Our work in Tanzania
Bollé Bollé places great importance on local ownership. In parallel with the Belgian non-profit organisation, the independent NGO Bollé Bollé Non-Profit Foundation Tanzania was therefore established in Tanzania. Both the request for support for a specific project and its implementation and monitoring are always carried out by local people. This involvement ensures the long-term sustainability of the projects.
Continuing to build on Father Bolle’s dreams
Until 2014, Father Bolle was the central figure in our local operations. He organised everything for our projects, from the first brick to the last school desk, from monitoring the budgets to registering the schools with the authorities. Following his sudden death on 26 January 2014, we were left feeling bereft. But it soon became clear that we wanted to continue building on Father Bolle’s dreams.
To ensure the smooth running of our local operations, the fully independent NGO Bollé Bollé Non-Profit Foundation was established in Tanzania. Each project is represented there by a delegate (for example, the school management).
Day-to-day management is in the hands of two people who knew Father Bolle well for many years: John Nchami and Michael Maige. They know the Tabora, Singida and Bukoba regions inside out and act as our eyes and ears on the ground.
The role of the Bollé Non-Profit Foundation in Tanzania
- Project monitoring
The Bollé Bollé Non-Profit Foundation regularly visits the various schools, hospitals, water projects and local initiatives that Bollé Bollé supports. In this way, they help to ensure the quality and sustainability of the work, fully in line with our mission to implement clearly defined, local projects.
- Monitoring & communication
Our Tanzanian NGO keeps us informed of the progress, challenges and impact of our projects. They are also responsible for financial monitoring under the supervision of the Belgian non-profit organisation. Thanks to their presence, we can allocate funds with confidence and be sure that the resources are being managed properly.
- Annual list of priorities
At the start of each year, the Bollé Bollé Non-Profit Foundation Tanzania receives all local project applications. In this way, they identify the most pressing needs within their community, such as the expansion of a school, improvements to the water supply, or the renovation of healthcare infrastructure. The board of the local NGO also draws up a list of priorities. This list is essential for Bollé Bollé vzw: it forms the basis on which we decide which projects we will support that year.
Why this partnership is so valuable
Our local approach is in line with the philosophy of Father Albert Bolle, who always emphasised self-reliance of the community and the power of sustainable progress from within. By placing the Bollé Bollé Non-Profit Foundation Tanzania at the heart of the decision-making process, all our efforts remain closely aligned with the reality, culture and genuine needs of the people we help.