Tumaini Tanzania is an organization rooted in relationships, committed to the idea that communities an ocean apart can truly love, care for, and learn from each other. While I am constantly amazed by our students and teachers, one group of friends in Tanzania has taught me more than any other about hope, sacrifice, and perseverance: Moms. These "mamas," "bibis" (grandmothers), and "aunties" are the real driving force of the villages with which we partner. They rear their (and others') children, sustain the area's economy through long hours of manual labor, and invest in their churches and schools and political parties. These Tanzanian women diligently fill in wherever they see a need, adamantly refusing to allow the hardships in their lives--including all too frequently, men who abandon responsibilities--to overcome their determination for their families and their community to thrive. I am incessantly awed by these precious women, encouraged by their example of selfless service, and grateful for how they passionately fight for their kids' future. And I am excited that the 45 girls in Tumaini's program have such strong examples.
So, as we honor our own moms this week, I encourage you to celebrate and give thanks for the moms of Tanzania. And I invite you to join them in their commitment to giving their children the opportunity to grow into wise leaders who continue the good, restorative work these mamas have already begun. Please consider making a donation to Tumaini Tanzania to invest in these families:
Mamas. When a woman has a child in Tanzania, her given name is replaced with the title "Mama ___"; she is forever known from that point forward by her commitment to her child. These mamas give their whole lives for their kids, working several hours each day to eke out meager crops from the dusty soil, often with an infant wrapped to their backs. In a country where women's flourishing is still significantly restrained--none of these mamas progressed past primary school, most have no personal claim to land, and several are rearing children on their own--these women invest in their children's education as a way to transform their country. Their beautiful, incessantly clean outfits (as shown in the above photo of one mom who partners with us) reflect a dignity and perseverance that fuel their community.
Bibis. Many grandmothers ("bibis") in Sakila, Nkoanekoli, and their surrounding villages have become primary caregivers. Several of our students were orphaned when disease or accidents claimed their parents' lives. Others were sent to the area by parents who were too overwhelmed or too desperate to be able to care for them. Bibis have stepped in and have reared these kids as their own. The bibis pray with fervent, steadfast hope, never complaining nor wavering in their dedication to their families, even when their own health is ailing and they have few resources to provide. And their love motivates our students; four of our graduates, who are now teachers thanks to the education they received in partnership with Tumaini, send money from their monthly salaries to support their grandmothers back in Sakila (one of whom is pictured above).
Aunties. "Auntie" is a title freely bestowed in this region on any woman who helps to care for others--basically, everyone becomes family, and everyone feels a beautiful responsibility to treat others as though they are family. Neighbors, fellow church members, extended relatives…women meet the needs of the people whose lives intersect with their own, nourishing the soul of this community by consistently pouring themselves out for causes beyond themselves. An example: Mama Shangazi, pictured above, dedicates countless hours to preparing meals for our students. She also raises a wonderful family, runs a business, leads the choir at her church, and supports the school. She does all this with constant joy, often humming sweet melodies and swaying gently as she diligently goes about her tasks.
