The idea took root in 2003, when a small group from the UK collaborated with the charity Habitat for Humanity in the village of Kisasa, near Tanzania's capital, Dodoma. Their mission was to build safe and affordable homes for three low-income families. As plans for a larger project—eventually encompassing 300 families—unfolded, community leaders approached the group with a pressing request: to build a primary school. The nearest school was not only a significant distance away but also severely overcrowded, with some classes accommodating up to 160 children.
 

Inspired by the challenge, eight of the original twelve volunteers committed to returning and spent the next three years raising funds and planning the school project. To streamline their efforts, the group established a new registered charity called AZAR, meaning "helper." Through events and campaigns, they worked to raise both awareness and funds, while recruiting additional volunteers to join the initiative.
 

In August 2006, this dedication culminated in a remarkable milestone. A team of 30 volunteers—financing their own travel expenses—journeyed to Tanzania to help construct the school. With the support of local volunteers and skilled builders (known as fundis), they successfully completed the first eight classrooms. Simultaneously, the group partnered again with Habitat for Humanity to build three additional houses for local families.
 

Despite being unskilled, the volunteers worked under supervision to dig pit latrines, lay blocks, mix cement, plaster walls, and raise roofs. Beyond the physical labour, they formed deep connections with the local community, fostering bonds that transcended cultural differences. Working alongside the villagers, they exchanged stories of family and home, sang songs together, and shared a sense of purpose that left a lasting impact on everyone involved.