Kilimanjaro Kidz Education Foundation

Tanzanian families

GOOOOOOAAAAALLLLLLLLL! Our Kilimanjaro Kidz in Tanzania love soccer!

By

Our Kilimanjaro Kidz in Tanzania love soccer – many of them play it, and most of them enjoy watching it and cheering on their favorite teams.

And, as you’re reading this, the world is buzzing with excitement around the FIFA World Cup.

What World Cup Soccer is Teaching

The practice and repetition surrounding a world-class athlete’s day to day is intense. Most of them, from early on, have dedicated major chunks of their lives to the discipline of training and competing in order to arrive at their current performance level.

We know education, in many ways, parallels athletics. To achieve great things, our students put in great effort. They take their failures and turn them into opportunities to grow.

We also know that those who commit themselves to their studies with discipline, surrounded by talented and dedicated “coaches” (teachers), will succeed at a level they might not have ever imagined without the support.

every child deserves a chamption

Where YOU Come In

Thank you for being part of this journey. YOUR support plays a critical role. Because of YOU, our students are in an environment being coached to greatness. And as we continue to seek out new Sponsors, we are also grateful, every day, for all of you who have stepped up. Thank you for answering the call to participate in a bright future where our children are empowered to achieve the goals they now have the confidence to set.

Meet Our Students

Meet this lovely burst of happiness and energy, Jennipher. She’s in Standard 3 at St. Luis English School this year. Jennipher is the third student in her family to enter the program; her older brothers, twins James and Jonas, have both successfully completed our program and continued on to college to become an accountant and a teacher. Their father, Grayson, is a medic on the mountain and accompanied us all on our 2019 ascent, as well as Amy’s 2025 climb.

Kilimanjaro Kidz: Jennipher

Who’s Next?

We are only a few months away from our annual school fee disbursements. We are seeking 8 more sponsors in the next 60 days. If you haven’t yet sponsored – or if you’re already a sponsor and feel called to give a little more – we invite you to be part of what’s next.

$900 per year (just $75/month) provides:

  • Private school tuition
  • Health insurance
  • Uniforms & school supplies
  • Books
  • Transportation
  • Two meals every school day

We also offer partial sponsorships starting at $25/month, and one-time gifts in any amount make a meaningful difference.

👉 Visit the How You Can Help page to sponsor, donate, or share this mission.

Please be sure to Like us on Facebook, invite your friends, and encourage them to sign up for our newsletter.

We RISE by Lifting Others

By

As you’re reading this, I’m preparing to head back to Tanzania later this week.

This trip will be a little different.

I won’t be able to see all of the students and their families this time, but I will be gathering with the Kili brothers – our on-the-ground leaders and the heartbeat of this work – to check in, reflect, and ask an important question:

Are we truly serving these kids in the best way possible?

Because that’s what this has always been about. Not just access to education, but thoughtful, evolving support that meets them where they are and helps them rise into who they’re becoming.

lift yourself up by lifting others

This season has brought both expansion and challenge. 6 new students have started school, AND, 3 sponsors have had to step away due to life circumstances, which means, simply put: we are currently 9 sponsors short of where we need to be to fully support every student in the program.

And while that reality is very real… so is something else. The power of this community. Because of you – and the incredible generosity of the Star Power community through our annual charity auction – Not one student has had to leave school.

Let that sink in. Even in a moment of transition, even with unexpected changes, every child is still learning, still growing, and still moving forward. That happens because people like you choose to care.

As I head to Tanzania, I’ll be carrying this simple, important need with me: We are looking for 9 people who feel called to step in and sponsor a student. We’re actively working to fill those spots now. Not because it’s convenient – but because it matters. Because education changes everything, because consistency matters, and because one “yes” can alter the trajectory of a life.

Thank you for being part of this journey. And thank you for caring about children you may never meet in person, but who feel the ripple of your generosity every single day.

