CommunityEmpowerment programs

Every day, families on the slopes of Kilimanjaro face a harsh reality: forests are disappearing, their health is at risk, and their time is slipping away. Tanzania loses a staggering 469,000 hectares of forest annually, with firewood collection being a leading cause of deforestation (FAO). This environmental devastation not only disrupts biodiversity and water cycles but also fuels climate change. For women and children, the burden is particularly heavy—they spend up to 20 hours each week collecting firewood, robbing them of opportunities for education, economic growth, and precious family time (World Bank). Meanwhile, traditional stoves and open fires release dangerous indoor air pollution, contributing to 4 million deaths annually, a crisis that disproportionately impacts women and children (WHO). By providing energy-efficient stoves, we can alleviate these struggles, protect forests, and offer families a chance at a healthier, more hopeful future.

Clean cookstoves have a transformative impact on the environment, economy, health, and society. By reducing firewood consumption by up to 60%, these stoves conserve forests, decrease CO₂ emissions, and save an estimated 1 ton of CO₂ annually per stove. Economically, households experience a 30–50% reduction in firewood expenses, freeing resources for other essential needs. Health benefits are profound, as clean cookstoves eliminate 70–90% of indoor air pollution, significantly reducing respiratory illnesses and improving overall family well-being. Socially, the time saved from firewood collection empowers women economically and enables children to attend school. As a donor, you’ll receive impact reports showcasing your contribution’s environmental and social effects and be recognized as a Forest Protector Partner, with opportunities to participate in exclusive stove distribution ceremonies on the slopes of Kilimanjaro.