about us

The Olive Branch for Children (TOBFC) is a non-governmental organization founded in 2005 by Deborah McCracken-Nangereke. Today, TOBFC works in over 50 communities helping more than 200,000 people annually in Mbarali District in the Mbeya region of western Tanzania, providing the critical support necessary for these communities to work together, grow and flourish. TOBFC is committed to reducing poverty and enabling the future we want to see for our children and beyond.

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When Deborah finished her master’s degree at the University of Edinburgh she was inspired to go to Tanzania. During her travels she met a group of young Tanzanians who wanted to build a football (soccer) field. This group was very passionate about the project and they did all the work to build the field, but they didn’t have the money to buy goal posts. Deborah called home to Canada and raised the money. Through this experience Deborah realized what she wanted to do with her life; she would remain in Tanzania and fundraise to help communities achieve their dreams.

TOBFC began by supporting six children and has grown to support everyone at all ages and stages of life, including young children, pregnant mothers, students, families, the elderly, and vulnerable women and children. 

We now do work in education, health, community supports, climate care, financial autonomy and social enterprise programs. We have evolved from The Olive Branch For Children to The Olive Branch For Everyone.

TOBFC is a not-for-profit registered Canadian charity, a registered charity in Ireland and a registered association in Germany. TOBFC does all of its work in Tanzania, while its funds are raised by its Global Family of volunteer supporters located mostly in Canada, Ireland, and Germany.  

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TOBFC is a registered NGO in Tanzania with a local advisory board that possesses deep understanding of the communities where TOBFC operates. The advisory board liaises with different communities in Tanzania, including all levels of government,
to help implement the work of the charity.

TOBFC has over 100 staff members located in Tanzania, where decisions regarding annual programming are made.