Meet Our Students

Brian Riziki just turned 17 in January. He’s in the green sweater on the right. He’s in Form 4 this year, and if successful at passing his national examinations at the end of the school year, he will be able to continue for two more years to prepare him for college. Brian is a success story, not only because we got him in the program before it was too late, but also because he was rescued by a new sponsor when his original one had to step away. His younger siblings are in the program as well and growing together.

Brian Riziki with his family and Amy Stoehr

Who’s Next?

If you haven’t yet sponsored – or if you’re already a sponsor and feel called to give a little more – we invite you to be part of what’s next.

$900 per year (just $75/month) provides:

  • Private school tuition
  • Health insurance
  • Uniforms & school supplies
  • Books
  • Transportation
  • Two meals every school day

We also offer partial sponsorships starting at $25/month, and one-time gifts in any amount make a meaningful difference.

👉 Visit the How You Can Help page to sponsor, donate, or share this mission.

Please be sure to Like us on Facebook, invite your friends, and encourage them to sign up for our newsletter.

Waiting for a Sign? THIS IS IT.

By

We’ve all done it – waited for that unmistakable sign from above.

Maybe it’s a door that swings wide open or a whisper that says, “Now.” But most of the time, the sign doesn’t arrive in flashing lights. It comes softly. In the stillness. In the climb.

everything changes when you help others

On September 1, 2025, six fellow climbers and I started our trek up Kilimanjaro. The biggest question I got prior to leaving was, “Why would you do that again?” My short answer… to raise awareness and funds for the Kidz. And for these six, to show themselves what they’re capable of. To overcome fears, anxieties, and setbacks. Frankly, I knew I’d done it once, so I wasn’t too doubtful I’d make it again.

Kilimanjaro climb 2025

Kilimanjaro climb 2025

The climb begins long before your boots hit the mountain. It starts in your mind. You prepare, plan, and pack, believing you can control every variable. But at some point, you realize – preparation only takes you so far.

Our trek was to be 8 days – 6 to go up and 2 to come down. On day 5, the day before Summit day, I was feeling strong, capable and confident. However, I’d made one tactical error – I’d underhydrated. By midnight, I was in trouble. By 4 a.m., when we were supposed to head off for the summit, I knew I couldn’t go. So, the others went on without me, and as I lay in my tent fighting migraine, nausea, and tears, God gave me the same message I got back in 2019: It was never about YOU, Amy.

The climb humbles you. It strips away ego and expectation until all that remains is gratitude for each step. For each person beside you. For each breath you’re still able to take. And this time, coming through loud and clear, was that I was there for the Kidz.

Because of that climb, we added four new sponsors. We raised additional funds. And we’ve also raised awareness for the cause, and for the need. Each of those six new summiteers, who found themselves surrounded by people who seem to have “nothing,” instead discovered abundance. Faith. Hope. Happiness.

They have it in spades. Their smiles, their laughter – it’s a pure reminder that love isn’t found in possessions, but in presence. That’s the heart of the Kilimanjaro Kidz Education Foundation: giving the gift of opportunity while learning from the radiant joy of those we aim to serve.

If you’ve been waiting for a sign to take the next step – to give, to sponsor, to serve, to join the climb – this is it.

As I reflect on the 2025 climb, I know we carried every child’s name in our hearts, every sponsor’s generosity in our packs, and every act of faith as proof that waiting can transform into walking.

So don’t wait for a sign. Be one.

live for others

Meet the Kidz

Hi! My name is Elsa. I am 13 years old, and I recently completed Primary School (I was head girl in my last year, standard seven, of primary school!) and am preparing to start Form One of secondary school in January of 2026.

My father raises bees and harvests honey, and my mother is a schoolteacher. I take great pride in my schoolwork and my spoken and written English are both exceptional. (Miss Amy tells me my English rivals many my age in the U.S.!)

Elsa, her mom, and headmaster

Who’s Next?

If you haven’t yet sponsored and would like to, or you are a sponsor and want to give an extra one-time contribution, please visit the How You Can Help page and donate today! Our students, who range in age from 4 to 19, are so grateful for having their education secured, and removing a huge burden from their family’s daily concerns.

