Our Team

Meindert Schaap works in close collaboration with the management team to ensure Amani runs smoothly and is effective in rescuing street children, giving them positive futures. He focuses on organizational and programme development, staff capacity building, financial transparency and sustainability, raising international support for Amani, and advocating for street children’s rights. Meindert holds a Master’s Degree in Child and Adolescent Psychology and certificates in Training and Action Research, and has over 15 years of experience in managing innovative projects for street children internationally.

Japhary Salum runs the social work programs at Amani, which include street education, family reunification, counseling, and advocacy. Japhary has graduate and post-graduate degrees in Social Work, as well as a certificate in Organizational Development. Before coming to Amani, Japhary taught social work at the Newman Institute of Social Work.

Brenda Mnzava runs the education programs at Amani, which provide education to over 200 children living at the centre, with families in the community, and at boarding schools. Brenda has a degree in early childhood education and a diploma in HIV/AIDS counseling. Before joining the Amani team, Brenda was the primary school principal at East Africa International School in Dar es Salaam.

Geophrey Japhet handles Amani’s primary care services, which include everything having to do with daily life at the home – day and night caregiving, health care, the kitchen, supplies and inventory, sports, faith, and extracurricular activites. Geophrey has a BA in Management and Public Administration from Kampala University and has an extensive background in children’s rights and project management. The thing Geophrey enjoys most about working at Amani, is seeing the amazing talents our children have and how they are developed during their time at the Children's Home.

Afrique Martin looks after all of Amani's HR needs and manages our small admin team at Amani, Moshi. As well as managing all aspects of Amani's growing team of workers, Afrique has also been very important in introducing new policies to improve how we serve (former) street children. Before working at Amani, Afrique handled HR issues for more than 18 years under international NGO's working in Tanzania. Afrique said he most enjoys being a part of the tremendous work Amani does to help street children in Tanzania, and especially the work we do in restoring their hopes and dreams.

Irene Wampembe runs all of Amani's operations to rescue and restore the lives of street children and youths in Arusha. Irene and her team ensure our drop-in centre/night shelter is running well, and that we are carrying out all of the street-based activities needed under our Kizazi Kipya (USAID) project. Irene previously worked helping women and children who were victims of violence under the USAID Pamoja Tuwalee project in Tanzania. She has a B.A Honours in Sociology as well as an M.A. in Education. Irene most enjoys managing her small Arusha team and seeing how the love and care they provide through their work with street children and youth, changes their lives.

Editruda Kifumu manages Amani's Singida satellite - a small version of Amani Children's Home set up in central Tanzania. Editruda and her team ensure children are rescued from the street and brought to the Centre where they are given food, shelter, clothes, hygiene facilities, informal education and care. As well as having a B.A. Honours in Sociology, Editruda previously worked with the International Rescue Committee caring for vulnerable children in Tanzania. Editruda most enjoys managing her small team and getting to know the unique children that Amani works with.