Who We Are

About the Benjamin Runga Foundation

Our story, people, values, and the community powering free ICT education in Tanzania.

Our Story

How We Began

Our History

When Benjamin Nelson Runga — or "Benja," as he was warmly called — passed away, the singular hallmark of his life that his family and close friends remembered was his deep and abiding passion for ICT. Samsoni Runga, his younger brother and current Chairperson of the Benjamin Runga Foundation, recalls a particularly transformative scene from childhood:

"One Saturday afternoon, Benja returned home brimming with excitement about a marvelous machine called a computer. Curious, I asked him to explain what it was, and he replied, 'It's a machine capable of solving any problem.' In my youthful innocence, I envisioned a world where this extraordinary device could help me conquer all my challenges — from obtaining more toys to curing diseases. While I now recognize the complexity of computers and their capabilities, that initial curiosity ignited a lifelong pursuit of understanding." — Samsoni Runga, Chairperson, Benjamin Runga Foundation

This "lifelong pursuit of understanding" awakened by Benja has culminated in the ambitious vision that is the Benjamin Runga Foundation.

Our Present

We are a registered nonprofit operating on two continents. In Tanzania, we are registered as a Charitable Organisation under the Ministry of Community Development (Registration No. 00NGO/R/2682). In the United States, we are registered as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization (EIN: 88-2654747).

The Challenge

The Digital Divide in Tanzania

The Digital Divide in Tanzania is undeniable. Data provided by the National Basic Education Statistics in Tanzania (2021) paints a bleak picture, particularly in our operational hub of Arusha.

371

Primary school students share one piece of ICT equipment (national)

Secondary school students share one ICT tool (national)

Students share a single device in Arusha's secondary schools

Our Intervention

How We Respond

Today's world runs on digital technologies. Tanzania's glaring digital divide intensifies the country's already existing inequalities and hinders the ability of its youth to participate fully in the global digital economy.

This divide falls hardest on young women. Female students face compounding barriers — social, economic, and structural — that make access to ICT education even more out of reach. Closing this gender gap is a core focus of our work: over 58% of our students are female, and we are committed to keeping it that way.

To address this gap, we provide free access to ICT education to Arusha youth through a community-focused approach:

Building dedicated community ICT labs
Designing culturally-relevant ICT curriculum
Providing education and mentorship opportunities

Our Future

Short-term: Bridge the digital divide in Sinoni, Arusha through comprehensive, free ICT education
Long-term: Establish a vibrant ICT Education Hub serving all of Arusha and, ultimately, the rest of Tanzania

What We Do

Our Operations

Free ICT Education

We provide free ICT Education to the youth of Arusha through three core courses: Basic Computer Skills, Coding Skills in Javascript, and Graphics Design.

Program Structure

Schedule Minimum of 4 cohorts per year. Classes run 2.5 hours per day on weekdays over 8 weeks.

Accessibility Students from all over Arusha are welcome. No enrollment fees. Simple registration forms.

Certification Accredited certificate awarded to graduate who passed skills assessment upon completion.

Program Progression

Students with advanced computer skills can register directly for Coding Skills in Javascript and Graphics Design courses.

Students who complete the Basic Computer Skills course can then register for the advanced courses.

In the future, we plan to introduce a career-planning curriculum designed to guide students who want to pursue further ICT education at tertiary level and beyond.

Community Empowerment

Beyond instruction, BRF also serves as a much-needed community center: a nurturing environment where Tanzanian youth can meet and exchange ideas in a productive and empowering manner.

The Team

Our People

Our diverse team is fueled by a shared mission — from businesspeople and technologists, to educators and social advocates — committed to ensuring that every student who passes through our hands has the tools necessary to succeed.

Samsoni Runga Chairperson

Tabitha Edward Secretary

Adelina Mkami Board Member

Godrich Izack Board Member

Edwin Serunkuma Vice Chair

Emmanuel Runga Board Member

Naiman Solomoni Board Member

Ramasie Araesi Operations Manager

Jalilu Zaid Communications Assistant

Miriam Kidulile Board Member

Our Volunteers

Current Volunteers

Emmanuel Mriange Volunteer

Rehema Daniel Sulle Volunteer

Ally Former Volunteer

Cecilia Williams Former Volunteer

Elias Loishiye Former Volunteer

Maria Kavishe Former Board Member

What Drives Us

Our Guiding Values

Respect

We honour our students' dignity by prioritizing their wellbeing and building a learning environment based on mutual trust.

Accountability

We are transparent with our community of supporters, taking responsibility for our outcomes and holding ourselves to the highest professional and ethical standards possible.

Integrity

We will adhere to our founding values in our dealings with students and our community of supporters.

Innovation

We embrace ingenuity and creativity in our operations in order to continuously improve our overall impact.

Teamwork

We embrace an "all-hands-on-deck mentality," relying on our network of students, team, and community of supporters to achieve our shared goals.

Our Community

Our Global Community of Supporters

Our vision is powered by a vibrant, growing community of supporters. Because our conception of community is vast, we invite you — whether you are an individual or an organisation — to support our work.

We are grateful for the dedication and support of the following list of collaborators and funders:

Major Partners

Community & Foundational Support

Friends and Family of BRF
Volunteers

How We Operate

Our Guiding Policies

Every structure needs a solid foundation. Here are the policies undergirding our day-to-day operations and ensuring ethical practices at BRF.

Child Safeguarding Policy

Outlines our commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare, safety, and rights of our students.

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Whistleblower & Corruption Prevention Policy

Provides a secure and effective means for reporting any unethical behavior, corruption, fraud, or misconduct within the organization.

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Human Resources Policy

Provides a framework for managing human resources fairly, transparently, and in compliance with labor laws.

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Staff Code of Conduct

Establishes the ethical and professional standards of expected behavior of BRF personnel.

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Transportation & Accommodation Manual

Provides guidelines for the use and management of transport resources and accommodation at BRF.

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Our Work in Action

See ICT education in action

Classroom moments, student stories, and graduation celebrations — see the difference we make every day.

See Our Work on Instagram