$900 per year, just $75/month, covers not only the enrollment for the year, but also health insurance, school supplies, uniforms, books, transportation to and from school, and two meals each school day. If you want to help, but don’t feel that amount is achievable right now, we’ve ADDED OPTIONS for partial sponsorships for as little as $25 per month. And we continue to welcome one-time donations in ANY amount, as they contribute to the whole of what we do.

Please be sure to Like us on Facebook, invite your friends, and encourage them to sign up for the newsletter by scrolling to the bottom of our home page to subscribing!

If Not NOW, When?

By

“Fear won’t stop me. Finances won’t stop me. I CAN and I WILL.”

who is going to stop me

Imagine if every child had this spirit instilled in them. What would the world look like?

I believe that it’s the people who teach us during our formative years that ensure we build the courage to try. As we fail forward, if we’re lucky, those educators and others help pick us up when we fall. And each little win goes into the emotional bank account that fuels our willingness to forge ahead and be brave.

When Dawna asked Stephanie and me to go climb Kilimanjaro the first time (2019), I had thoughts of, “Will my family/friends/professional network approve?” I got over them quickly, and, of course, God had it all planned anyhow. 😉 And that accomplishment then had us thinking, “What ELSE might we be able to do?”

Our students are adopting this mindset, thanks to YOU. They are experiencing what it’s like to feel empowered, enriched, and hopefully at some point, even a bit unstoppable.

In just a few weeks, I’ll be flying to Tanzania with six other amazing folks. We’re climbing Kilimanjaro together (again for me, the first time for the others). Several of these folks are already sponsors and their hope (and mine) is that we can continue to raise awareness – and funds – for these deserving KidZ!

We encourage you to share our story with everyone you know. There are MANY more children waiting for the opportunity. School funding for 2026 is happening at the end of August and into September.

If you’re motivated to join our fundraising efforts, here’s the link to donate: https://bit.ly/4theKIDZ

And anyone wanting to learn more about the journey can visit the blog: https://kilimanjarokidz.com/blog/

We’ll be returning with lots to share!

Meet the Kidz

My name is Alvin. I am 9 years old and I attend Kingdom Primary School.

I live with my grandfather (who was the Campsite Manager for Dawna, Stephanie, and Amy on Kilimanjaro), as well as my mother, grandmother, and older sister. I love school and I am getting more confident every year.

Meet the Kidz: Alvin

Who’s Next?

If you haven’t yet sponsored and would like to, or you are a sponsor and want to give an extra one-time contribution, please visit the How You Can Help page and donate today! Our students, who range in age from 4 to 19, are so grateful for having their education secured, and removing a huge burden from their family’s daily concerns.

$900 per year, just $75/month, covers not only the enrollment for the year, but also health insurance, school supplies, uniforms, books, transportation to and from school, and two meals each school day. If you want to help, but don’t feel that amount is achievable right now, we’ve ADDED OPTIONS for partial sponsorships for as little as $25 per month. And we continue to welcome one-time donations in ANY amount, as they contribute to the whole of what we do.

Please be sure to Like us on Facebook, invite your friends, and encourage them to sign up for the newsletter by scrolling to the bottom of our home page to subscribing!

Education IS Freedom

By

What does FREEDOM mean to you?

I think for most of us who live in the United States, freedom is an assumption. It’s intangible, invisible, even assumed.

The Oxford Dictionary defines freedom as the power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants without hindrance or restraint. Yes, freedom is power to live without delay and roadblocks.

Giving children freedom is crucial for their development – it fosters confidence and problem-solving skills. As it pertains to education, for our students in Tanzania, your support is giving them the freedom to pursue a higher quality of education. You give them freedom to explore career opportunities unavailable to them if they aren’t fluent in English as well as Swahili. Freedom to dream big dreams and take big action. Opportunity to experience financial freedom.

