Our Founders
One man's compassion. A family's continuing promise.
Global Orphanage Development Organization was born out of one man's response to a hard truth he could not ignore. Elphas Amon Kaaya, moved by the harsh and impoverished conditions facing so many orphaned and vulnerable children across African communities, resolved to build a lasting foundation — one that would give children not just short-term charity, but a genuine, structured pathway toward social and economic self-reliance.
Elphas envisioned an organization that would provide education and accommodation to orphans, sending them to school and equipping them with self-dependence education alongside temporary shelter. He believed that combining self-awareness, economic and social education would give children the self-confidence and independence to build their own futures — a belief that remains at the heart of GODO's mission today.
Following Elphas Amon Kaaya's passing in 2016, his son, Macdonald Elphas Amon, was moved to continue his father's work. Motivated by a deep personal commitment to his father's legacy, Macdonald has carried GODO forward, preserving its founding values while expanding its reach to support more children across Arusha.
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The People Who Started It All
Founder (1st Generation)
Elphas Amon Kaaya
Elphas Amon Kaaya founded Global Orphanage Development Organization out of a deep concern for the welfare of orphaned and street children in Tanzania. His firsthand experience of the difficult realities facing children without family support led him to create an organization grounded in practical care: food, shelter, schooling, and the self-dependence education needed for a genuine path forward.
Elphas envisioned an organization that would provide education and accommodation to orphans, sending them to school and equipping them with self-dependence education alongside temporary shelter. He believed that combining self-awareness, economic and social education would give children the self-confidence and independence to build their own futures — a belief that remains at the heart of GODO's mission today.
His founding vision continues to guide GODO's constitution, mission and daily work.
Founder (2nd Generation)
Macdonald Elphas Amon
Macdonald Elphas Amon took up his father's mission after Elphas Amon Kaaya's passing in 2016. Motivated by a deep personal commitment to his father's legacy, Macdonald has carried GODO forward, preserving its founding values while expanding its reach to support more children across Arusha City and the surrounding communities.
Since then, he has led GODO's continued growth — upholding the founding principles of dignity, education and self-reliance while working to reach more children in need across Arusha City and the surrounding communities.
Board of Directors
Chairperson
Chairperson
Responsibilities: Presides over the General Meeting Serves as spokesperson for the Organization Oversees daily activities Signatory to the bank account Office bearers are elected...
Executive Secretary
Executive Secretary
Responsibilities: Calls meetings in consultation with the Chairperson Arranges office schedules Receives applications and correspondence Keeps all organizational documents and ass...
Treasurer
Treasurer
Responsibilities: Receives and safeguards funds Prepares the annual budget and financial statements Maintains records of accounts and assets Submits audited reports to the General...