Expand Our Workshop and Makerspace Facilities

At Twende, our mission has always been to accelerate Innovation to both youth and adults so that they become creative problem-solvers and Innovators who develop practical Technologies that address personal and community challenges.

As awareness of our programs continues to grow, the number of makers, innovators, and learners that depends on Twende Makerspace for training, collaboration, co-working, and building solutions has also grown.

To be able to meet this rising demand, and to be true to our commitment for hands-on Design and training, it is important that we expand our physical space. This extension will grant us the ability to accommodate more innovators with larger class sizes, house more prototypes, and ultimately increase our impact across Tanzania.

 Progress Update

With the support from the community and GlobalGiving donors, we have been able to make considerable progress in the initial phases of our building extension project. Some of the major milestones achieved so far are as follows:

• Completed Architectural Drawings: We are pleased to share that the full architectural drawings for the extended makerspace are now completed. It includes structural plans, improvements in layout, and space allocation designed to provide support in learning, collaboration, and safe fabrication activities.
• Follow-Up for Construction Permit in Progress: With the drawings done, we have actively engaged in consultations with local authorities for construction permits. We are on it and following it up very closely to see that the approval is granted at the earliest time.
• Identifying Professional Personnel for Site Examination: A professional assessment of the extension area, which must be structurally safe and compliant with the building standards, is required before construction begins. We are currently in the process of identifying and consulting qualified experts, like structural engineers or surveyors, who are able to conduct a deep on site assessment.

Why This Expansion Matters

• The makerspace expansion will allow Twende to serve a larger number of innovators of all ages.
• Offer more training sessions in design, problem-solving, and technology development.
• Provide safer and more efficient working areas for fabrication and prototyping.
• Support the increasing number of community-driven innovations emerging from our programs
• Strengthen our long term sustainability as a place for innovation and empowerment.
• Introduce a dedicated Digital Lab that will allow innovators to access digital tools, learn essential digital skills, and expand into areas such as programming, digital fabrication, electronics design, and technology-driven innovation

More than just a building, this will be an investment in the problem-solvers, innovators, and change-makers of the future.

Next Steps

Over the next several months, we will:

• Finalize the construction permit approval
• Complete professional site examinations
• Begin early-stage construction activities once approvals are secured
• Continue fundraising to support the full build out of the extension

 We would like to express our deepest gratitude to GlobalGiving supporters. Your donations are directly helping Twende grow and reach more learners, strengthening innovation in our community. We're excited to share more updates as we draw closer to making this expanded makerspace a reality.