EXPRESSION OF INTEREST: Impact at Scale Sandbox - Early Years in Tanzania
Impact at Scale Sandbox - Early Years in Tanzania seeks to identify and support locally led and scalable programmes for children aged 0-3 years in Tanzania.
About the Programme
In Tanzania, Parents and caregivers particularly in low-income communities face immense challenges in accessing safe, affordable, and reliable childcare. At the same time, the workforce that supports this foundational service is shrinking due to decades of low wages, limited professional recognition, and a lack of investment. This growing gap leaves young children without the proper care and support which undermines the potential of families and communities to thrive.
Providing nurturing care and holistic development opportunities for children aged 0–3 is essential not only for their healthy development but also for the long-term economic well-being of caregivers. A diverse range of childcare models exists with an ecosystem of providers, including daycare centres, home-based childcare providers, civil society organizations (CSOs), NGOs, and international agencies, plays a vital role in addressing this gap.
The Tanzanian government has demonstrated strong leadership in early childhood development. In 2021, it launched the National Multi-Sectoral Early Childhood Development Programme (NMECDP), which adopts a coordinated, multi-sectoral approach—bringing together diverse stakeholders to fund, manage, and monitor ECD services across the country. These coordinated efforts are laying the foundation for a stronger childcare system.
Despite the growth of locally led childcare models, significant barriers to scaling remain, including limited capacity building opportunities, lack of flexible funding mechanisms, weak partnerships, and inadequate knowledge-sharing platforms. Many promising childcare solutions operate in isolation without access to funders, peers, or policymakers, reducing their ability to scale and sustain impact.
To address these challenges, Global Schools Forum (GSF) is launching the Impact at Scale Sandbox – Early Years Tanzania to support locally led organizations providing early childhood care and education (ECEC) services for children aged 0–3 years. This initiative seeks to strengthen capacity and build a learning community among practitioners, entrepreneurs, and policymakers in the Tanzanian childcare ecosystem.
Building on the success of Impact at Scale Labs in Kenya in 2023, GSF is now expanding to Tanzania and is looking for six innovative organizations that are committed to improving early childhood care and education outcomes for children aged 0–3 years and are ready to test, strengthen, and scale their models.
Expression of Interest (EOI) – What are we looking for?
GSF invites expressions of interest (EOI) from locally led organizations in Tanzania that are actively implementing or scaling childcare or ECED models for children aged 0–3 years.
Key benefits
Over a two months period, selected organizations will participate in the Impact at Scale Readiness Sandbox, where they will receive:
- Scale readiness diagnostic tailored to identify strengths, challenges, and growth opportunities.
- Technical workshops, expert support, and one-on-one coaching to refine programme models, strengthen scale pathways, and enhance their childcare solutions for greater impact.
- Peer learning and collaboration through access to shared resources and knowledge exchange with like-minded organizations.
- Access to GSF’s Global network of funders, policymakers, and technical experts to enhance visibility and unlock collaboration opportunities.
- Pipeline for future extended Lab support: Potential eligibility for extended childcare-focused Lab support, providing continuity and deeper engagement for promising solutions.
Which organisations are eligible?
Read the eligibility checklist here
ELIGIBILITY CHECKLIST
Key Timelines
- Application Open – April 28, 2025
Application Webinar – May 14, 2025
Expression of Interest (EOI) submission deadline: May 25, 2025
- Shortlisting and selection of participants: Late May - Early June 2025
- Announcement of selected participants: Mid-June 2025
- Kick off date: Late June 2025
How to Apply
- Organisations that meet the eligibility criteria should apply using the Expression of Interest Form.
Download the EXPRESSION OF INTEREST FORM here.
Provide appropriate responses to the questions in the form. We strongly advise you to stay within the word limits.
When you have completed the form, convert the filled-out form into a PDF.
Upload to the APPLICATION PORTAL here and respond to the questions on the portal. Submit by Sunday May 25, 2025.
Key Links