Twenty Years of Impact
Preparing Today’s Students to Create Tomorrow’s Tanzania
6011
Students
520
Teachers
45
Schools
10
Regions
Two Decades of Lasting Impact
For 20 years, Opportunity Education has worked to empower thousands of students across Tanzania—helping them learn with confidence, supporting teachers to inspire growth, and strengthening schools that nurture curiosity and creativity. Rooted in our mission to provide engaging, high-quality learning experiences, we celebrate the thousands of young people whose skills and ambitions have flourished through our programmes. Together, we’re building brighter futures and a stronger foundation for the next generation of Tanzanian leaders.
Opportunity Education’s 20th anniversary celebration, held in Moshi, Tanzania on September 26th, was a joyful reflection on two decades of transforming education. Educators, mentors, and partners came together to celebrate the shift from rote learning to active, student-centred education that builds skills and values for life. With remarks from President and COO Manuel Mattke and Vice President of East Africa Operations Andy Karas, the event honoured past achievements and looked ahead with renewed commitment to expand Opportunity Education’s impact and empower even more young people across Tanzania.
“At Opportunity Education, we are committed to empowering young people to shape their own futures and contribute meaningfully to their families, their nation, and the world. We strive to nurture a generation that is driven, creative, knowledgeable, confident, and courageous.”
– Andy Karas
Two Decades of Milestones
2005: Founding of Opportunity Education
Opportunity Education was founded in 2005 by Joe Ricketts, whose vision is to bring engaging, effective, and relevant learning to young people around the world.
The first programme, the Primary School Programme, operated from 2005 to 2019 and provided schools with learning materials and resources. Starting with Sotwa Wilson English Medium Primary School in Arusha, the organisation rapidly expanded, reaching over 400 primary schools across nearly every region of Tanzania.
2014: Launch of the Tablet Programme
In 2014, Opportunity Education began exploring how technology could revolutionise education access and quality. This led to launching the Tablet Programme, a two-year pilot programme equipping 10 secondary schools and 2,000 students with tablets, digital resources, and teacher training to promote independent, technology-driven learning.
2016: Introduction of the Quest Forward Learning Programme
In 2016, in response to student disengagement in traditional classrooms, Opportunity Education began the Quest Forward Learning programme featuring digital Quests—hands-on, student-centred learning experiences designed to spark curiosity while achieving curricular objectives.
2017: Launch of Mtakuja Secondary School as the Pilot School
In 2017, Quest Forward Learning was officially launched in Tanzania, with Mtakuja Secondary School in Moshi serving as the pilot. The initiative introduced student-centred learning supported by technology.
2020: Launch of the Pathways Programme
In 2020, Opportunity Education introduced the Pathways Programme to help students identify their interests, strengths, and potential career paths for a meaningful future beyond secondary school.
2020: Advancement in Digital Learning Innovation
In 2020, Opportunity Education introduced the Local Resource Service (LRS), which transformed digital learning by enabling schools to access teaching and learning materials and assessments offline, eliminating dependence on internet connectivity.
2020 - 2024: Significant Improvement in Student Academic Performance
Since 2020, an average of 68% of Form 4 graduates across partner schools have advanced from Divisions III & IV to Divisions I & II, reflecting strong academic progress and a commitment to excellence.
2024: Full Approval of the Digital Curriculum by TIE
As of 2024, Opportunity Education’s student-centred digital learning materials for Forms 1–4 have been approved and certified by the Tanzania Institute of Education (TIE)—the first national curriculum-based digital learning approach to achieve this milestone.
2024: Partnership Established with Midland University
In 2024, through a partnership with Midland University (Nebraska, United States), 51 Tanzanian secondary school teachers earned certification in Active Learning and Feedback Strategies. This has strengthened classroom engagement and improved teaching effectiveness across partner schools.
2025: Expansion of Educational Reach
Opportunity Education through Quest Forward Learning now supports over 6,000 students and 520 teachers across 45 secondary schools in 10 regions.
Celebration Highlights
Bishop Dr. Fredrick Shoo
School Owners' Representative
Patrick Leanna
Director of Quality Assurance, Ministry of Education, Science and Tech
Andy Karas
Vice President, East Africa, Opportunity Education
Watch more highlights from the event
“Back then, we used to learn by memorising and reproducing, but I’ve seen how Opportunity Education is helping our young people take a holistic approach to learning. It’s not about recalling what’s in the book, but about applying knowledge in real-life situations. You’ve made the education our children receive practical, something they can use to solve problems at home and in the community.”
– Commissioner of Education
Photo Gallery Highlights
Mercy Mandia - Senior Curriculum Coordinator, Tanzania Institute of Education
Martin Russell - Director of Africa Operations at Opportunity Education
Attendees at the celebration
Asia Ngadu - 2020 Mtakuja Secondary School Alumna
Martin Russell and Andy Karas
Patrick Leanna for the Tanzania Commissioner of Education
Manuel Mattke, President and COO of Opportunity Education
Attendees at the celebration
Andy Karas presenting a gift to Patrick Leanna, for the Tanzania Commissioner of Education
Venance Panja - Regional Education Officer for Secondary Education
Attendees at the celebration
Victoria Ulimboka - Career Mentor
“A partnership like this matters in education because it goes beyond textbooks, timetables, or even exam results. It is about shaping human beings who will shape the future. It equips our students with mindsets, habits, and skills to own their learning and drive their future. It empowers our teachers to rediscover joy and creativity in their vocation. And it strengthens our schools as communities where hope and opportunity are cultivated every day.”