About us
From Students to Leaders. From Hope to Opportunity.
About Us
Changing Lives Through Education Since 2009
At Toto Aid, we believe that education is one of the most powerful tools for breaking the cycle of poverty and creating lasting change. Since 2009, we have been committed to providing orphaned and vulnerable children in Arusha, Tanzania, with access to quality education, mentorship, and opportunities for a brighter future.
Our Impact
Today, 118 students are receiving support through Toto Aid and are enrolled in boarding secondary schools in Arusha. These schools provide a stable learning environment where students can focus on their education, develop confidence, and prepare for successful futures.
Over the years, our investment in education has produced remarkable results. Since 2009, 45 Toto Aid students have graduated from higher education institutions, earning qualifications that have enabled them to build professional careers and become leaders in their communities.
Our graduates now include:
Doctors
Pharmacists
Accountants
Teachers
Business professionals
Community leaders
And many other skilled professionals
Creating a Cycle of Success
One of the most rewarding aspects of our work is seeing former students return to support the next generation.
Many Toto Aid graduates now volunteer their time to mentor, coach, and encourage current students. Having walked the same journey themselves, they provide valuable guidance, inspiration, and practical advice to help younger students overcome challenges and achieve their goals.
This creates a powerful cycle where today’s beneficiaries become tomorrow’s mentors and role models.
Who We Are
TOTOAID.org is a project of the Harichand Education Fund, Totoaid.
Totoaid is a registered 501(c)(3) not-for-profit charity located in the United States of America with operations in Arusha, Tanzania, Africa.
Having been awarded for global impact coaching for charity by Sherpa Coaching, Urmila Kumar started TotoAid in 2008 with 45 orphans, all of whom have since graduated from university. She has extensively implemented behavior coaching sessions for the students of TotoAid, making a significant impact in breaking a cycle of the unknown that has been taken for granted and passed on from generation to generation.
TotoAid’s mission is to identify gifted orphaned children for high school and continuing education by helping them achieve their potential in Arusha, Tanzania. The criteria are based on behavioral coaching with a high percentage of passing grades. This is then paid back as mentors in the community. We look for summer jobs for them to experience a sense of responsibility. The board members and Urmila travel to Arusha yearly for several weeks at a time. In addition to sponsoring the students, we conduct regular classes to provide them with communication skills and motivational beliefs for a stronger future and greater hope.
Meet Our Board Members
Leah Bennett
Ms. Bennett joined Westwood Holdings Group (WHG) in 2016 and is currently serving as President of Westwood Wealth Management. Ms. Bennett is the lead Portfolio Manager on a variety of investment strategies for the firm including tax-managed Select Equity, High Alpha, and an Electric Vehicle strategy. She enjoys traveling.
Ashok Kumar
Lidya Kushner
A real-world executive, Lidya has worked in a C-suite capacity in the Greater Houston area for more than 30 years. She is a founder and a change agent when it concerns creating and strengthening high-performing organizations.
Mariam Mattan
Mariam Mattan, mother of two and Administrator of the Harichand Education Fund. I have worked with totoaid over the past 10 years. I am dedicated to helping children from Orphans and low-income families in Tanzania to complete their education. I specialize in coaching and curriculum support, collaborating closely with students and teachers to enhance academic performance and develop effective learning strategies.
Harry Jonas
Harry Jonas has been an Assistant Administrator at Toto Aid in Tanzania for almost two years. As a former student of Harichand Education Fund, he pursued community development in college and gained valuable experience working at an empowerment center which deepened community service.
Mrs. Urmila Kumar
Mustafa Panju
Mustafa Panju is the chief executive and operator of Bush Bucks Safaris in Tanzania. He believes that everyone born in this world needs to make a difference and help others reach their highest potential through the practice of pranic Healing.
John Isingo
Pat O’Donnell
Avita Soor
Avita is a PhD holder in International Development specializing in gender, disability, and economic participation, with expertise in social inclusion research. Avita has worked on education-focused programs in Kenya and Tanzania, contributing to initiatives that promote equitable access and participation for diverse communities. Having lived in Tanzania, Kenya, and the United Kingdom, Avita brings a strong cross-cultural perspective and is committed to using research to inform inclusive policies and programs that drive meaningful social and economic impact.