Anike Foundation’s 2025 Charity Tennis Tournament Changes Lives in Tanzania
In many parts of Africa, marginalized girls and women — especially orphans, widows, and those living with disabilities or chronic illnesses — face barriers to education, healthcare, and employment. In Tanzania, these challenges are heightened by gender-based violence and social stigma, contributing to a cycle of poverty, inadequate nutrition, and social dependence. This makes self-sufficiency very difficult to achieve.
On June 8, 2025, Anike Foundation hosted a Charity Tennis Tournament at Babson College. The event raised funds for the Initiatives on Restoration of Hope for People with Disability (IRHPD), a nonprofit organization in Mwanza, Tanzania, that empowers people with disabilities, especially girls and women, to generate income and achieve financial independence through vocational training.
Despite a rain delay that moved the tournament from Saturday to Sunday, spirits remained high as 12 players, dozens of supporters, and an outstanding team of volunteers came together for a day of fun in support of IRHPD’s Equal Access to Quality Education and Training program.
More About IRHPD
IRHPD works to improve the social and economic welfare of people with disabilities in vulnerable environments. The organization provides skills training in agriculture tailoring, thereby promoting independence and long-term self-sufficiency.
Since 2020, IRHPD has trained 94 individuals and produced:
● 1,200 pairs of shoes
● 2,400 belts
● 960 wallets
● 240 school bags
These goods have helped support school attendance for more than 500 children from vulnerable families.
What is the Equal Access to Quality Education and Training Project?
The funds raised from Anike Foundation’s charity tennis tournament will support IRHPD’s one-year Equal Access to Quality Education and Training initiative. This project aims to expand the organization’s leather and fabric workshops in Tanzania’s Ukerewe District, with a focus on helping the most marginalized girls and women in the region’s 25 wards.
The project has three main goals:
1. Vocational Training for 36 Women and Girls with Disabilities
Each participant will receive six months of hands-on training in leather and fabric production, equipping them with skills to earn an income and become financially self-reliant.
2. School Uniform and Shoe Donations for 30 Vulnerable Children
Children identified by local authorities and para-social workers will receive school uniforms and shoes produced in the workshop. Access to this gear will reduce school absenteeism.
3. Distribution of Reusable Feminine Hygiene Products
The project will also provide feminine hygiene products to schoolgirls in marginalized communities, thereby removing a barrier to school attendance.
The Impact
The tournament raised $2,500. After deducting expenses, IRHPD received $2,200. With the funds, IRHPD has acquired two sewing machines, two pullover machines, and materials to produce school uniforms, shoes, bags, and feminine hygiene products. Additional funds will further strengthen the program’s reach.
Sustainability
IRHPD’s training program is ongoing and managed by and for people with disabilities. The organization has developed a long-term plan to sustain its programs beyond the initial funding, after this program ends.
1. Social Return on Investment
Qualified graduates of the training program agree to donate one school uniform and a pair of shoes annually for every two trainees, supporting 18 children each year.
2. Cost-Sharing and Inclusive Training
The workshop will enroll non-disabled girls and women who can pay training fees. This will help subsidize costs for trainees with disabilities who can't afford to pay.
3. Diversified Funding Strategy
IRHPD is establishing partnerships with businesses and community organizations to encourage ongoing support of initiatives, collaboration on projects, and shared resources to benefit all parties.
FINAL THOUGHTS
The 2025 Charity Tennis Tournament showed how one community with a purpose can uplift others across the globe. Anike Foundation is honored to support IRHPD in its efforts to expand education and economic opportunities in Tanzania.
Thank you to every player, volunteer, donor, and partner who made this event possible.
Special Thanks
The tournament’s success was made possible, thanks to many dedicated individuals:
● Phil Parrish & Delroy Allen (Longfellow Health Clubs) – Venue coordination
● Liz Peirce – Sponsor outreach
● Emily Gillmeister – Graphic design
● Bhumika Nayak – Gift bag preparation
● Val Rodrigues – Onsite and video support
● Chris Giles Quinn – Tournament direction
● Wayne Rhodes – Fundraiser page and website updates
● Alan Sooho – Fruit donations
Many thanks to our tournament sponsors:
● Longfellow Health Clubs – Venue
● Babson College – Venue
● Marcus Lewis Racquet Club – Tennis balls
● Westboro Tennis & Swim Club – Tennis balls
● Nashoba Brook Bakery – Gift certificates
● Debra's Natural Gourmet – Gift cards
● Idylwilde Farm – Refreshments
● Costco – Gift cards
● Roche Bros – Gift cards
