Memoir traces how a father’s grief led to a charity mission in Tanzania

Don Schlesselman’s new memoir, published by Spines, follows the loss of his 15-year-old son and the cross-cultural work that grew from a first trip to Tanzania in 2003. The book shows how that experience led to the ZZ Pendana Foundation, school sponsorships and clean-water projects across the Arusha region.

Why it matters: - The memoir connects personal grief to a long-term philanthropy model rooted in local partnerships, not one-time aid. - The story centers on education, clean water and child safety in Tanzania’s Arusha region. - The book also frames disability inclusion as part of that mission through the creation of Rose’s Centre.

What happened: - Don Schlesselman’s memoir, Helping Hands: A Journey of Love, Loss, and the Children of Tanzania, is now available in print-on-demand and eBook formats. - The book was published by Spines. - Schlesselman’s son, Zachary, died unexpectedly in 2003 at age 15. - Schlesselman later traveled to Tanzania to meet Pendo, a young girl he had sponsored through Compassion International. - That trip grew into ongoing work in Tanzania, including time spent in villages near Moshono and across the Arusha region.

The details: - Schlesselman formed close relationships with local leaders including Madam Tondi and Mama Wambura. - He concluded that short-term charity would not create lasting change. - He founded the ZZ Pendana Foundation. - The foundation name honors Zachary and a local boy named Zakayo. - “Pendana” means “Love One Another” in Swahili. - The foundation supports educational sponsorships for children. - The foundation also installs clean water filters in schools. - The foundation works to secure safe environments for vulnerable children. - Schlesselman’s memoir contrasts his corporate life in the United States with village life in Moshono. - One highlighted story in the book follows Rose, a young blind girl whose resilience inspired Rose’s Centre, a safe haven for children with disabilities. - Schlesselman has helped dozens of students reach primary, secondary, vocational and university education.

Between the lines: - The memoir presents giving as relationship-based work that preserves dignity. - The narrative suggests Schlesselman’s personal loss became the emotional engine for a broader mission. - The book also positions local trust and community leadership as central to sustainable aid. - Schlesselman says the goal is not charity but a helping hand that helps children eventually stand on their own. - Schlesselman says losing Zachary broke his world apart, but children in Tanzania helped him heal.

What’s next: - Helping Hands is available now through major retailers, including Amazon. - Schlesselman continues to split his time between the United States and Tanzania. - The ZZ Pendana Foundation is expected to keep focusing on education, clean water and programs for children with special needs across East Africa.

The bottom line: - Helping Hands is both a memoir and a record of how one family tragedy grew into a durable, cross-border mission with tangible impact.