About Us
About Us
Rooted in faith. Built on love. Working toward a future where every child in our care can thrive.
Who We Are
A family rooted in faith, love and community.
At Tesifa, we believe that love, family and community are the foundation of lasting change. Based in Tanga, Tanzania, Tesifa was born out of a simple but powerful vision, to create a nurturing, faith-rooted environment where children can grow up surrounded by care, dignity and opportunity.
We are more than just a home. We are a family. Our children are raised by a house parent who lives alongside them, guiding them with love, consistency and faith. Around them, the wider Tesifa community - staff, volunteers and friends from near and far, comes together to ensure that every child has the chance to learn, grow and dream.
Our commitment goes beyond daily care. Through Thayu Farm, we are building a model of sustainability; producing food, raising animals and teaching the children practical skills that prepare them for life. Our approach blends compassion with empowerment, rooted in the belief that true transformation happens when people are equipped to thrive.
At the heart of everything we do is our faith, a belief that each life is precious, that family heals and that with God’s help, communities can rebuild themselves from within.
Our Name
Tesifa means hope.
Tesifa is drawn from the Amharic word for hope. It reminds us daily of our calling: to bring hope where it is needed most, to nurture life and to build a future rooted in love and purpose.
Our Faith
Faith in action.
Tesifa operates under the FPCT Church, guided by Christian values of compassion, stewardship and hope. We believe that through faith in action, we can reflect God’s love in every home we build, every child we care for and every seed we plant.
Meet the People Behind Tesifa
The people behind the work.
Tesifa is carried by people who serve in different ways through daily care, leadership, farming, operations, faith and long-term vision.
Rachael Njeri
Founding Director & Chairperson
Rachael began the work that became Tesifa Children’s Home out of a deep conviction that every vulnerable child deserves a real family. She leads the day-to-day life of the home, present, hands-on and the heartbeat of everything Tesifa is.
Steve Mwenda
Director — Thayu Farm & Operations
Steve oversees the development of Thayu Farm and the operational and financial management of Tesifa. He brings a practical, long-term focus to building the systems that will sustain the home for generations.
Kai Njeri
Director — Kwa Kairetu Partnership
Kai leads Tesifa’s relationship with the Kwa Kairetu project - a regenerative living space being developed in partnership with Maitu on land adjoining Thayu Farm. Her work bridges the children’s home and the wider vision of community and sustainable living.
Apimael Nnko
Director & Strategic Advisor
Pst.Nnko is an FPCT pastor and one of Tesifa’s directors, bringing local leadership, spiritual covering and deep understanding of the community we serve. As a strategic advisor, he helps guide Tesifa with wisdom, accountability and connection to both the FPCT Church and the wider Tanzanian context.
Kiliana Komachi
House Mama
Kiliana is one of the steady hearts of Tesifa. She walks with the children through the ordinary moments that make a home - meals, routines, care, correction, comfort, laughter and prayer. Her daily presence helps give the children the safety, rhythm and belonging they need to thrive.
Together
Built by everyone who has said yes.
Tesifa is not built by any one person. It is built by everyone who has said yes. Yes to a child, to a vision and to the belief that love, faithfully applied, changes everything.