IYANNA FOUNDATION
Protect, Educate, Empower
Making a Lasting Impact
Iyanna Foundation
Iyanna Foundation is a registered non-governmental organization in Tanzania. We work at the intersection of youth development, education, health, and gender equity—partnering with communities to break cycles of poverty and build resilient futures for young people, especially young mothers and underserved youth.
Our programs are grounded in community engagement, methodologies, and strategic partnerships that we believe will help the organization achieve its mission of reducing cases of teenage pregnancies and empower the youth both boys and girls to be able to make informed decision and choices in their lives.

What we do
- Chess for Empowerment, Inclusion, and Learning: We use chess as a tool to help build critical thinking, support children and the youth, and create safe spaces for mentorship, peer learning, and leadership—especially among girls.
- Support for Young Mothers and Children: We provide safe shelter, counselling, vocational training, and education reintegration to help young mothers rebuild their lives and achieve financial and academic independence.
- STEM Education & Mentorship: We inspire youth to explore science, technology, engineering, and math through hands-on workshops and mentorship, narrowing the gender gap and strengthening problem-solving skills.
- Life Skills Education: Through safe, peer-led spaces, youth gain vital knowledge on reproductive health, communication, self-awareness, and decision-making to make informed, healthy life choices.
- Community Collaboration: We engage with local leaders, school committees and religious and influential people in the community through reflective training and dialogue to promote child protection, gender equity, and community-driven action against violence.
We Find & Fund
We actively seek out opportunities to support underprivileged girls and women in Tanzania. By funding educational programs, mentorship initiatives, and community-driven projects, we help empower young women to build a brighter future.
We Provide Care
Every girl deserves a safe and supportive environment. We offer guidance, counseling, and essential resources to young mothers and vulnerable girls, ensuring they receive the care they need to overcome challenges and thrive.
We Educate
Education is a powerful tool for change. Through our programs, we provide comprehensive life skills training, STEM education, and reproductive health awareness to equip young women with knowledge and opportunities for a successful future.
We Employ
Financial independence is key to empowerment. We run skill-building and employment programs that enable young women to gain hands-on experience and secure sustainable livelihoods for themselves and their families.
Our numbers that speak
At Iyanna Foundation, our impact is measured by the lives transformed through our programs. Schools where our chess and life skills training continue to empower children. Through strong partnerships with local and international organizations, we’ve extended our work to include children with autism and young mothers seeking a second chance at education and independence. Each milestone reflects a story of resilience, hope, and meaningful change in communities across Tanzania.




Girls & Women Safety
At the Iyanna Foundation, we believe that every girl deserves a safe and secure future. We provide protection, mentorship, and economic opportunities to out-of-school girls, helping them rebuild their lives and achieve independence.

Community Awareness
Changing the narrative on sex and health education among teenagers and youth. At the Iyanna Foundation, we promote open conversations, awareness campaigns, and educational programs to empower young people with the right knowledge to make informed choices about their health and future.

Mentorship Program
At the Iyanna Foundation, we believe that every girl deserves the opportunity to explore and excel in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Through mentorship, hands-on learning, and career guidance, we are bridging the gender gap and shaping the next generation of female leaders in STEM.
Mercy’s Journey: Overcoming Challenges and Pursuing a Second
In many communities, young girls face immense challenges that shape their future in ways they…