Econef Children’s Center

ECONEF is an independent non-governmental organization that aims to improve the standard of living for orphans in the Arusha region of Tanzania. The aim of the Children’s Center Project is to increase ECONEF’S independence and reduce its reliance on private donations.

To help achieve this goal the new buildings are planned to be ecologically and economically sustainable and largely maintenance free. The center produces its own electricity through the installation of solar panels and systems for rainwater harvesting and natural ventilation are integrated into the architectural design. A biogas plant takes care of organic waste and provides cooking gas for the center.

The construction techniques and materials are local and based on traditional techniques to minimize the need for external construction expertise and excessive transportation costs. The last phase of the project is the construction of a kindergarden where children from the center and the surrounding villages can spend their days in a learning environment.