About Us

Welcome to Hope Seed Initative. Hope Seed Initiative began as an answer to the call for the most needy in Arumeru East; the area where the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania Diocese of Meru (ELCT DME) operates!

Welcome to Hope Seed Initiative. Hope Seed Initiative began as an answer to the call for the most needy in Arumeru East; the area where the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania Diocese of Meru (ELCT DME) operates. Initially, the ELCT-DME in one of its priorities with the diocesan partners in Christ’s mission – The Great Milwaukee Synod(GMS) of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) - to reach the most needy people in the community regardless of their religious background; adopting the famous saying, “to give someone fishing net instead of fish” the goat project emerged. Marcy Mariki's visionary spirit with the "Goat Project" in 2009; visiting the GMS among the representatives from the DME delegation, she presented the matter to the partnership meeting in Milwaukee (USA). From that meeting, the “Goat Project” was born. The “Goat Project” works in the spirit of “assisting and passing on the gift”. Evolving into a beacon of hope, this initiative aimed to empower widows and orphans by giving them dairy goats—a lifeline for those in need. Over the years, the Goat Project has flourished, sprouting 35 groups across the ELCT Diocese of Meru in East Arumeru and the political district - Arusha Region.

The Goat project reached beyond the immediate impact of goat giving, prompting the creation of "Hope Seed" groups within parishes and the area. Comprising mainly women (mostly widows) and orphans these groups have blossomed into self-sustaining petty businesses, breaking the cycle of poverty through innovative ventures. In this dynamic model, small loans provided by Hope Seed catalyze entrepreneurial projects. For instance, a group might start with chickens, using the proceeds from egg sales to fund the creation of sellable products like jewelry. A percentage of earnings benefits group members, while the rest fuels continuous growth—a testament to the transformative power of sustainable business. Recognizing the potential to shape a brighter future, the project extends to reach the children. Small gatherings after school offer homework assistance and nurturing space for young minds to thrive with additional support, such as assisting with school uniforms and shoes.

In 2020, Hope Seed Initiative — an NGO streamlining goats, small financial transactions, and enhancing accountability was born. The NGO receives supportive donations (primarily from GM's congregations), and the Tanzanian team works voluntarily to reach the needy, acquisition of goats, ensure a steady source of income for the recipients, and fund the organization's broader mission. Regular visits to each group by the team ensure the well-being of the goats, address medical needs, and oversee proper accounting procedures. The Hope Seed Initiative embodies a holistic approach, where every action is a step towards sustainable change.

Join us in cultivating hope and transforming lives. The Hope Seed Initiative stands as a testament to the hand of Christ to reach the most needy, an entrepreneurial spirit, fostering resilience, self-sufficiency, and community development. Together, we sow the seeds of positive change, creating a legacy that transcends generations.

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Our Mission

Our mission is to empower and uplift communities by providing sustainable solutions to poverty and fostering self-sufficiency. Through initiatives like the Goat Project and Hope Seed, we aim to create a positive and lasting impact on the lives of widows, orphans, and families in need. We combine compassion with practical expertise, leveraging resources, entrepreneurship, and technology to sow the seeds of hope, resilience, and positive change. Together, we strive to build a future where every individual can thrive and contribute to their community's well-being.

Our Vision

Our vision is to create thriving, self-sustaining communities where every individual, regardless of their circumstances, can lead a dignified and fulfilling life. We aspire to be a catalyst for transformative change, breaking the cycle of poverty through innovative and sustainable initiatives. By fostering a sense of empowerment, resilience, and community collaboration, we envision a future where the seeds of positive change we plant today will grow into flourishing landscapes of hope and opportunity for generations to come.

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Our Team

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Founder | Director

Marcy Mariki

Meet Marcy Mariki, a compassionate force with a background in veterinary science and a heart devoted to her community. In 2009, she initiated the founding of the "Goat Project," providing widows and orphans with dairy goats for sustainable livelihoods. Marcy and her team Organized "Hope Seed" groups, empowering women with small loans, initiating entrepreneurial projects that transformed into self-sustaining businesses. Her veterinary expertise ensured the success of ventures, such as poultry projects, creating a cycle of economic empowerment. Marcy's story is one of resilience, empathy, and the transformative power of community-driven change.

