This is such a bittersweet post to write. We talk about how TFFT is a family, and there are many levels to this metaphor. For our kids, TFFT quite literally is family, and for our team, this also feels like the case sometimes. Our team is small enough and spends enough time together that family seems to describe our relationships better than coworker does. Family is personal, close-knit, and heavily-involved. Coworker is impersonal, low maintenance, and distant. Family, however, entails permanence, and careers evolve. Therefore, it is always especially hard when a TFFT team member moves on professionally. Of course they are still a part of TFFT’s family—they always will be. But it is an adjustment to see them less frequently, to no longer work side by side, and to settle into the new family dynamic.

Our dear Fratern decided that after three years of dedicating himself to the many demands of his role as TFFT’s Managing Director, it was time for him to move forward in his career. As he so humbly explained his reasoning to me, I began to understand that, at the end of the day, he was just ready for a new challenge. He worked around the clock for TFFT for three whole years. I considered his professional goals, and I started to realize that his time had run its course. He assured me over and over again that change is a good thing for an organization. He promised that TFFT will always be in his heart, but remained strong in his belief that he has grown TFFT as much as he can and he’s ready to relinquish the reins.

Enough of my words—here are his:

I am very appreciative to have had the opportunity to learn and grow through The Foundation For Tomorrow. I have had a great time with both the team and the kids. I will always cherish the quality times that we spent together. As I have always said, you are a great family, and I feel fortunate to have been part of you. And even though I am no longer the Managing Director, I hope that I will continue to be part of this great work in one way or the other. I look forward to seeing TFFT grow even bigger by reaching out to more needy children in Tanzania.

We miss you, Fratern! There will never be another like you.

As soon as we publicized the job opening, applications came pouring in. We received over one hundred applications, and we interviewed twenty-five highly qualified candidates. Fratern and the team met with a number of candidates. Meghann met with all the finalists in person after speaking with many over the phone. Finally members of our Board of Directors spoke with the final candidates. It was a time-intensive, thoughtful, and diligent process. We were on a mission to find the right fit. Fratern was very gracious to extend his contract to help TFFT find the perfect replacement and to ensure the transition was as smooth as possible.

We now are overjoyed with the newest addition to our family, Mr. Marco Allute! He is already impressing us with his vision and the potential he has to advance TFFT to the next level in line with our strategic goals. It is time that we formally introduce him to you!

And here he is with the whole TZ Team (from left to right: Daniel, Melissa, Hedwiga, Marco, Pendo, Erasto, and Chloe):

He took the time to answer the following interview questions so that you can learn more about him.

1. Tell us a little about yourself- where are you from; what do you do in your spare time; what are your hobbies?

I am a fifth child in a family of ten. I was born on 7th November 1981 in rural Tanzania (i.e. Singida District, central part of the country). My parents worked for Tanzania’s public service throughout their lives. My mum was a primary school teacher for about 42 years. She retired from service only 3 months ago. My dad, who passed away in 2009, also was in public service for almost the same number of years working with the Tanzania’s local Government Authorities in various capacities.

I went to Ilboru and Tabora boys schools for my O-level and A-level secondary education in the years 1998-2001 and 2002-4 respectively. I joined Kampala International University (Uganda) for my undergraduate studies and graduated in 2009 with a BA in Public Administration. For some merits I was offered a scholarship for graduate studies, which enabled me to pursue MA in Public Administration in KIU Dar es Salaam College between 2009 and 2011.

Following news (both local and international) is really my thing. I spend most of my spare time following events within Tanzania and around the world. I love learning from what’s going on around. This is because I have always visualized myself into being among the successful change agents to the communities in Tanzania. In the same vein, I like sharing views and experiences with friends. Be it about social, political, or economic issues. You will understand that our country is currently undergoing great transformations in many aspects, and, therefore, attracting the attention of young people means a lot to them, thus I keep imagining my role in the process in someway.

2. How did you first learn about TFFT?

I was in Uganda for several years; it all came along at the time when I had developed a great passion to relocate to Tanzania. When searching for organizations for possible next employment, TFFT was at the time advertising for its MD position in Tanzania through various media channels. I, therefore, developed interest and then went ahead and browsed through TFFT’s webpages. I also checked with friends in Tanzania about its reputation and guess what, I loved it for sure. That was it, and here I am joining a great team set for a great change in the developing world.

3. Explain your previous work experiences.

In a formalized setting, my work experiences can be traced from the time when I joined an administrative staff at Kampala International University, Dar es Salaam College in November 2009 as the first Director for Student Affairs. It was such a senior position and, therefore, quite challenging to me given the fact that the college was just setting its foot on a Tanzanian ground for the first time. This was a lot of work though it became a bit easier for me as I had been involved in students’ welfare issues previously as a student leader. Being a Guild President in the same University between 2008 and 2009 prepared me well to handle my first professional appointment.

4. How will these experiences prepare you for your work as TFFT’s Managing Director?

I believe having worked for three years 2009-12 at the Kampala International University (both in Tanzania and Uganda) introduced and prepared me well for managerial responsibilities. Much of my engagements at the College were on welfare and psycho-social support to young people and therefore equipped me with a lot of transferable skills. Young people are unique individuals, highly potential and very flexible. I believe some of the lessons and experiences I learnt while dealing with College students will highly be useful in helping kids realize their full potential in my new job.

During that same time, I also had the opportunity to successfully lead a team of individual heads of units from different cultural and academic backgrounds, helping them in the planning processes and during the execution of their respective duties. These experiences I believe will be helpful in providing leadership to the TFFT’s team in Tanzania during my tenure.

5. What about TFFT’s mission inspires you?

The mission is very comprehensive. The fact that it focuses both on quality education and also into children’s psycho-social affairs brings a full meaning to helping the kids to realize their full potential. Of course what inspires me most is the manner in which the team lives up to this mission, being real to the TFFT’s promise.

6. What attracted you to the position as TFFT’s Managing Director?

Desire for more personal and professional growths and of course self-fulfillment because I love community service. The nature of the TFFT’s work got my attention because it’s something I longed to do for many years to the extent that at some point in my life I attempted to undertake similar initiative in my local community. It’s also because I believe that being an MD for TFFT will give me an opportunity to strengthen my leadership skills and professional competencies through working in a different environment.

7. What are your goals for the year?

First, Getting a clearer understanding of the organization; its programs, operations, and most importantly its people (i.e. the team, the board, the partners and above all the kids), these in total explain my new job.
Next, figuring out how my coming in to the organization will help in moving TFFT to the next level (adding value) by providing strategic and operational help/support to the Team and the Executive Director. Then, see myself growing professionally through TFFT’s engagements.

8. What life skills will you prioritize for cultivating our students?

Several but with the following on top of the list: Self-discipline, hardworking, and adherence to moral values.

Lastly, here are a couple more pictures that Marco shared with us–one from one of his student events at KIU Dar-es-Salaam College and one of his sweet daughter:

Go ahead and leave notes for Fratern and Marco in the comments! We’ll be back soon with details from our NYC event… the last TFFT event of the season!