Community Active in Development Association (CADA) is a legally registered, non-governmental organization (NGO) operating at the national level in Tanzania. Founded in 2003 and officially registered on 27th November 2007 (Registration No. 00NO0181), CADA was established in response to the pressing needs of vulnerable and marginalized groups across the country particularly persons with disabilities, youth, and women.
Our organization was born out of a vision to bridge the gap between opportunity and exclusion. In a society where many individuals face socio-economic and political barriers, CADA works to create pathways for empowerment, inclusion, and sustainable development. We believe that every individual, regardless of their physical ability, background, or social status, deserves equal access to opportunities, education, healthcare, economic resources, and a voice in governance.
With our head office located in Mwanza, CADA has grown to serve communities throughout Tanzania through a wide range of programs. These include economic empowerment initiatives, where we train and support people in launching income-generating projects; inclusive education programs, which focus on making schools accessible to children with disabilities; and governance and social accountability campaigns, which educate citizens on their rights and support transparency in public service delivery.
Our work is grounded in collaboration. We partner with government agencies, international NGOs, local community-based organizations, and civil society networks to amplify impact and ensure the sustainability of our interventions. Over the years, we have implemented successful projects funded by respected institutions such as USAID, SNV Tanzania, TENMET, DAI Inc., and NEC, reaching thousands of individuals with life-changing support.
CADA is more than just an organization we are a movement for inclusion, justice, and dignity. We believe that when marginalized individuals are empowered, entire communities rise. Through our holistic approach, we aim to build a Tanzania where everyone has the tools, resources, and support they need to thrive.
Our mission is to empower marginalized communities including persons with disabilities, youth, and women through diverse socio-economic, educational, and advocacy-based interventions. We aim to eliminate the barriers of poverty, exclusion, and inequality by promoting economic resilience, inclusive governance, accessible education, and community participation. CADA is committed to transforming lives by ensuring that the most vulnerable members of society are not left behind, but instead, are included and celebrated in all aspects of development.
Our vision is to see an improvement in the quality of life for the most vulnerable people in society, where every person regardless of ability or status has equal access to opportunity, protection, participation, and progress. We envision a Tanzania where inclusive development is not a privilege but a norm, and where empowered individuals contribute meaningfully to the well-being of their families, communities, and the nation at large.
2022–2025
This project empowers rural youth to engage in education advocacy using evidence-based tools. Youth collectives now influence local and national education decisions after attending capacity-building sessions led by CADA and Policy Forum.
2023
CADA organized school-based climate dialogues to raise awareness among 380 students and 1,200 parents. The project enhanced knowledge of climate resilience models among youth and their communities.
2021–2022
Trained 150 youth in sustainable farming, set up demo farms, and supported 10 youth-led agribusinesses. The project boosted productivity, market access, and use of ICT in agriculture.
Reached over 245,000 citizens with civic education and monitored electoral processes. CADA submitted observation reports covering pre-election, voting day, and post-election activities.
CADA supported SACCOs in launching inclusive renewable energy businesses. Activities included capacity building, business formalization, and increasing community access to clean energy.
Focused on improving literacy and numeracy in children aged 5–13. The project increased parental engagement and boosted school performance in 20 schools by 50%.
Promoted renewable energy access through SACCOs via training, outreach campaigns, and entrepreneurship development. Over 40 members accessed loans, and energy service uptake increased.
Established 20 solar phone charging businesses for PLHIV groups. The project increased incomes (up to $750/month per group), improved energy access, and fostered entrepreneurship in off-grid areas.
Anyone with a passion for community service can volunteer! We welcome students, graduates, professionals, retirees, and people from all backgrounds, both locally and internationally.
No specific qualifications are required. Some roles may benefit from particular skills (e.g., teaching, communications, data entry), but we value commitment and willingness to help above all.
Yes. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old. Youth under 18 may participate in supervised group activities with parental or school consent.
You can volunteer:
In-person at our head office in Mwanza
In the field during outreach programs
Remotely, depending on the nature of your work (e.g., content writing, design, data work)
Yes! We welcome remote volunteers and international partnerships. You can assist with communications, fundraising, research, digital work, and more from anywhere in the world.
You can choose what fits you best:
Short-term (a few weeks)
Medium-term (1–3 months)
Long-term (6+ months)
We’re flexible and will work with your availability.
Yes. Every volunteer receives a Certificate of Participation, and we can provide a letter of recommendation upon request, especially helpful for job or academic applications.
No. Volunteering is a non-paid opportunity. However, in some field-based programs, we may offer limited support such as refreshments, transport, or stipends based on available funding.
Simply:
Fill out our Volunteer Application Form
Send your CV and a short motivation letter to tacadatz@yahoo.co.uk
Our team will get in touch with you shortly.
Yes. We gladly host university students and interns from colleges and training institutions. Please mention this in your application so we can align the placement accordingly.
Help us building a better future.
