Our History

She moved to Africa for many years, starting with sending many kids to government schools in Zambia. While many children were being helped, Theresa felt she wasn’t making the real difference she wanted to make. She wanted to figure out how to offer quality support that helped children change the course of their lives and become empowered and self-sufficient. A sustainable difference.

After talking with locals in the community, Theresa learned that quality education played a huge role in helping children get themselves out of poverty. Government schools were lacking in some of their offerings, where private schools had running water, consistent teaching staff, English classes and the environment students needed to be successful in life. The organization shifted to focus on providing private education for children in need, especially those who had been orphaned.

Recently, Make A Difference added a second program focused on skills and business training for young women. This program has proven to be more sustainable for growth.

Make A Difference’s largest presence is in Tanzania, where Theresa lived and where the program started. However, it also has programs in Latin America with the goal to be on every continent except Antarctica. Eventually, Make A Difference would like to become a training hub, where schools and vocational centers can come learn Make A Difference’s sustainable model focused on teaching business and entrepreneurial skills and then bring that model back to their country with support from Make A Difference.