Architecture for impact: Visiting two transformative projects in Tanzania

Group photo at Kao La Amani Children’s Village, Boma

In January 2025, Article 25 travelled with three of our valued supporters – Kevin Arnold, Equity Partner at Gardiner & Theobald, Jack Pringle, Co-founder of Article 25, and Chris Booth, Group Managing Director at Overbury – to visit two of our projects in Tanzania. This was an opportunity to see firsthand the real, tangible impact of our work, meet the communities we support, and understand how our partnerships are driving meaningful change.

More Than a Building has been running for just over a year, bringing together companies that share our vision for delivering lasting solutions in education, healthcare, and resilient community development. As part of this initiative, our supporters experienced how their contributions are making a difference on the ground.

Fostering sustainability at Kao La Amani Children’s Village

Landing in Kilimanjaro, our visitors travelled to Kao La Amani Children’s Village, an off-grid orphanage for vulnerable children in the Boma region. Led by Article 25’s Senior Architect Toby Pear, they toured the site, exploring its sustainable design features, including a new dental facility and a much-loved sports pitch.

The visit was more than just a tour – it was about connection and contribution. Supporters took part in tree planting to reinforce the village’s sustainability efforts, while Site Architect Paulina-Shari showcased the flourishing garden, a testament to the project’s environmental stewardship. The day ended with a shared meal and a celebratory cake-cutting with the children, marking the strength of these transformative partnerships.

Reflecting on the experience, Jack Pringle shared:

“Walking through the gate, you immediately feel the warmth, the care, and the extraordinary craftsmanship that has gone into every detail. It’s a home, built with love and immense dedication.”

Photos from Kao La Amani Children’s Village, Boma

Empowering inclusion at Child Support Tanzania School

The journey continued to the Child Support Tanzania School in Mbeya, an inclusive learning space designed to empower children with disabilities. Led by Child Support Tanzania staff and Site Architect Lyia Harold, the tour highlighted key accessibility features that ensure a supportive environment for diverse learning needs.

The visitors were treated to a special moment with the school community – custom clothing measurements from a talented tailor and an impromptu performance by a blind guitarist playing Bob Marley classics. The day concluded with cupcakes and heartfelt farewells as the children boarded the school bus.

Kevin Arnold reflected on the visit:

“Seeing how Article 25’s design approach supports both education and inclusion was incredibly impactful. The thoughtful planning and execution ensure this school will continue evolving to meet the community’s needs.”

Jack Pringle added:

“Article 25 has used the most cost-effective local materials to bring the community’s vision to life. It’s a model for what can be done elsewhere on a modest budget, yet with extraordinary impact.”

Photos from Child Support Tanzania School, Mbeya

Partnerships driving transformation

For Article 25, collaboration is at the heart of everything we do. More Than a Building is about harnessing the skills, expertise and generosity of the industry to deliver real change.

Chris Booth captured this perfectly at the end of the trip:

“There is so much more that our industry can give. It’s not just about money - it’s about knowledge-sharing, material reuse, and engineering solutions. Every part of the construction industry has a role to play, and the opportunities to contribute are enormous.”

As we look ahead, Gemma Holding, Chief Executive of Article 25, reinforced the power of these partnerships:

“We couldn’t have delivered these two transformative buildings without the support of our network. It was brilliant to connect with our supporters on the ground and see the impact firsthand. We look forward to the next trip and to scaling our work even further.”

 Thank you to our supporters, partners and everyone who helped make these visits a success. We’re excited for the next visit already.

Drone shot from Kao La Amani Children’s Village, Boma. Credit: Eliya Lawrence Uzia.

If your organisation is interested in joining More Than a Building and supporting Article 25’s vital work, please contact Gemma Holding: gemma-holding@article-25.org

*A special thanks to Jack Pringle for his photography above.