Projects

Mark’s neighbors in Africa, Craig, Talitha, and their family, were living nearby while serving with their church’s NGO. During a conversation with Craig, he shared a profound observation: “Every NGO created in Tanzania by a foreign organization fails after the foreign organization leaves.” Craig and his family were committed to staying as long as necessary to establish a truly Tanzanian organization—one that could thrive independently after their departure.

Family Village Foundation, like Mark’s neighbors, are committed to creating lasting change in the world.

Longido, Tanzania

Longido District is a region located in northern Tanzania, within the Arusha Region, bordering Kenya to the north. Known for its striking landscapes, Longido is characterized by vast savannahs, rolling hills, and the iconic Longido Mountain, which rises to about 2,629 meters and offers panoramic views of the surrounding plains. The district is part of the traditional homeland of the Maasai people, whose vibrant culture and pastoralist way of life are central to the area’s identity.

The population of Longido District is predominantly Maasai, and the community is known for its rich traditions, colorful attire, and deep connection to the land and livestock. Livelihoods in Longido are largely based on livestock, with cattle, goats, and sheep playing a vital economic and cultural role. In recent years, some residents have also engaged in small-scale agriculture and trade.

Despite its natural beauty and cultural heritage, Longido District faces significant challenges. Access to clean water, healthcare, and quality education can be limited, especially in remote villages. Infrastructure such as roads and electricity is often underdeveloped, making transportation and communication difficult. The region is also prone to drought, which can threaten food security and the well-being of both people and livestock.

Longido District is a place of remarkable resilience, cultural richness, and natural splendor, where traditional ways of life meet the challenges and opportunities of a rapidly changing world.

Family Village Foundation currently has two projects in Longido, a Girl’s Safe House and a project to help the Maasai people recover from a drought. Look below for information on these projects.

At-Risk Girls Safe House

In December 2022, Child Fund Korea made a significant contribution to the Longido District by constructing a safe house for girls on land generously donated by the local government.

Recognizing the urgent need for a secure and supportive environment for at-risk girls, Family Village Foundation stepped in to help bridge the gap for remaining unfinished work. Through our targeted support and collaboration with local partners, we ensured that the final touches—ranging from essential utilities and safety features to educational materials and basic supplies—were completed. Thanks to these collective efforts, the safe house was able to open its doors and begin serving the community in December 2023, offering a lifeline to girls in need.

Despite the initial support by the local government, the operating expenses of the safe house have not been funded by the local government. Family Village Foundation plans to support the operations of the safe house for a few years. Our long-term goal is to secure land and build a children’s village where children who need long-term stability are able to remain in a nurturing, family-like environment.

Girls Safe House

If you’d like to support the Girl’s Safe House in Longido, please consider making a donation to help cover our annual operating expenses.

Donate to the Safe House

We use Zeffy to raise funds because 100% of your donations goes to work helping others. Donors to Zeffy cover the cost of operations, including credit card processing fees. Please consider donating to Zeffy to help them continue their mission to provide non-profits with 100% of the money they raise through Zeffy.

Maasai Assistance Project

If you’d like to help the Maasai in their efforts to rebuild their herds after the devastating drought, please feel free to donate below. Even small amounts can go a long way in this important effort.

Donate to help the Maasai

We use Zeffy to raise funds because 100% of your donations goes to work helping others. Donors to Zeffy cover the cost of operations, including credit card processing fees. Please consider donating to Zeffy to help them continue their mission to provide non-profits with 100% of the money they raise through Zeffy.

Food Security

Longido District experienced extreme and long-term drought recently. During the drought many families lost their herds of cattle, goats and sheep.

Family Village Foundation has created a plan to help community members rebuild their herds and educate them on planning for future threats to their herds and food. Our plan focuses on helping 10 families get livestock to restart their herds. The livestock includes 1 pregnant cow, a male and female goat, 4 hens and 1 rooster. Once the cow gives birth, if it’s a male, the family keeps it, if it’s a female the family gives it to another family. A similar process follows with goats and chickens. Through this process, Family Village Foundation plans to rebuild the livestock herds of 50 Maasai families.

See Firsthand How Your Donations Help Longido

Destination Inspiration is the official Travel Agency for Family Village Foundation. As the official travel supplier, Destination Inspiration arranges safaris to introduce people to the vibrant culture and unique way of life of the Tanzanian and Maasai people.

If you’d like to see firsthand how the Maasai of Longido live and the Girls Safehouse, please join them on their next safari.

For more information, visit their safari webpage:

Tanzanian Safari – November 1-7, 2026

Make certain you include the Longido add-on  to the safari!

Make a Meaningful Difference

One Life, One Family, One Village at a time.

If you’re inspired to help us create lasting, positive change around the globe—one village at a time—we invite you to support our mission by making a donation to Family Village Foundation. Your generosity directly fuels our projects and transforms lives, as every dollar you give goes straight to the communities and initiatives we serve.

If you'd like to help our Safe House,  Maasai Assistance Project, or just make a general donation please click below.