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Driving Force

Josiah Mariki

Meet Josiah Mariki, the driving force behind Marcy Mariki's mission. With a background in horticulture, he seamlessly blended his expertise with the team to empower their community. Together, they have cultivated a legacy of compassion, resilience, and transformative impact, sowing the seeds of positive change in the lives of those they touch.

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Finance & Accounting

Norvatus Lyimo

Meet Norvatus Lyimo, who brings a crucial layer of expertise to Hope Seed Initiative(HSI). Armed with a background in finance and accounting, Novatus plays a pivotal role in shaping the organizational structure of their Initiatives. His dedication and financial insight have been instrumental in transforming the HSI into a well-structured and impactful organization, ensuring sustained growth and positive change in the communities they serve.

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Tech-Savvy

Goodluck Mariki

Meet Goodluck Mariki, a tech-savvy force propelling HSI into the digital age. Armed with a degree in Information Technology, Goodluck joined the HSI, infusing innovation into their initiatives. Goodluck's experience has ushered in a new era, introducing digital solutions to streamline processes, improve communication, and broaden the organization's visibility.

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Team Builder

Abdiel Ndosi

Meet Pastor Abdiel Ndosi a retired pastor of the ELCT DME. A teacher and an administrator. He is the former General Secretary of the ELCT DME and the Director of the ELCT Lutheran Junior Seminary Morogoro. His experience as the Diocesan General Secretary for twelve years brings an essential knowledge of the people in the area as well as the supportive teamwork within and outside the country.

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Community Hero

Exaudi Pallangyo

Meet pastor Exaudi Pallangyo, also retired. His parish experience for many years adds to the quality of the working team as he is knowledgeable with the people at grass level.

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Co-ordinator

Walter Chossek

Meet Walter J. Chossek. Walter J Chossek is an active member and Past President of Kingo Lutheran Church, Shorewood, Wisconsin. USA; Active member and Past Treasurer of the Meru partnership Committee, Greater Milwaukee Synod, ELCA Member of the Board, Mt Meru Coffee Project, Inc. 1999 through present. Treasurer – 2003 to 2018, President – 2018 through 2023, Past President – January 2024 to present. Have visited the ELCT Meru Diocese, within Arumeru District eleven different times starting in November 1999.

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Financial Founders

Sue and Tom Johnson

At the request of Marcy Mariki, Tom and Sue Johnson became the financial founders of the Hope Seed Initiative in 2021. Marcy’s desire to help those who had no source of income, and Sue’s early life spent living on a dairy farm convinced the Johnsons that this was a ministry that they wanted to support and to take an active part in. Active members of the Meru Partnership Committee in the Greater Milwaukee Synod (Wisconsin, USA) since 2007, the Johnsons grew to love the Goat Project and Hope Seed Groups started by Marcy, with help from her husband, Josiah, and Pastor Exaud Pallangyo, so it seemed a positive move to be able to bring the principles of these groups to a broader group of people. One thing that hasn’t changed since their first visit to the area is the fact that many people can’t find work and have no way to support themselves. Being able to see the impact that having a goat has made in the life of a widow, orphan, or disabled individual has been both humbling and extremely rewarding. Being able to see the impact that being able to support yourself has made on an individual reminds us that we are all unique and loved in God’s eyes. Continued support of this ministry by people from around the world will ensure that those unable to work for whatever reason will have a way to help their family by providing milk to drink and sell, manure for their gardens, or a small business with items to sell and a support group to help in times of need. Sue has travelled to Tanzania 8 times, and Tom 4. Each time being with the Hope Seed Initiative recipients is the most rewarding part of the trip. Monetary donations are appreciated for the purchase of goats or for small loans to a business group. Your help with these donations will allow us to continue to bless those in need. Our Tanzanian friends will give thanks to God for you and say “Asante sana!” (“Many thanks!”)

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Economic, Development Committee Chair, Greater Milwaukee Synod Meru Parish

Diane Voit

I was so impressed with Mama Mariki's Goat Project when I visited Tanzania for the first time in 2014. God has truly blessed her efforts through Hopr Seed Initiative to help women with many small businesses to be able to support their children and let them get an education!

Plant a Seed of Hope for Everyone in need

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