Augustino (Weza)
Founder & Director
Quality Education. Daily Meals.
Zero Violence.
My name is Augustino, though most people know me as Weza, a Swahili word given to me by friends meaning "the ability to do something." That name has guided everything I've built.
After years of travel through East Africa researching agriculture, economic development, and childcare, I kept seeing children without access to quality early education, without daily meals, and without a safe place to simply be a child. In 2019, I came back to Arusha and built SATINO from the ground up.
What started as informally addressing this need, has grown into a registered US non-profit with an international board, 58 enrolled children, a football academy of 121 youth, and a vision to build a primary school. But the mission to give every child a safe place to learn, play, and thrive remains the same.
Support SATINO β Volunteer With UsFrom Informal School to Registered NGO
SATINO didn't start with funding or infrastructure. It started with Weza, a rented space, and a handful of children whose families needed somewhere safe for them to go. Here's how it grew.
2019
SATINO founded in Arusha after Weza's research travels through East Africa. Began as an informal school, paying costs out of pocket from a rented location.
2020
Registered as an official school. SATINO USA Inc established as a registered US non-profit with an international board including Michael Collins (US) and Rick Nugteren (Netherlands).
2023
Satino Football Academy founded in Sinoni, the only completely free football academy in Arusha. New school facility constructed. 700+ children have passed through SATINO's doors.
2025 β
Primary school fundraising underway. Land purchase funds raised. Satino Queens girls football team launched. 100% volunteer satisfaction rating by 150+ Workaway volunteers.
Our Mission & Values
SATINO exists to give children in Arusha the foundation they needΒ quality education, daily meals, safety, and a community that cares. These are the values that guide everything we do.
English, Maths, and Swahili following Tanzania's official curriculum, taught by dedicated, caring teachers in small, attentive classes.
Corporal punishment is strictly forbidden at SATINO. Every child is treated with dignity and respect, a standard that sets us apart from most schools in Arusha.
Two nutritious meals every school day. For many children, these are the most reliable meals they receive and we see how this benefits health, concentration, and attendance.
SATINO is built with, and for the Arusha community. By supporting families, enabling parents to work, and utilising volunteers from around the world.
Transparent, Accountable, International
SATINO is structured to give donors confidence. Here's how the organisation is set up.
SATINO USA Inc is a registered American non-profit organisation. All donations are processed through a US bank account via Givebutter, to ensure donations go directly to the school.
An international board with members in the United States (Michael Collins) and the Netherlands (Rick Nugteren) strengthens oversight and governance for robust accountability across all operations.
Community is at the heart of day-to-day operations, run by Weza and the SATINO team in Arusha. Local people who know the area they serve, ensuring every dollar reaches the children directly.
All donations are processed securely via Givebutter into a US bank account managed by the board. Funds are managed jointly by the school director and board members. SATINO USA Inc β Registered Non-Profit.
Our Plans & Financials
We believe donors deserve full visibility into how SATINO operates, plans for the future, and spends its funds. Download our documents below.
SATINO Business Plan
PDF Document
A comprehensive overview of SATINO's mission, programs, organisational structure, and long-term vision including the four-phase primary school build plan, funding strategy, and projected community impact through to full capacity at 700 students.
Financial Plan & Projections
Excel Spreadsheet
A detailed financial breakdown covering current school operating costs, staff salaries, program expenses, and projected costs for each phase of the primary school build β giving donors full visibility into how funds are allocated and what future investment looks like.
These documents are shared in the spirit of full transparency. SATINO believes donors have the right to understand exactly how their money is used and what the long-term plan looks like. Both the business plan and financial projections were prepared by Berge Bakken. If you have any questions about our finances or operations please contact us directly. Note: Documents were produced Sep 2025, and may not be up to date.
Find Out How You Can Help
There are three pathways to supporting SATINO, choose the one that works for you.
The three pathways: the preschool, building the primary school, or football academy, you choose where your donation goes.
Donate Now β$10/month covers a child's school fees, daily meals, and learning materials, with bi-annual updates on their progress.
Sponsor a Child βJoin 150+ volunteers from around the world who have spent time in Arusha teaching, coaching, and making a real difference.
Learn More β