Lutheran Partners in Global Ministry (LPGM) and Friends of Mwangaza (FOM) are excited to announce their merger, effective January 1, 2026. 

This strategic partnership brings together two organizations with a shared commitment to creating safe, empowering learning environments for students and teachers in Tanzania through their shared support of Mwangaza Education for Partnership (Mwangaza). Mwangaza is an independent Tanzanian NGO dedicated to teacher training, community outreach, and peace-building initiatives. 

For years, LPGM and FOM have collaborated informally through overlapping supporters and board members. Due to their related missions, supporters, and geographic focus, unifying these two organizations was a natural fit.  

Now that they have officially merged, the combined organization will operate under LPGM’s name, while continuing to honor FOM's identity and history.  

By joining forces, these organizations will deepen their impact and ensure long-term sustainability for Mwangaza. As a unified organization under LPGM's name, they will be able to do more for Mwangaza together.  

“This unification is about amplifying our shared mission,” said the Rev. Daniel Ruth, executive director of LPGM. “Together, we can provide stronger support for Mwangaza and other global partners, while engaging more donors and volunteers in this vital work.” 

FOM’s passionate supporters and volunteers will join LPGM’s established infrastructure and staff expertise. FOM's board members and contractors will continue to support Mwangaza through this combined organization. 

Former FOM board chair Joan Olsen shared, "FOM is excited about this opportunity to partner with LPGM. We look forward to continuing to support the important and transformative work of Mwangaza in Tanzania, and we see this as a way forward to bolster their work and help it flourish.” 

Mwangaza will remain an independent NGO in Tanzania, with its own leadership and governance. LPGM will continue to engage with Mwangaza as a trusted partner, listening and responding to local needs. 

“I think the partnership has all kinds of possibilities,” said Dr. Shoonie Hartwig (“Mama Shoonie”), founder of Mwangaza. "[LPGM has] a broader vision going beyond Tanzania... [and] it could end up with some new kind of incursions of programmatic change [and] inclusion. I think that's very exciting to imagine, because [LPGM is] in other parts of the world, and [there’s] a lot to be learned from others.” 

Salome Lally, senior program coordinator on the Mwangaza Management Team, continued, “I’m thankful and excited to hear about this strong partnership. I see this is an opportunity to learn more from other LPGM partners and to continue to grow and expand in our communities by impacting more students, teachers, and parents in Tanzanian schools.” 

About LPGM: 

Since 1995, LPGM has been working - and walking - with global partners to provide access to quality education for people at the margins, especially women and girls. LPGM currently works with global partners in the Central African Republic, Guatemala, India, and Tanzania and leads transformational travel experiences to build global connections. LPGM has been supporting Mwangaza since 2018 through the Safe School Initiative. 

About FOM: 

FOM is a U.S.-based nonprofit organization that financially supports Mwangaza in Tanzania. FOM's board and contractors have long supported Mwangaza's in-country operations through fundraising, grant writing, reporting, and storytelling.  

For more information, visit www.lutheranpartners.org or contact the Rev. Daniel Ruth, LPGM executive director, at 612-823-5058. 

Read our Merger FAQ