About LESCOTA
LESCOTA—The Learn to Serve Community of Tanzania—is a non-profit organization dedicated to transforming lives through education, empowerment, and sustainable development.
Since 2012, we have been working in the remote village of Matekela, Mbinga district, bringing hope and opportunity to one of Tanzania’s most rural and underserved communities.
About
Who We Are
We focus our initiatives primarily in the rural village of Matekela in the Mbinga district of Tanzania—home to 3,709 people and one of the most remote areas in the country. Mbinga is the second smallest district in Ruvuma, yet with approximately 103 people per square kilometer, it is the densest in the region according to 2020 Tanzania census data. The area is mainly rural with less than 25% urbanized, and the population is very young—with 53% of people in the 0-19 years age range. It remains one of the most rural and poor areas in Tanzania.
LESCOTA (The Learn to Serve Community of Tanzania) is a non-profit organization founded in 2012 and re-registered with BRELA and the Ministry of Community Development, Gender, Women, and Special Groups in 2023. Our organization is dedicated to improving the lives of vulnerable children, youth, women, and communities across rural Tanzania.
Despite these challenges, we believe that every child, woman, and community deserves equal access to quality education, opportunities, and the resources needed to thrive. Through our nine transformative projects, we are creating pathways out of poverty and building a brighter future for generations to come.
Vision
Our Vision
A Tanzania where every child, woman, and community has equal access to quality education, opportunities, and the resources needed to thrive in a safe, inclusive, and sustainable society.
Mission
Our Mission
To improve the lives of vulnerable children, youth, women, and communities by providing access to quality education, promoting child protection, empowering livelihoods, strengthening health and well-being, and fostering sustainable community development through partnerships, innovation, and local participation.
WHY MATEKELA?
LESCOTA focuses its initiatives primarily in the rural village of Matekela in the Mbinga district of Tanzania.
- Population: 3,709 people
- Status: One of the most remote areas in Tanzania
- District Rank: Second smallest district in Ruvuma
- Density: ~103 people per square kilometer (densest in the region)
- Urbanization: Less than 25% urbanized
- Youth Population: 53% aged 0-19 years
- Economic Status: One of the most rural and poor areas in Tanzania
OUR VALUES
Community-Led
- We believe in listening to communities and empowering them to lead their own development.
Education for All
- Every child deserves access to quality education, regardless of their background.
Empowerment
- We equip women, youth, and communities with the skills and resources they need to thrive independently.
Partnership
- Lasting change is built through collaboration with local communities and global partners.
Sustainability
- We create solutions that endure—building self-sufficient communities for generations to come.
Child Protection
- Every child has the right to grow up safe, healthy, and free from harm.
Innovation
- We embrace new ideas and technologies to solve complex challenges in rural communities.
Our Leadership Team
Maurus Nchimbi – Executive Director
Kiley Rothermel – Trustee
Francisco Villanueva – Trustee
OUR HISTORY
2012
- LESCOTA founded with a vision to serve rural communities in Tanzania
2018
- Mango Pre & Primary School built with funds raised by LESCOTA—the only English Medium School in Ruvuma region
2023
- LESCOTA re-registered with BRELA and the Ministry of Community Development, Gender, Women, and Special Groups
2024
- Expansion of projects including Youth & Sports Development, Sustainable Agriculture, and Women Empowerment
2025
- Launch of Kesho Bora Project—bridging program for primary to secondary education
2026
- Partnership with Epistatearch Company Ltd. to launch MyHealthNote Ecosystem Training—bringing digital health solutions to rural Tanzania
Ongoing
- Expanding impact, building partnerships, and transforming lives across Tanzania