Mr. Sanjeev Mansotra, Chairman, Planet One Group today announced the launch of the Sanjeev Mansotra Foundation (SMF) in Tanzania, marking a significant milestone in its mission to help transform education in Africa. The Foundation’s inaugural initiative will fund the renovation and expansion of four schools in Dodoma, under the aegis of the City Council.
Founded by Sanjeev Mansotra, SMF is guided by a bold vision to ensure that education and health are no longer privileges, but universal rights. The Foundation is committed to strengthening educational institutions, promoting skills development, and improving the well-being of underserved communities.
“The establishment of this Foundation is rooted in my firm belief that education is the cornerstone of a thriving national economy,” said Sanjeev Mansotra. “By expanding access to quality education, we empower individuals and lay the foundation for sustainable economic growth and prosperity.”
The launch comes at a critical juncture for education in Africa. A recent report by UNESCO, UNICEF, and the African Union reveals that while school enrollment has increased by 75 million since 2015, the number of out-of-school children has surged by 13.2 million, now exceeding 100 million. As it stands, four out of five African children aged 10 cannot read and understand a simple text. The report cites rapid population growth, humanitarian crises, and a massive annual education funding gap of US$77 billion as key barriers to progress.
Rural and marginalised communities are disproportionately affected, with secondary school completion rates among rural youth up to 20 percentage points lower than their urban peers.
Recognising these challenges, SMF’s work in Dodoma will include the construction of new classrooms, science laboratories, and libraries, alongside the provision of school uniforms, stationery, clean drinking water, and health camps for students and surrounding communities. These efforts are designed to bridge the urban-rural divide and create pathways to opportunity for future generations.
“By investing in infrastructure and essential resources, we aim to inspire students and teachers alike, boost enrollment, and improve learning outcomes,” Mansotra commented.
The Foundation’s launch in Tanzania follows a formal invitation from the City Council of Dodoma, which oversees school education in the region. Local stakeholders have welcomed the initiative, offering full support and collaboration.
Looking ahead, SMF plans to expand its philanthropic initiatives to other African nations, including Ghana, Guinea, Togo, and Sierra Leone, as well as India.
“Our long-term vision is to serve as a catalyst for transformative change. We are deeply committed to nurturing the next generation by equipping them with education, skills, and aptitude they need to thrive. From imagination to impact, our mission is to ensure no one is left behind,” Mansotra concluded.
About the Sanjeev Mansotra Foundation
The Sanjeev Mansotra Foundation (SMF) was established to address social challenges that governments and businesses alone cannot solve. Through initiatives that include building schools in remote regions, launching skill development centres, and supporting women’s empowerment, SMF seeks to transform lives and drive meaningful national progress.
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