Our wish for each student we sponsor into private education is that they experience this freedom with a grateful heart and a desire to pay it forward in the world. As we approach our time to fund for the coming school year, we encourage you to exercise your freedom and share this opportunity with someone you know.

children and their education is a valuable resource for the future

Meet the Kidz

Say Jambo (hello) to Icram and Shadiya. They are 15 (older brother) and 7 (younger sister) years old.

Icram is in his Form 2 (second year) at Kusirye English Medium School, and young Shadiya is in Standard 2 (like 2nd grade here in the US) at Uswaa English Medium School. Icram is more outspoken; his younger sister is still a bit reserved but coming out of her shell.

Shaban family

Who’s Next?

If you haven’t yet sponsored and would like to, or you are a sponsor and want to give an extra one-time contribution, please visit the How You Can Help page and donate today! Our students, who range in age from 4 to 19, are so grateful for having their education secured, and removing a huge burden from their family’s daily concerns.

$900 per year, just $75/month, covers not only the enrollment for the year, but also health insurance, school supplies, uniforms, books, transportation to and from school, and two meals each school day. If you want to help, but don’t feel that amount is achievable right now, we’ve ADDED OPTIONS for partial sponsorships for as little as $25 per month. And we continue to welcome one-time donations in ANY amount, as they contribute to the whole of what we do.

Please be sure to Like us on Facebook, invite your friends, and encourage them to sign up for the newsletter by scrolling to the bottom of our home page to subscribing!

LOVE + Learning = BRIGHT Futures

By

70. WOW! We have welcomed student #70 into the KKEF family, and our gratitude to God, and to all of YOU, continues!

bright futures for children

I had the great blessing of traveling to Tanzania again in April, over the Easter holiday. I love going at this time of year, because the schools are closed from Good Friday (the Friday prior to Easter) through the entire following week, in most cases. This affords me the opportunity to check in on a few of the families. I was only there five nights on this trip and I made the most of it!

Tourism continues to lag. Where most of our porter friends were used to going on the mountain ten, twelve, or more times a year prior to 2020, most are lucky to go three or four times now. Imagine for a moment: your annual income being reduced by 60 to 75%. There isn’t a McDonald’s you can go work at, and there is no unemployment to file for. How radically would your life change?

Yet, here’s what I know to be true about the amazing people of Tanzania. They are above all GRATEFUL for what little they DO have, and quick to offer to share it. They lean into their faith with a conviction that’s unmatched. They are resourceful beyond imagination.

children's bright futures

On Easter Sunday, I was fortunate to visit three of our families. The older children of some remained at school because their parents couldn’t afford to bring them home for the holiday. We presented fresh chicken, kilos of rice, and liters of cooking oil. We hugged, laughed, and talked about the future.

These parents tell me over and over, that because of the Foundation, their children will break through this season of lack and grow to have meaningful work. I know, and I’m sure you do too, that children who are given a strong education are empowered to love the world and to make it better.

We’ll be paying school fees for next year’s enrollment in September this year. The national presidential election in October will create additional bottlenecks and we don’t want our families to have added anxiety. So please, get your friends involved and have them sponsor or even make one-time donations this summer!

Who’s Next?

If you haven’t yet sponsored and would like to, or you are a sponsor and want to give an extra one-time contribution, please visit the How You Can Help page and donate today! Our students, who range in age from 4 to 19, are so grateful for having their education secured, and removing a huge burden from their family’s daily concerns.

$900 per year, just $75/month, covers not only the enrollment for the year, but also health insurance, school supplies, uniforms, books, transportation to and from school, and two meals each school day. If you want to help, but don’t feel that amount is achievable right now, we’ve ADDED OPTIONS for partial sponsorships for as little as $25 per month. And we continue to welcome one-time donations in ANY amount, as they contribute to the whole of what we do.

Please be sure to Like us on Facebook, invite your friends, and encourage them to sign up for the newsletter by scrolling to the bottom of our home page to subscribing!