We are Tumaini Foundation
Tumaini Foundation is a NGO that aims to create a better living standard for orphans and widows. Since 2008, we have served 350+ children and 250+ widows in Dodoma, the capital of Tanzania. Founded by Tumaini Kivuyo, an orphan who had a difficult childhood, we aim to provide hope and a secure future to orphans, children with special needs, and widows in the community.
Making positive change in the community
Sofia 'Mama' Donati's story:
​Mama Donati was born with a physical disability and is unable to walk without a cane. She has suffered appalling sexual violence, and in the past, has struggled to support her three children. Thanks to the help of Tumaini Foundation, Mama Donati was able to attend school to learn tailoring and now works as a seamstress in the community, giving her financial security and a brighter future.
Marie Joven's story:
Marie is one of the girls we have assisted since our founding in 2010. She is extremely handy with arts and crafts and would like to share Tanzanian fashion with the global community. We have supported Marie throughout her technical training and education.
Severa's story:
Maria ‘Severa’ is seven years old and has been at the Tumaini Foundation’s orphanage since she was a baby. When Severa came to the Tumaini Foundation, she already had signs of abuse, with burns on her legs. She was nurtured back to health and slowly began to thrive physically and emotionally. At first a shy and clingy child, Severa, now aged seven, has grown into a strong, kind and loving child who exudes confidence. She was lucky enough to receive funding for her schooling from the age of four. The sponsorship has enabled her to attend Martin Luther School in Dodoma. Severa is making great strides academically and is also learning to swim. Her favorite subject is English, and she has many ideas about what career she would like to pursue when she grows up – teacher is top of her list.
Hope for orphans and widows
Our orphanage, located in the heart of Ihumwa village, feeds breakfast, lunch and dinner to 150 children seven days a week and has up to 35 children boarding full-time. We also run a daycare/nursery school for children who are too young to enter the school system and otherwise would have nowhere to go during the day. As part of our work in the community, we empower widows to produce marketable arts and crafts, ensuring their future financial security.
Additionally, Tumaini Foundation runs a special-education inclusive school located in Gairo, which aims to provide a free, quality education to vulnerable children, especially those excluded from government-funded schools. ​
Volunteer with us
'This was my first experience and i could not have asked for a better host than Tumaini Foundation. If you decide to stay here, liking kids is essential. A majority of my time was taking care and playing with the children. They have a small vegetable garden in the process of being created into something sustainable. The best part about my stay was the people, I instantly connected with the founder and her 3 daughters. After about a week, I had close bonds with a number of children. I enjoyed my time so much and fell in love with all the children. Hope to return in the future. Thank you Tumaini Foundation.'
Jacqueline Drummond, United States, 2022
