Maasai Girls Rescue Center rescues and develops vulnerable girls in Tanzania; creating lasting change one girl at a time.
What we do is provide immediate safety from extreme poverty, child marriage, and FGM at our ecoVillage in Karatu. What we do then is go further with comprehensive education, vocational training, healthcare, and individualized development plans that build pathways to independence. What we do includes ensuring that every girl feels supported on her journey.
Our vision is simple but powerful: to equip every rescued girl with the skills and confidence to become financially self-sufficient and break the cycle of poverty for good.
By investing in the potential of Maasai girls, we’re building a brighter future for individuals, communities, and the entire region.
Join us in empowering the next generation of strong, independent women.
Our Mission: Rescue vulnerable Maasai girls and break the cycle of poverty
Rescue
Provide immediate care to the most vulnerable Maasai girls, ensuring they have food, shelter, medical attention, and a safe environment.
Empower
Build a sustainable social enterprise empowering Maasai girls with the skills and resources to break free from poverty and achieve financial independence.
What we do: Complete care from rescue to independence
MGRC provides comprehensive development, not just short-term aid.
What we do goes beyond rescue; it’s about holistic development and empowerment. We rescue vulnerable Maasai girls from extreme poverty, FGM, and child marriage, then deliver complete support at every stage of their journey.
Our goal is clear: equip every girl with the skills, confidence, and resources needed to become financially independent and self-sufficient.
100% of donor contributions go directly to the girls’ care and development.
Immediate safety and stability
Safe housing at our ecoVillage, medical care, trauma counseling, and nutritious meals create a foundation for healing and growth.
Education and life skills
Academic tutoring, agricultural training, hospitality management, and essential life skills prepare girls for meaningful careers. Each girl receives an individualized development plan aligned with her unique abilities and aspirations.
Economic empowerment
Hands-on experience at our ecoFarm and Maasai ecoLodge provides real-world training and pathways to financial independence. Girls don’t just learn skills; they practice them in functioning businesses.
Community integration
We partner with local schools and communities to create a supportive environment that ensures our girls can thrive beyond our ecoVillage walls.
What we do differently: A sustainable model
We’ve built more than a rescue center. We’ve created a self-sustaining ecosystem.
What we do is unique because we prioritize sustainable practices that foster long-term change. Through our ecoLodge social enterprise, we generate revenue that covers operational costs, ensuring 100% of donations go directly to the girls. This entrepreneurial approach means we’re not just helping girls escape poverty; we’re teaching them to build sustainable livelihoods while securing our mission’s long-term future.
Operational Expenses (%) by Category
Expanding our impact: Building a sustainable community
To further our mission of empowering Maasai girls and fostering sustainable development, we’ve established the Maasai ecoVillage. Located in the scenic hills of Karatu, this innovative project features eco-friendly housing, educational facilities, sustainable agricultural initiatives, and community spaces. By creating a thriving community, we’re providing Maasai girls with the tools they need to succeed and contributing to a more sustainable future.
Developing local Tanzanian leaders
Maasai Girls Rescue Center began with one individual’s dream, but it has grown far beyond that. Through hard work, generous donors, sponsors, and dedicated locals, we’ve built lasting ties with the community and invested in talented Tanzanians who share our values.
What we do today sets the foundation for a brighter future for Maasai girls tomorrow.
Today, Tanzanian staff manage the Maasai ecoVillage and ecoFarm day-to-day operations, with the founder providing overall direction. A capable leadership team of Tanzanians runs the programs that transform girls’ lives.
Frequently asked questions
What we do and how it transforms lives.
How does what we do prevent child marriage and FGM?
MGRC rescues Maasai girls from communities where child marriage and female genital mutilation (FGM) are prevalent. We provide immediate safe housing at our ecoVillage in Karatu, Tanzania, along with comprehensive education and vocational training. By equipping girls with academic skills and career pathways toward economic independence, we break the cycle that leads to early marriage. Our girls gain the resources and confidence to become self-sufficient women who can make their own life choices.
What sets MGRC apart from other African charities?
MGRC disrupts the cycle of poverty for vulnerable Maasai girls by equipping them with tools for financial independence and self-sufficiency. What we do differently is tailor career paths aligned with each girl’s abilities, talents, and aspirations to ensure economic autonomy. Unlike short-term aid organizations, we focus on long-term sustainable development through our ecoVillage and social enterprise model.
What is the MGRC ecoVillage in Karatu, Tanzania?
The Maasai ecoVillage is our 10-acre rescue and development center in the scenic hills of Karatu District, Northern Tanzania. It provides a safe, nurturing home where rescued girls can heal, learn, and grow. The ecoVillage includes housing for 120 girls, an organic ecoFarm that teaches agricultural skills, educational facilities, a career training center, and the Maasai ecoLodge (our social enterprise that generates revenue to support operations). Using permaculture principles, girls gain hands-on experience in sustainable farming, hospitality, and other vocational skills while pursuing their education.
What is the success rate of MGRC graduates?
75% of MGRC girls rank in the top 25% of their class academically. Our first graduates have completed vocational internships and become self-sufficient members of the local Tanzanian community. We track success through monthly measurements including academic performance, emotional and physical wellness, vocational skills development, and career readiness. Many of our girls are the first in their families to receive formal education.
How much of my donation goes directly to the girls?
100% of every dollar donated goes directly to the care of the girls. Operational expenses are covered separately through our sustainable social enterprise initiatives including the ecoLodge and ecoFarm.
How can I help Maasai girls in Tanzania?
You can support MGRC girls through several pathways: sponsor a specific girl’s education, make a one-time or recurring donation (100% goes to girls), volunteer at the ecoVillage in Karatu, visit the Maasai ecoLodge or Culture Center, or choose specific gifts from our catalog (livestock, school supplies, medical care). Every contribution directly impacts a girl’s journey from vulnerability to independence.
