
A few years ago I opened my own kindergarten, where I now teach 25 children of different ages. Watching them learn and grow reminds me every day of what this home gave me when I was young — it's a big part of why I wanted to give something back by teaching children myself.
I'm grateful to Watoto Wa Africa for the start they gave me. What I'm building now, for my own family and for the children in my classroom, started here. (This photo is from Justin's time at the home — we're waiting on a current one from him.)
