About us
Upendo Foundation Australia supports vulnerable children in Tanzania with a safe home, nurturing care, education and opportunities to thrive.
Our Australian team is made up of volunteers, sponsors and donors who work alongside our Tanzanian team to support the children at Upendo Children’s Home in Siha, at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Upendo Foundation Australia is a registered Australian charity with Deductible Gift Recipient status. Our Australian charity is volunteer-led, allowing donations to directly support the care, education and daily needs of the children.
We aim to help children grow in safety, dignity and love, while building stronger futures for the children, their community and everyone connected to Upendo.
Our story
Upendo began in 2009, when Melbourne man Luke Bennett helped establish an art school for children living on the streets in Tanzania.
Since then, Upendo has grown into a safe and loving children’s home, providing care, education and support for children who do not have secure family support.
Upendo Foundation Australia Inc. supports the work of Upendo Foundation Children’s Home in Tanzania. The children’s home is registered locally, operates with a dedicated Tanzanian team, and works with local authorities to ensure children receive appropriate care, protection and support.
Many children come to Upendo after experiencing hardship, loss or unsafe living situations. At Upendo, they are welcomed into a family environment where they receive nourishing food, education, health support, guidance and love.
Every day, the team works to give the children stability, hope and the opportunity to build fulfilling futures.
We believe education is one of the strongest pathways out of poverty. Through quality schooling, care and long-term support, Upendo helps children grow their confidence, choices and opportunities.
"Children are the rock upon which our future will be built"
Nelson Mandela
Our home and future
Upendo has purchased land in the Siha district, creating a more secure and sustainable future for the children.
The land gives the children space to live, grow, learn and play. It also creates opportunities to grow food and support Upendo’s long-term goal of becoming more self-sufficient.
The next priority is to build a secure boundary fence around the property. This will help protect the children, safeguard the home and support the farming work already underway.
Over time, Upendo hopes to continue developing the land so it can provide greater stability, food security and opportunity for the children and the wider community.
Your support helps create a safe and lasting home for the children of Upendo.