Since 2006 we’ve been building loving family homes, schools, and futures for Tanzania’s most vulnerable children, and we hold ourselves accountable to everyone who helps us do it.
Who We Are
Making the world a better place
Tír na nÓg Children’s Foundation was founded in 2006 by Louise Quill with a single vision: to provide a loving family home for Tanzania’s most vulnerable children. We believe every child deserves a safe place to grow, an education to learn from, and the freedom to dream about their future.
Through family-centred care, quality education, and sustainable community development, we work to break the cycle of poverty and create lasting change.
Our commitment extends beyond the children in our care. We invest in local communities, create employment, and build projects designed to benefit Tanzanian families for generations to come.
Make a Difference Today
Every donation carries a responsibility
At Tír na nÓg Children’s Foundation, we believe that every donation entrusted to us carries a responsibility to act with integrity, accountability, and transparency. We ensure all funds are used effectively to improve the lives of vulnerable children and young people in Tanzania, through education, healthcare, child protection, community development, and sustainable livelihood programmes. As a registered Irish charity, we operate under the principles of good governance, responsible financial management, and ethical decision-making.
Our Team & Governance
The people behind the foundation
At Tír na nÓg, our greatest strength is our dedicated team of local staff. We are proud to employ over 50 Tanzanian men and women who work tirelessly every day to care for our children and manage our projects. By employing local people, we not only provide stable employment but also invest directly in the communities we serve. Our team includes teachers, school principals, social workers, cooks, cleaners, drivers, security personnel, maintenance staff, gardeners, farm workers, administrative staff and childcare professionals.
Together, they ensure that our Children’s Village, Pre & Primary School, farms and community projects operate to the highest standards while providing a safe, nurturing and supportive environment for every child. Our Country Director, Dr. Cletus Tukai, has led Tír na nÓg’s operations in Tanzania for over 20 years. Dr. Tukai holds a PhD in Social and Community Care and Child Protection and is a respected member of Tanzania’s child protection network. Throughout his career, he has been a passionate advocate for vulnerable children, ensuring that every child in our care receives the protection, education and opportunities they deserve. Working alongside him is his wife, Monica Tukai, who plays a vital role in liaising with local social services and government welfare departments.
Together with our team of qualified social workers, Monica helps identify children in need, carries out assessments, and develops long-term care and protection plans to ensure every child receives the support they need to thrive. Our staff are far more than employees, they are mentors, caregivers, educators and role models who make Tír na nÓg a place where children feel safe, valued and loved.
Louise Quill
Founder and Voluntary CEO
Maureen Murphy
Director/Secretary
Derek O’Connor
Director
Dave Lowe
Non-Executive Director
Reverend Cletus Mark Tukai
Non-Executive Director
Deirdre Burke
Non-Executive Director
Paul O’Connell
Non-Executive Director
Aidan O’Carroll
Non-Executive Director
Our Board
How we’re governed
Our voluntary Board of Trustees provides strategic leadership, oversight, and accountability for everything we do.
The Board meets regularly throughout the year and receives reports on finances, programme delivery, safeguarding, fundraising, and organisational performance.
The Board is responsible for:
- Setting the organisation’s strategic direction
- Ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements
- Monitoring financial performance
- Safeguarding charitable assets
- Managing organisational risk
- Ensuring programmes remain aligned with our mission and values
The Documentary
Kilimanjaro Mama
Kilimanjaro Mama is an award winning, uplifting documentary that illustrates that one person really can make a difference. Despite dealing with many challenges, Tralee native Louise Quill continues to transform the lives of the orphaned and abandoned children in Tanzania. This is the story of how she became their ‘Kilimanjaro Mama’.
The hour long documentary features Louise Quill, from Tralee, Co. Kerry, who shares her story of why she decided to set up Tír na nÓg in Tanzania, what drives her, and the impact it has had on her own health and wellbeing. Documenting the journey from Ireland to Tanzania, this is the story of one woman’s dogged determination to give the children of Kilimanjaro the best possible chance to overcome the tough life they have been dealt.
It is directed by Malcolm Willis from Icypeaks Media and produced by Brian Hurley from Big Handsome Media.
Financial Transparency
Open about our finances
Company overview
Tír na nÓg Children’s Foundation
Company directors
Louise Quill · Maureen Murphy · Derek O’Connor
Registered address
16 The Kerries, Ballyrickard, Tralee, Co. Kerry, V92 VW1H
Registered charity number
RCN 20080662
Accreditations & Memberships
Trusted and accountable
We’re proud to work alongside Ireland’s leading charity and community networks.
The Wheel
Tír na nÓg is a member of The Wheel, a leading support and representative network for the community and voluntary sector in Ireland.
Charities Institute Ireland
We are a member of the Charities Institute Ireland, adhering to and implementing the ICTR Statement of Guiding Principles for Fundraising. Cii exists to support charities in creating positive social change.
Tralee Chamber Alliance
A proud member of the Tralee Chamber Alliance, working to advance business and community partnership across Co. Kerry.
Support Tír na nÓg
Support our cause and contribute towards our mission to give Tanzania’s children the future they deserve.
