“If real development is to take place, the people have to be involved.” – Mwalimu Julius K. Nyerere

OLET is a non-profit organization that provides education and development opportunities for underprivileged children and youth in Tanzania, East Africa. OLET strives to improve the educational outcomes for students who are lacking financial means of achieving higher education and/or other development opportunities

VISION
Pioneering change in the lives of the poor through Education

MISSION
To expand educational opportunities to families in need so that their children can acquire the requisite education to meet their needs and achieve their higher education and development dreams

OLIVE LUENA, FOUNDER & PRESIDENT

Olive Luena is the Founder of OLET, which is the acronym for “OLIVE LUENA EDUCATION TRUST”. Before founding OLET, she served as C.E.O of TGT (Tanzania Gatsby Trust), the nation’s largest organization that provides funds for micro entrepreneurs in East Africa. TGT has and it still is contributing immensely to the economics of Tanzania by helping thousands of micro entrepreneurs get their projects off ground to successful implementation and profitability

Luena first profession was a teacher, which is why she is passionate about education. As a former teacher, she knows the value of education and how it can improve quality of life. Luena came from underprivileged family herself and was privileged to obtain sponsorships and scholarships to acquire her education. It is through education that she became successfully personally and professionally. “It is only right if I return the favor and give back to the community” said Luena.

“For the past thirty years or more, I have tried to share whatever resources that I have including my talents to reach out and touch the lives of children and students whom are or grew up in similar experiences like I grew up in. I have supported orphans from their tender age of schooling to vocational training up to the University level/professional level, including raising some of them as part of my family for which my family has been very welcoming and accommodating” added Luena.