Our Story
Bollé Bollé grew from a small group of supporters around Father Albert Bolle into a warm movement that today supports hundreds of children, young people, and families in Tanzania. What started with local actions in Schiplaken evolved step by step into a strong non-profit organization that, together with its Tanzanian foundation, makes sustainable projects possible.
Curious how it all began and which moments led to everything we have already achieved? Below you will find a visual timeline that brings together our key moments – from the first initiatives to the impactful projects of today.
1960
Father Bolle travels to Tanzania
The first steps of the 27-year-old missionary mark the beginning of a lifelong commitment.
1974
Foundation of Mama Alvera orphanage
When Father Bolle has to leave his mission post in Kishuro to found a new parish elsewhere in Tanzania, he asks his housekeeper to stay and care for a few orphans. It is the start of an orphanage that provides shelter to 25 to 40 orphans between the ages of 6 months and 18 years.
1997
Foundation of the dispensary
With little more than a table and a chair in an old container, Father Bolle starts a medical aid post next to the lake in Mwanzugi.
2002
First Bollé Bollé activity
In Schiplaken, the birth village of Father Bolle, a few volunteers organize together with the parish an African mass and theme night for the benefit of Tanzania.
2002
First project: expansion of St. Leo
The proceeds from the theme night are used to build classrooms at the mixed primary school in Igunga.
2006
First immersion trip
What was supposed to be a road trip from Kenya to South Africa turns out completely differently for newly minted architects Bram Rumbaut and Bieke Thys. After less than a week, they end up in Igunga. Touched by the stories of Father Bolle, they decided to roll up their sleeves for 3 months with the Flemish priest and help draw up building plans.
2007
Second activity: Bollé Bollé benefit night
The success of 2002 gets a sequel with "Bollé Bollé 2". In the autumn, a delegation from Schiplaken travels to Igunga to hand over the proceeds personally.
2007
Foundation of de facto association Bollé Bollé
Touched by the intense experiences in Tanzania, a few enthusiasts decide to found a de facto association that will financially and logistically support Albert Bolle's projects in the future.
2009
St. Magreth opens
With the support of the new association, Father Bolle starts the construction of the first secondary girls' boarding school in the district (as large as 1/3 of Belgium) in 2008. A year later, the works have progressed enough to open the school. 
2010
Bollé Bollé becomes a non-profit organization
More and more volunteers want to help. To optimally support the projects, the association becomes a full-fledged non-profit organization (NPO) in April.
2013
Construction of St. Magreth laboratories
We build a new wing with school laboratories for practical chemistry, physics, and biology lessons.
2014
Father Bolle dies
On January 26, Father Bolle passes away completely unexpectedly. In Igunga and back home, everyone is in shock. After 54 years in Tanzania, he is given a final resting place in Igunga.
2016
St. Magreth completed
With the construction of an administrative block, St. Margreth is now a fully-fledged secondary boarding school for 900 girls.
2016
1st place in national exams
During the annual national exams organized by the Ministry of Education, St. Leo achieves a beautiful 14th place for the graduating students of the seventh grade and a fantastic first place for the students of the fourth grade. And this out of a total of more than 1,600 English-speaking schools throughout Tanzania!
2018
New sanitary facilities and dormitories Mama Alvera
We complete a new building with sanitary facilities and dormitories. For the 25 orphans in Kishuro, this basic comfort means a world of difference every day.
2019
Bollé Bollé Non-Profit Foundation Tanzania
We strongly believe in local ownership. That is why, alongside our Belgian NPO, we also founded the independent Bollé Bollé Non-Profit Foundation in Tanzania. This way, local communities are now involved in every step of every project.
2019
Solar for Igunga
Our 2 schools and the hospital in Mwanzugi all receive a large solar installation with battery banks. 450 LED fixtures and 80 power outlets provide the locations with sustainable power by the end of 2019. No more power outages: from now on, the lights will stay on.
2020
New project: Mpinda Boys
We start a new collaboration, this time with the Mpinda Boys Secondary Boarding School in Singida. Bollé Bollé is building a brand new multipurpose hall there. In return, the orphan boys from Mama Alvera can complete their secondary studies there for free.
2021
Hospital expansion
Step by step, the hospital is growing. After a double operating theatre with recovery room, sterilization room, and sanitary facilities for medical staff, we are now also building a new infirmary.
2022
First ambulance
Together with the Spanish FECS (Fundación Española de Cooperación Sanitaria), we purchase a brand new Toyota Landcruiser 4x4 ambulance for Mwanzugi, an essential condition to be recognized as a Health Center.
2023
Student from the first cohort graduates as Medical Doctor
Anthony was among the first students to take a seat at the desks of St. Leo in 2004. 19 years later, we receive a moving letter from him to report that he has graduated as a Medical Doctor from the university in Moshi. Thanks to Father Bolle and Bollé Bollé, Anthony can help other people throughout his life and inspire them to do the same!
2024
Dispensary becomes Health Center
The Tanzanian Ministry of Health recognizes the former Mwanzugi dispensary as a fully-fledged health institute. With "Fr. Bolle Memorial Health Center" as its new name, the staff pays tribute to the founder of their hospital.
2024
Mama Alvera orphanage receives official recognition
The Tanzanian government recognizes the Mama Alvera orphanage as a shelter home. This way, the future is secured, even if 76-year-old Alvera has to leave us one day.
2024
New project: St. Desiderius
With 7 water tanks of 5,000 liters, we provide this primary school 40km from Igunga with water. The project is completely in line with Father Bolle's vision. A year later, we therefore build a brand new dining hall and refectory for the approximately 100 students. 
2025
Successful groundwater drillings
A specialized company successfully carries out a 125m groundwater drilling at St. Leo and St. Margreth to permanently provide the schools with water.