The People Behind the Organization
Get to Know Us
“Supporting Youth—Breaking Barriers” is led by a volunteer board and supported by many volunteers.
Some of us are introducing ourselves here.
Pastor Martin Rupprecht
Founder and Director of the Foundation
About Me
“Every child should be able to go to school—without going hungry. Every young person should be able to explore their options and find a vocational training program. This is not a luxury, but a human right. The good fortune of being born in Germany gives me many opportunities. I want to use all of them to ensure that many children can exercise their right to an education, training, and a future. I ask all my friends to help with this.”
“It’s wonderful to see that each and every one of us can make a difference. During our 2021 trip to Tanzania, I was able to get to know in person the places and people I’ve been familiar with for a long time. I hope that together we can continue to make a big difference so that many people can enjoy better living conditions in their home countries.”
Waltraud Rupprecht
Foundation Board of Directors
About Me
“Many ordinary people doing many small things in many small places can change the face of the world.“
This saying has been a part of my daily life for over 30 years. Through our foundation, I realize that we can truly put this into practice.
“It’s wonderful to see that each and every one of us can make a difference. During our 2021 trip to Tanzania, I was able to get to know in person the places and people I’ve been familiar with for a long time. I hope that together we can continue to make a big difference so that many people can enjoy better living conditions in their home countries.”
Gisela Hax
Foundation Board of Directors
About Me
“I want to help provide children, teenagers, and young adults in Tanzania with good educational opportunities and prospects. This is key to a better future for this country and the young generation growing up there.”
“It is very important that the projects are developed by our wonderful team on the ground, because only the people there know what is truly needed and how the support can be put to good use. It is, therefore, a form of helping people help themselves that taps into the impressive potential of the people in Tanzania.”
Alphonce Leonard
Director, Tanzania
About Me
My name is Alphonce Leonard; I was born on December 24, 1989, in the city of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. I was born in Manzese, the neighborhood for poor people in Dar es Salaam. I grew up with two brothers and two sisters, but my older brother passed away in 2017. Our mother sold local drinks on the street, and my father was an electrical engineer at a tiny workshop in the slums.
In Manzese, I attended Ukombozi Elementary School and Mbez Middle School. After I graduated, I struggled to find money for college until I met Rev. Martin in 2014. Through his foundation, he awarded me a scholarship for college and university, from which I graduated in 2019 as a math and physics teacher. Afterward, I was able to work as a student teacher in secondary school. Fortunately, Rev. Martin encouraged me to form a group to establish a charity in the Manzese slum.
Fr. Endale Haile Fereja
Country Director for Ethiopia
About Me
If only we could realize how much God has given humanity to share with just a little effort and good will, then no one would have to live without an education or go hungry. How blessed are those hearts that, despite many challenges, always love.
How blessed are those hands, in the midst of the selfishness of our times, that are always open to help. In the prayer of St. Francis, the founder of our order, we find the following line: “In giving lies receiving,” and that was the daily experience of the founder of this foundation, Father Martin.