With mind, heart and hand
What began as a vision on this platform around 1.5 years ago has now become reality: the ASHEI Center is built, and we’re incredibly grateful and proud to share this special moment with you.
But a building alone isn’t yet a home – it still needs learning materials, furniture, books, a playground and everything else children require to explore, grow and thrive. That’s why we’re now launching the second wemakeit campaign to equip the centre.
The ASHEI Foundation and our team in Switzerland have grown since we started two years ago. Samira and Joseph have become parents, and Nio has come into the world.
At the end of May, the small family returned to Arusha to spend the summer months there. Together with two volunteers, they’re preparing the final touches, the furnishing, the opening and the launch of the centre.
Around the opening, Michi and Christoph will also travel to Arusha to lend a hand on site. Additionally, Sebastian, our architect, will arrive from Chile to oversee the final steps. We’re thrilled to open the ASHEI Center together on 25 July 2026. A highlight of the opening day will be the countdown to the end of our wemakeit campaign.
Will you help us finish the campaign successfully?
Thank you for your heart and your donation!
Sommer 2025: Michi und Samira vor Ort in Arusha 
Das ASHEI Center steht, letzte Arbeiten werden vorgenommen 
Wir lösen einen Teil unserer letzten Wemakeit Kampagne ein: Ein personalisierter Ziegelstein 
Grüsse aus Arusha von Nio & Samira
Project overview
Samira meets Joseph in Tanzania and discovers his lovingly run but financially struggling daycare centre. Back in Switzerland, she founds the ASHEI Foundation to secure the centre’s long-term future. A new vision emerges: a preschool with an integrated orphanage.
Together with Michael and Sebastian, the HORIZON project is developed. With the crowd’s support (see first campaign), a plot of land is purchased. Larissa and Christoph join the team.
Valuable partnerships are formed with Kinder in Not and Truemove. Over half of the now approximately CHF 320,000 project is secured.
Baraka is commissioned as the general contractor to build the ASHEI Center.
Due to political unrest in autumn 2025, costs rise and financing comes under pressure. To complete the construction, the remaining CHF 100,000 is pre-financed through private 0.0% loans.
Within just one year, the ASHEI Center is built and officially opens on 25 July 2026.
Afterwards, operations begin step by step. With great passion and dedication, the team continues to seek institutions and potential donors. And that’s where you come in:
With your generosity, you not only give children in need a safe home and a future, but if we succeed, you’ll also receive a very personal reward.
Sebastian bei seinem zweiten Besuch in Arusha im Januar 2026 
Die Bauarbeiten laufen auf Hochtouren, das Gebäude nimmt Form an.
That’s why we need your donation
The ASHEI Center’s preschool follows the principles of Montessori education. This approach nurtures each child’s individual development and natural joy of learning, preparing them for life in a meaningful way.
To create our learning environment, we need suitable furniture and materials: chairs, tables, shelves, toys, paper and pencils, as well as tools and supplies for crafts and creative activities.
Our orphanage pavilion requires 24 beds, while the volunteer centre will be equipped with 6. Mattresses, pillows and light blankets will ensure restful nights.
The children receive fresh meals daily. To make this possible, we first need kitchen equipment and utensils such as a refrigerator, pans, spatulas and tableware. Tables and benches will allow everyone to gather and eat together.
Wherever possible, we involve local craftspeople in setting up the centre to support the regional economy.
Geplanter Aussenbereich mit Garten und Spielplatz 
Ein Beispiel, wie unsere Lernräume aussehen könnten. 
Der geplante Essensbereich im neuen Center