Empowering Communities, Transforming Lives—Together We Make a Difference.
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Dear Friends and Supporters,
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I hope this message finds you well. As we move forward in our mission to create lasting change, I want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible progress we have made together. AHEAD Inc. remains committed to improving healthcare,
education, and community development, and our recent initiatives are a testament to the power of collaboration and compassion.
Last month, we had the privilege of partnering with Women’s Orthopedic Global Outreach (WOGO) to provide life-changing knee replacement surgeries to those in need. We are incredibly grateful to the dedicated medical professionals, including Dr. Rinelda Horton,
Dr. Bashiru, and Dr. Erick Mwijage, who helped make this possible.
Additionally, at Maruku Secondary School, we have continued to invest in education and extracurricular activities. The construction of a new basketball court—made possible by the generosity of Dr. Leslie Kingslow and Dr. Dexter Haywood—is well underway. This
facility will provide students with a space to develop teamwork, discipline, and leadership skills through sports.
None of this would be possible without the unwavering support of our donors, volunteers, and community members. Your contributions are directly impacting lives, and we are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead. As we continue our efforts, I encourage
you to stay engaged, share our mission, and support us in whatever way you can.
Thank you for being a part of this journey. Together, we are making a difference.
With gratitude,
Dr. Donna Williams-Ngirwa
Executive Director, AHEAD Inc.
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Maruku Secondary School: Education and Sports
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At Maruku Secondary School, we are keenly focused on academic excellence and student development. Over the last few years, through the generosity of our supporters, we have made big strides in technology and sports.Three to four years
ago we took a big step forward and bought computers and internet for the school. This has made a big difference in the learning experience for our students and given them the digital skills they need for the future.
Besides academics, we have also been enriching our students’ extracurricular activities. Two years ago a group of students approached us and asked for volleyball equipment. We understand the importance of sports in personal growth and teamwork so we supported
them.
Our students did not disappoint. Many of them are also interpreters during our medical outreach programs at Maruku Health Center. Two of our doctors, Dr. Leslie Kingslow and Dr. Dexter Haywood were so impressed with their work that they
decided to take their support further. They raised funds not only for volleyball equipment but also for a basketball court.
Thanks to their kindness and dedication, construction of the basketball court started in January 2025.
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We are happy to report that the project is going well and we expect to be finished in a month. The students are waiting anxiously and we are loving the excitement.
We are grateful to our donors and community members who continue to invest in Maruku Secondary School. With each new project we are building a better future for our students – one that develops their minds and bodies.
Thank you to everyone who has contributed to this. We will celebrate the completion of the basketball court soon!
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Knee Replacement Success with Women’s Orthopedic Global Outreach
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Dr. Apolinary Ngirwa interviews knee surgery patient.
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At the beginning of the month, we had the incredible opportunity to partner with Women’s Orthopedic Global Outreach (WOGO)—a team of orthopedic surgeons dedicated to providing free knee replacement surgeries to those in need. This wasn’t
WOGO’s first time in Tanzania; they previously visited in 2013, with founder Elvira Williams serving as the interpreter.
Last summer, Dr. Rinelda Horton from WOGO visited Maruku Health Center to assess and identify patients in need of knee replacement surgery.
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This visit laid the groundwork for a life-changing initiative for many in our community.
To ensure these patients could receive the care they needed, AHEAD In00c. raised funds to cover their transportation to and from the hospital in Arusha—a two-day journey by car. We also funded accommodations, meals, and travel
expenses for two dedicated local doctors from Bukoba, Dr. Benghasi Bashiru and Dr. Erick Mwijage, who supported the patients every step of the way.
In total, WOGO evaluated 39 patients, including five from Maruku Health Center. Among them, two patients underwent double knee replacement surgery, significantly improving their mobility and quality of life.Our Executive Director, Dr. Donna Williams-Ngirwa,
and her husband, Dr. Apolinary Ngirwa, had the privilege of accompanying Dr. Bashiru as he conducted follow-up visits with two surgical patients. Witnessing their transformation firsthand was truly inspiring—their gratitude and newfound hope were evident.
Together, through collaboration and compassion, we continue to change lives and build stronger communities!
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Dr. Bashiru Bengesi: A Dedicated and Passionate Physician
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At just 32 years old, Dr. Bashiru Bengesi is already making a remarkable impact on patient care. Recently, he accompanied knee replacement surgery patients on their journey to Arusha, ensuring their comfort and well-being throughout
the process. His excitement was evident as he had the opportunity to scrub in and assist with the surgeries—an experience he described as truly rewarding.
Dr. Bengesi’s commitment doesn’t end in the operating room. After surgery, he diligently checks in on each patient, even making house calls to monitor their recovery. In one touching moment, he was captured in a photo removing sutures from a patient, a testament
to his hands-on approach to care.
Beyond orthopedics, Dr. Bengesi is a versatile and hardworking physician. While visiting post-operative patients, he remained on call, responding to urgent concerns from the health center.
His expertise extends to performing C-sections and other critical surgeries, having spent last summer scrubbing in at Maruku Health Center alongside our Medical Director, Dr. Andrea Kingslow.
His dedication, passion, and tireless efforts truly set him apart. Dr. Bengesi is an inspiration, embodying the essence of compassionate and comprehensive medical care. We are honored to have him as part of our team!
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Samuel Peter – A Future Radiologist with a Purpose
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Inspiration can come from life’s most challenging moments, and for Samuel Peter, a third-year student at Maruku Secondary School, it has shaped his future aspirations. With a clear and determined vision, Samuel dreams of becoming a radiologist—a
goal that is both rare and remarkable for a student his age.
His passion for radiology stems from a deeply personal experience. When his brother fell seriously ill, Samuel watched as his parents took him back and forth to the hospital, where he frequently saw a radiologist for treatment.
Though his brother sadly passed away, the experience left a lasting impact on Samuel. Seeing the critical role radiologists play in diagnosing and treating patients, he knew that was the path he wanted to pursue.
It’s inspiring to see a young student with such a strong sense of purpose and direction. Samuel’s story is a testament to how personal experiences can shape careers and how healthcare professionals leave lasting impressions beyond just medical treatment.
We celebrate his ambition and can’t wait to see him achieve his dream of becoming a radiologist.With his dedication and passion, the future of healthcare looks brighter!
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Join Us for the 2025 AHEAD Volunteer Mission Trip to Tanzania!
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AHEAD, Inc. invites professionals, students, and volunteers to take part in our 2025 “Cause-Tourism” Mission Trip to Tanzania July 10-24! Work alongside Tanzanian communities, doctors, teachers, and engineers in medical, educational, and
intercultural exchanges that create lasting impact. For further information please contact
drdonnarae@aheadinc.org or call: (571) 762-4323
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“At AHEAD Inc., our vision is to ensure that the most vulnerable communities in the developing world thrive. Through equal access to quality healthcare, optimal nutrition, and sustainable methods for healthy living, we are building
a world where every individual has the opportunity to live a healthier, more empowered life.”
— Dr. Donna Williams-Ngirwa, Executive Director, AHEAD Inc.”
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Join us in building a brighter future!
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Consider making a lasting impact by investing in
AHEAD Inc. to ensure future generations have access to education, healthcare, and essential services—empowering them to lead
independent, happy, and healthy lives.
Your investment can change lives for years to come.
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Our Contact Information
AHEAD INC.
P.O. Box 2172
6324 Windermere Circle
Rockville, MD 20852
Telephone: (571)762-4323
Website:
www.aheadinc.org
E-mail:
info@aheadinc.org
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