Important Notice
From 31st March 2025 Livingstone Tanzania Trust will be changing its name to Mikuyu Tanzania.
As we approach our 18th year as a charity, we are taking the opportunity to reflect on who we are and how we talk about our work. For some time we have been looking to change our name to something which better represents our ethos and community-led approach to development.
Our new name will be Mikuyu Tanzania (pronounced MI-KOO-YOU).
Mikuyu is the local name for a variety of sycamore fig trees. Trees with strong roots and wide branches which community elders would traditionally sit under when holding community meetings. It is this symbolism of sitting together, listening, talking and being heard which resonated with our beliefs and values. We too are rooted in the communities we work in. This name was identified and agreed after consultation with supporters, staff and community members in Tanzania.
Between now and when we change the name we will be keeping you updated on our progress as we make this exciting transition. As our supporters, there will be no need for you to change any of your details - we’ll look after that in the background. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Julian, julian@livingstonetanzaniatrust.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are you changing your name?
We been reflecting on our journey, on what we have achieved, and what work there is ahead. We recognise that learning and adapting are key to success in our projects and that we too must adapt as the world evolves - and we feel now is the right time for our name to evolve.
How was the name chosen?
Through consultation with key stakeholders, including trustees, staff, supporters and and our Tanzania partners, the tree concept evolved, with its symbolism of strength, calmness, growth, interconnectivity and deep roots in community. It was our Babati friends who shared with us that the Mikuyu trees are ones where leaders traditionally sat when holding community meetings and we feel this perfectly reflects our ethos of collaboration.
Are LTT’s values changing?
Absolutely not. We strongly believe the answers to the problems faced within the communities are known to the community and that they need to be the ones to overcome them. LTT’s role is purely to support them.
Are your projects changing?
We think of ourselves as an education charity, working with the community to remove the barriers that prevent equal access to a quality education. As we move into new communities the barriers are likely to be different and so we will develop programmes to suit.
Is your development model changing?
Not at all, we will continue to practise ethical changing making principles where we support communities to gain the resources they need to bring about the changes they want to see. We seek to co-design all our projects with the community and locally led NGOs
Will I have to change my direct debit details?
No, our bank account details will remain exactly the same. Rather than LTT, you will see our new name (Mikuya TZ) on your statement.
Will I have to change my credit card donation in Enthuse?
No, your donation via enthuse will not change and you will see our new name (Mikuya TZ) on your statement.
When is the change happening?
The change will take place on Monday 31st March 2025
Will it affect our Big Give donations and donations in general?
No. The Big Give will have finished by then so nothing to worry about there.
Will the website be the same?
We will have a new website which is currently being designed. We will place a forwarding service on the LTT website so that people will be redirected to our new site.
Will Social Media change? (Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn)
We will be changing the name from all the sites but all the supporters will automatically join us.
