about us
Shoes for Tanzania is a non-profit organization with a mission to empower youth through basketball, fostering growth, opportunity, and community engagement. We believe that sports are more than just a game—they are a vehicle for leadership, discipline, and resilience. Unfortunately, many young athletes in Tanzania lack the basic resources to fully participate, often playing barefoot or with worn-out shoes. Our goal is to bridge that gap by collecting and donating gently used and new basketball shoes to those in need.
But our impact goes beyond just footwear. Shoes for Tanzania is about creating opportunities, inspiring ambition, and nurturing a sense of community. Through basketball, we encourage youth to develop discipline, teamwork, and self-confidence—traits that extend far beyond the court and into their daily lives.
Our Story
This initiative was inspired by witnessing firsthand the passion for basketball among Tanzanian youth and the barriers they face in pursuing the game. Many of these young athletes have the drive and talent but lack proper gear, limiting their ability to train, compete, and grow in the sport. By providing them with quality footwear, we aim to remove at least one of those barriers, giving them a fair chance to chase their dreams and reach their full potential.
What We Do
Shoe Collection & Distribution: We partner with individuals, basketball teams, and organizations to collect gently used and new basketball shoes and distribute them to youth across Tanzania.
Basketball & Leadership Camps: We host camps and clinics that combine basketball training with life skills development, focusing on leadership, perseverance, and integrity.
Community Development & Infrastructure: Our long-term goal is to build and maintain basketball courts and safe play areas in underserved communities, providing a space for young athletes to gather, grow, and excel.
Mentorship & Empowerment Programs: Through partnerships with coaches, former players, and community leaders, we connect youth with mentors who can guide them in sports, education, and career pathways.
Awareness & Outreach: We actively work to raise awareness of the challenges young athletes face in Tanzania while building a global network of supporters dedicated to making a tangible impact.
Our Vision for the Future
At Shoes for Tanzania, we dream big. Beyond providing shoes, we envision a self-sustaining program that nurtures the next generation of athletes, leaders, and changemakers. Our long-term goals include:
Establishing an annual basketball tournament to showcase young talent and inspire community engagement.
Creating scholarship opportunities for promising athletes to further their education and sports careers.
Developing sports mentorship programs that connect Tanzanian youth with international athletes and coaches.
Expanding our reach to other African countries, ensuring more youth have access to proper sports equipment and opportunities.
Why It Matters
A pair of shoes might seem small, but for a young athlete, it can mean everything. It’s the difference between sitting on the sidelines and stepping onto the court with confidence. It’s the chance to dream bigger, play harder, and believe in a future filled with possibilities.
Through Shoes for Tanzania, we’re not just providing footwear—we’re walking alongside these young athletes on their journey to success.
Would you like to walk with us?