Frequently Asked Questions

• What does Watoto mean?
  Watoto is the Swahili word for children.
   
• Why Tanzania?
  There are many countries with high levels of poverty, but in 2001 our founder was living in Tanzania , where he was struck by what he saw there. Our support there is still desperately needed.
   
• Why is the foundation doing the work of the Tanzanian government?
  Tanzania is a very poor country; youth unemployment is high and there are very few opportunities for underprivileged children who do not have a good education. That is why our help is still crucial, even though we hope that in time our projects can become more self-sufficient.
   
• Is it possible to do business in Tanzania if you are not corrupt?
  In Tanzania, like almost everywhere in Africa, there is corruption. Unfortunately also within the government. Although we are independent, we have to deal with government agencies for things like housing, licenses and running our primary school. Our local team maintains good contact with those authorities and all other people (indirectly) involved with our project. With a good track record, the established goodwill and the principle of not paying bribes, we have been able to maneuver well and to get things (sometimes with delay) done.
   
• How can I be sure that the money is well spent?
  The managing board safeguards spending. Once a year it publishes its figures in the annual report, which is audited by an accountant. In addition, we frequently provide progress reports via our website and newsletters. Our projects are led by local management, but under the close supervision of the Dutch managing board. Board members pay all of their own expenses, and our overhead is very low.
   
• How much continuity is there in the foundation/managing board?
  The managing board has almost daily contact with local management. In addition, there is a permanent advisor on location to assist and advise the managing board and local management. Delegations made up of different members of the managing board visit the project at least 3 times a year.
   
• Does the managing board have sufficient knowledge and experience?
  The managing board is made up of people with board experience in the business world or in social organisations. In addition, the managing board can draw on the expertise of the Advisory Council in areas such as nutrition, education, communication and management development.
   
• How is the managing board paid?
  Managing board members receive no remuneration. Moreover, board members pay all of their own travel and hotel expenses and any other expenses they incur as board members.
   
• What measures guarantee accountability?
  We publish our accounts once a year in the annual report and provide progress updates on our website and via newsletters. The annual figures in Tanzania are checked by an auditor. Our projects are led by local management, but under the close supervision of the Dutch managing board. Board members pay all of their own expenses, and our overhead is very low.
   
• How do you define “low overhead”? 
  The foundation in the Netherlands has a very limited overhead (1%). The managing board is unpaid and members pay all of their own travel and hotel expenses. Nor are there any costs involved in activities related to raising money via sponsors.
   
• Will you always have to rely on sponsors? 
  At present we are entirely reliant on sponsoring and donations from the Netherlands and Germany. Because we would like to reduce this reliance, a local fundraising project will be set up in the hope that these funds  will eventually cover a substantial portion of the costs. Moreover, we are trying to reduce our fixed costs, for example, by growing our own fruit and vegetables.
   
• Do you work with other charitable organisations?
  We work with the German foundation Good Hope; together we manage the children’s home. In Tanzania, we are also in frequent contact with other, similar foundations, with whom we exchange information.
   
• How are children selected?
  We focus on the most deprived children. Our social workers, who are familiar with the area where our projects are located, are responsible for the initial selection. We use no criteria other than the level of deprivation.
   
• Why is education in English?
  English is the second language in Tanzania, and it is required in all secondary schools. Learning to speak English at a young age is an added advantage.
   
• How do you ensure that children do not become alienated from the rest of society in Tanzania?
  We maintain a level of education and housing that is as close as possible to that of daily life in Tanzania. We try to focus on the “need to have” instead of on what would be “nice to have”. This helps to avoid problems of reintegration at a later stage. Also, children return to their families in the long vacations so that they remain in touch with relatives and society.
   
• Does the foundation have a religious orientation?
  No, we have religious agenda, nor do we select students on the basis of religion.
   
• What is your policy with regard to HIV?
  There a number of HIV positive children in the school and children’s home. Our medical facilities are capable of dealing with this in a secure manner. Since 2014, we have not admitted any new children with HIV because their care is too complex for an organisation of our size. If during the intake procedure we discover that a child is HIV positive, we send the child to a specialised facility.
   
• Do you monitor children’s progress after they leave school?
  We pay for the secondary education (at local schools) of children who leave our primary school. These are generally boarding schools, and we receive individual progress reports for these children. We continue to monitor children  after they have completed their secondary education and, if necessary, to provide support.
   
• ​What is the drop-out rate?
  Very low, with the exception of rare instances related to family circumstances. In such cases we try to find housing elsewhere.
   
• How is personnel screened?
  Screening is done locally by the management team. New personnel must speak English at an acceptable level.
   
• How do you guarantee the safety of the children?
  The children’s homes and schools are located in closed, secure areas. At school, teachers monitor the children, and in the children’s homes, matrons and patrons care for the children. There have been no safety issues during the past years. 

If case you have questions, suggestions or if you have a complaine about our foundation, we kindly request you to contact the board per email: info@happywatoto.nl
You can expect feedback from the board in principle within 48 hours but at the latest within one week time.