meet our people
“We don’t just provide a roof over someone’s head, we provide a whole family. We help children feel safe, seen, and supported, so they can create a brighter future and follow their dreams.”
our founder
Carley Mchome first arrived in East Africa as a volunteer in 2006. What began as a three-month trip quickly turned into a lifelong commitment. By 2010, Carley had opened the doors to Ujamaa Children’s Home in Arusha, determined to offer a more loving, long-term alternative to institutional care.
Today, Carley lives just a short walk from Ujamaa with her Tanzanian husband and their two children. She is deeply embedded in the Ujamaa community as the Director of Programs, offering hands-on leadership and a fierce belief in every child’s potential.
Carley Mchome
Founder and Director of Programs
Operations Manager
Fatuma
Fatuma has been with Ujamaa for over 10 years. From her early days working as a nanny for Carley to managing the daily operations of the Home, she has grown alongside Ujamaa itself. Today, she oversees purchasing, planning, and administration while also remaining a warm, steady presence in the lives of our children. She holds multiple certifications in childcare and social welfare.
House Manager
Deborah
Deborah is a creative powerhouse and a cherished part of our team. With 9 years at Ujamaa, she leads daily activities, helps manage the flow of the home, and is known for her infectious energy and brilliant games. She’s studied Community Work and First Aid and continues to inspire the children with her joy and consistency.
Social Worker
tatu
As our in-house Social Worker, Tatu brings professional care and deep empathy to her role supporting the emotional wellbeing of our children. She is a trusted adult, confidante, and advocate, helping each child process their journey and chart a hopeful path forward.
Local, dedicated, and here for the long haul.
We proudly employ 13 highly trained Tanzanian staff to run Ujamaa Children’s Home, each of them deeply committed to the wellbeing of our children.
From caregivers and social workers to cooks and groundskeepers, every team member brings warmth, consistency, and cultural connection to our home. Most have been with us for over six years, creating a stable, nurturing environment that allows our children to grow up surrounded by familiar, loving faces.
Meet a Few of Our Core Team Members:
Our Team
"It was always my dream to work with children and when I was younger I didn't have many opportunities, so I love that I can now support children in need. Ujamaa is not just a job for me, it is a family full of love, generosity and kindness. To see the work we do and the quality of education and opportunities we give the children makes me so proud. I love my job and I am lucky to be a part of Ujamaa."
fatuma
Operations Manager
Governance & Structure
Transparency, accountability, and strong local leadership.
We’re proud to operate with minimal admin costs, all paid staff are based in Tanzania, and governance roles are voluntary. This ensures the majority of funding directly supports the children in our care.
Registered INGO overseeing all programs in Tanzania, including Ujamaa Children’s Home and Forward Together.
Board Members: David Mchome, Carley Mchome, Fatuma Iddi, Irene Kimario, Yohana Chuku
Ujamaa Tanzania Foundation
Registered Australian charity and our primary fundraising and governance body. Responsible for financial oversight, compliance, and long-term vision.
Trustees: Carley Mchome, Roslyn Andrews, Paul Noonan, Sarah Ryan, Simone Murray, Lucy Bradlow
Ujamaa Foundation (Australia)
Fundraising partner and long-time advocate of Ujamaa’s mission.
Trustees: Imogen Fisher, Hannah Woodthorpe, Stuart Parnaby, Claire Ezekwe, Karen Bedborough
Ujamaa Children’s Trust (UK)
Ujamaa is built on connection, between children and carers, founders and funders, and across cultures and continents. This is our family.
“The Ujamaa Children’s Home moves me, inspires me and grounds me. Every time I see the children, I’m humbled by their resilience and their joy. This is the good thing I do.”
imy fisher
Trustee, Ujamaa Children's Trust UK
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