About Kifaru Youth

Kifaru Youth and Children Centre (KYCC) is the non governmental non profit organization (NGO) dedicated to supporting vulnerable children, youth and adults in Karatu, Tanzania. We believe in the power of education, skills and opportunity to break the cycle of poverty and create lasting change.

Stronger Communities
Better Education
Sustainable Livelihoods
A Brighter Future
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Smiling children at Kifaru Youth Centre

Our Mission

To empower vulnerable children, youth and adults through education, skills development, entrepreneurship and compassionate support.

Our Vision

A self-reliant and inclusive community where every individual has the opportunity to reach their full potential.

Kifaru Junior Pre and Primary School Campus, Karatu
Karatu, Tanzania • 6-Acre School Project
Major Milestone Announcement

We are thrilled to announce a major milestone for Kifaru Junior Pre and Primary School!

We have successfully reached our goal and purchased 6 acres of land to build Kifaru Junior Pre and Primary School for poor and vulnerable children in Karatu.

This is a dream come true for KYCC and the entire community.

Our second phase now begins: building classrooms one by one as we secure funds. Every brick brings us closer to giving children quality education and a brighter future.

Thank you to all our supporters who made this possible. Join us as we build hope, class by class!

6 Acres Purchased

Land secured in Karatu, Tanzania

Phase 2 Now Begins

Building classrooms one by one

Every Brick Counts

Building hope, class by class

Join us in building the next classroom for Karatu’s children:
Kilian Melkiory - Founder and Director of Kifaru Youth and Children Centre
Founder & Director

Kilian Melkiory

Founder & Director • Kifaru Youth and Children Centre (KYCC)

Kilian Melkiory is the Founder and Director of Kifaru Youth and Children Centre (KYCC). He founded KYCC in 2014 with the heartfelt aim of giving back to his community and creating sustainable opportunities for vulnerable children, youth, and families in Karatu, Tanzania.

As a professional safari guide with over 20 years of experience traversing Tanzania’s magnificent wilderness, Kilian has dedicated his life, passion, and leadership to empowering the next generation, breaking cycles of poverty through education, vocational skills, and compassionate community care.Now he start a Safari Company Visit Gibaco Tanzania Safari & Tours

Gibaco means Give back to the community
2014

Founded KYCC Centre

20+ Years

Safari Guide Experience

Giving Back

To His Community

“I founded KYCC to give back to my home community. Every child and young person deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and build a dignified future.”

— Kilian Melkiory, Founder & Director

Our Programs

We work in key areas to create opportunities and lasting change.

Preschool Education at KYCC

Preschool Education

Early learning for a strong foundation. Providing academic and social skills to prepare young children for school and life.

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Academic Tutoring and Examination Prep

Academic Tutoring

Extra support for better results. Offering tutoring and exam preparation for students to ensure academic success.

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Practical Vocational Carpentry Skills

Vocational Training

Practical skills for brighter futures. Equipping older students with hands-on skills for employment and entrepreneurship.

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Entrepreneurship and Business Training

Entrepreneurship

Building business skills and self-reliance. Supporting young adults in business creation and financial independence.

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Community Health and Wellness Care

Health & Well-being

Healthier people, stronger communities. Promoting healthy lifestyles through hygiene, nutrition, disease prevention, and community gardens.

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Support for Disabled Children and Adults

Support for Disabled

Inclusion, dignity and equal opportunities. Offering assistive resources, physical support, and emotional care to disabled individuals.

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Real Stories, Lasting Impact

See how your support helps change lives.

Mama Gabriel beneficiary
"Thanks to Kifaru Youth, I gained skills that have changed my life. I can now support my family and dream bigger."
— Mama Gabriel, Program Beneficiary

Latest News & Stories

Read about our work, events and success stories.

New Skills Workshop

Brighter Futures

2025 Read More
Community Outreach

Community Support Builds Stronger Families

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Education Access

The Power of Education

2025 Read More

Get Involved

There are many ways to support our mission. Be a part of the change in Karatu.

Join Us
Volunteer With Us

Volunteer Opportunities at KYCC

Make a direct, meaningful impact in Karatu, Tanzania. Whether in community empowerment or right inside our school classrooms, your passion changes lives.

Community Focus

Volunteer Activities

Work directly with children, youth, women, and families across Karatu to build self-reliance and community well-being.

  • Support child protection and welfare initiatives.
  • Promote health and hygiene awareness.
  • Support women and youth empowerment activities.
  • Assist with community outreach and sensitization.
  • Support livelihood and skills development programmes.
  • Engage in environmental conservation and clean-up campaigns.
  • Share your skills and talent (e.g. IT, media, sports, arts, crafts, etc.).
Classroom & Education

Volunteer Activities in School

Inspire, teach, and nurture our school children in Karatu from early childhood development through upper primary education.

  • Teach and support learners (Nursery to Primary Five)
  • Assist with reading, writing and numeracy
  • Support school feeding and nutrition programmes
  • Help with school administration and record keeping
  • Organize extracurricular activities (e.g. sports, music, arts, drama)
  • Support school infrastructure and classroom improvement (e.g. desks, learning materials)
  • Mentor and encourage children from vulnerable families

Ready to Volunteer in Karatu?

We welcome individual volunteers, university interns, and groups from Tanzania and across the globe. Reach out today to discuss placement schedules and opportunities.

Guiding Principles

Our core values guide every initiative we undertake to ensure sustainable, dignified community impact.

Healthy Living

Healthy Living

We promote healthy lifestyles through hygiene, nutrition, disease prevention, and organic farming on KYCC grounds to feed community programs.

Environmental Education

Environmental Education

We teach respect for natural resources with hands-on experiences: planting trees around Karatu, raising crops, and nurturing community gardens.

Language Acquisition

Language Acquisition

We help children and youth develop spoken and written English skills to prepare them for global opportunities and employment.

Safety and Nurturing

Safety & Nurturing

KYCC is dedicated to creating safe, trusting spaces where children, youth, and entrepreneurs thrive with stability and peace of mind.

Connect With Us

We enable vulnerable and marginalized children, youth, and adults to become healthy, self-sufficient citizens through Education, Entrepreneurship, and Compassion.

Location
Karatu, Arusha Region, Tanzania
Phone / WhatsApp
+255 784 510 863 / +255 754 510 863
Office Hours
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

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Send Us a Message

Have questions, want to partner, or support our programs? Reach out to our team.